For the destination wedding, it’s always a great idea to incorporate some local items and pieces in your event. Most of your guests may be traveling from different places and it’s nice to share with them a local favorite. You can incorporate these items in welcome bags, wedding favors, or add them as a decor piece for your event. It’s great to provide them with fun things to do while visiting them in the area but even better when they get to take something home with them.
Local Shops
The Sarasota/Bradenton area is known for it’s art festivals, and farmers markets all around the area. You can stroll through one of the festivals in downtown or stroll through the local stores at St. Armand’s Circle. There are tiny local shops to get great ideas for favors or gifts. Some of the more well known items, are Sea Salt Florida and Banyan Tree Chocolate & Cafe.
Local Farms
In the state of Florida we are know for our citrus fruit trees. In this wonderful climate you can find lemon, orange, and mango trees just about anywhere. This makes for great home made local goodies such as honeys, jams, juice, and more! One of the most popular places for this area is Mixon Farms in Bradenton. This farm specializes in anything homemade regarding fruits straight from their farm!
Local Museums
Many of our couples we work with decide to host their wedding at a botanical garden, museum, or aquarium. What better way to intertwine something local, educational, and unique by incorporating gifts or small items from that museum. Some of our favorites we’ve worked at are Marie Selby Botanical Garden & The Mote Marine Aquarium. Each has it’s own unique venue for events, and both have beautiful shops to purchase specialty items at.
