Perfect Products for “Buy Local” Tennessee Brides
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Last summer, I met Kristin Gentry at a social media camp. We've stayed in touch and she contacted me a few weeks ago and told me she launched a website, TN Buy Local, to encourage Tennesseans to buy local. Considering that ABG's mission to help Nashville brides find local talent and resources for their wedding, I immediately appreciated Kristin's vision.
Today, Kristin will tell you a little about TN Buy Local and share some of her favorite TN products brides.
Guest Blogger: Kristin Gentry
TN Buy Local was created to build awareness of the benefits of buying local. If you shop, dine out or use any kind of service providers in Nashville, then you have the ability to support our community by buying local. TN Buy Local will show you how; all you have to do is Join the Cause!
I only recently launched TN Buy Local and so we’re still in a major phase of growth. Our mission is simple: To think local, act local and buy local; to connect consumers with Tennessee businesses; and to build awareness, educate and encourage Tennesseans to buy local. You can help us by Joining the Cause and telling your friends to do the same!
Our vision, well, is quite exciting. We have plans to build a robust web community where consumers can interact and engage directly with local businesses. But first, we’ll be launching a pretty spectacular iPhone app so keep an eye out for that (if you Join the Cause you’ll be kept in the loop).
Did you know that for every $100 spent in a locally owned and independent business, $68 returns to the community in payroll, taxes and other expenditures? Only $43 returns to the community when you spend the same $100 in a national chain. That’s a $25 difference! Imagine how many jobs that might save or create in Nashville!?!
This country was built on the entrepreneurial spirit and we’re here to celebrate that! And your Tennessee wedding is something equally important to celebrate! So here are some fun ideas for gifts, favors and more that you can use for your wedding while supporting our local economy.
Here is my Top 5 list of “Perfect TN Products” for your wedding day:
1) Petit Fours by The French Confection (frenchconfectioncakes.com)
Who doesn’t love cake? The French Confection can create the perfect wedding cake, grooms cake or petite fours as wedding favors to place at a seated reception. And I speak from experience; they custom designed and made my wedding and groom’s cake; they were gorgeous, creative and best of all – super delicious!
2) Bridesmaid gifts from Hot Pink
Looking for the perfect bridesmaid gift? Check out Hot Pink in Brentwood. From jewelry to monogrammed bags, your bridesmaids are sure to love anything from this unique, local boutique shop.
3) Guest room gifts from Nashville Toffee Company (nashvilletoffeecompany.com)
Dawn Schenkel at Premier W.E.D. loves the Nashville Toffee Company and uses their yummy products to create gorgeous gifts for wedding guests. Everything at the Nashville Toffee Company is made by hand, in small batches, using only the finest, all natural ingredients. It’s also a local, family-owned favorite!
4) Jam and Tennessee T-Cakes from the Loveless Café (lovelesscafe.com)
Are you having a lot of out-of-towners at your wedding and want to share a little bit of Tennessee tradition with them? You can’t go wrong with just about anything from the Loveless Café. The home-made jams and t-cakes are a guest favorite and a staple of Southern culture.
5) Custom themed sugar cookies from Unique Flavors Café and Catering (uniqueflavorscafe.com)
Unique Flavors Café and Catering has been serving the Nashville community since 1999. Owner and chef, Lisa Coffman, will work with you to create the perfect cookie for your wedding party favors (like monograms or themed designs). By the way, Lisa was just on The Food Network's Ultimate Cake Challenge and won! I’m not surprised; I’ve eaten at her restaurant on several occasions and everything is delectable!
Whatever your wedding needs are, chances are there’s a local business that can meet your needs. I encourage you to keep that in mind as you’re planning this very special day!
Kristin Gentry
http://www.TNbuylocal.com
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About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on April 22, 2010 |
Filed under: Wedding Resources
2 Responses to This Post
Posted on April 28, 2010 @ 9:27pm
Posted on April 28, 2011 @ 1:41am