top of page

Support Small Business Owners in Rural Michigan Towns when planning a Wedding

Writer: Richelle KulpinskiRichelle Kulpinski

Supporting small business owners in rural Michigan towns is crucial for the local economy and community vitality. The town of Burr Oak, Michigan according to 2024 statistics has a population of 755 people. When you support a local wedding venue, you're not just helping one business; you're contributing to a network of local services and professionals. Here are several ways to provide that support when planning a wedding in Michigan:


1. Promote Local Businesses- Spread the Word

Share your experience supporting local businesses on social media or in wedding blogs to inspire others to do the same. Tag the vendors and venues to give them well-deserved recognition!

  • Share their social media posts and websites.

  • Invite your friends to their Facebook Page

    • Open the Facebook app and go to their page.

    • Tap "More" (···) from the menu.

    • Select "Invite Friends to Like This Page."

    • Tap "Select All"

    • Send the invites.

  • Write positive reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp.

  • Encourage friends and family to use local services.


    Wedding Venue Michigan near Kalamazoo, Michigan, Wedding Venue Michigan near Grand Rapids, Michigan, Wedding Venue Michigan near Lansing, Michigan
    Heart located in Burr Oak, Michigan- Home of Evergreen Ranch Wedding Venue


2. Choose a Local Wedding Venue

  • Opt for locally owned venues like Evergreen Ranch that offer a rustic, charming, and natural backdrop for your wedding.

    • Consider the location of the venue to Hotels for your guests

    • Is the venue location easy accessible for guests coming from all different parts of the state and elsewhere?

      • Here are some great tips when touring wedding venues to keep in mind!


3. Hire Local Vendors

  • When you book with a venue see if a have a list of local vendors.

    • Evergreen Ranch we will share a list of Local Vendors we have worked with and highly recommend! Whether you are looking for a bartender, desserts, caterer, cleaning services, coordinator, content creator, DJ, Favors, Floral, Hair and Makeup, Hotels, late night snacks, bird release, officiant, photography, photo booth, rehearsal dinner meal or location, shuttle service, videography. You name it and we have a locally owned business owner we would recommend! Here in Southern Michigan we get a lot of couples from the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing area because our local rural vendors have some amazing price options!


4. Source Handmade Décor

  • Support local by purchasing handmade items such as:

    • Wooden signs

    • Table centerpieces

    • Macramé backdrops or other rustic decorations

Check local farmers markets, boutiques, or platforms like Etsy for Michigan-based creators.



Locally sourced favors for our brides and grooms that get married at our venue near Kalamazoo, Michigan
BruMate Hopsulator Trio sourced by local vendor, Lazer Expressions located in Sturgis, Michigan


5. Provide Local Favors for Guests

Give guests a taste of Michigan with local wedding favors, such as:

6. Utilize Small Businesses for Guest Accommodations

Encourage guests to stay at local inns, bed-and-breakfasts, cabins on a local lake or small-town motels to immerse themselves in the rural charm of the area.

  • Just an idea of the surrounding towns and their populations around Burr Oak, Michigan.

    Towns that are near Burr Oak, Michigan include White Pigeon, Mendon, Sturgis, Coldwater, Kalamazoo
    Population of the neighboring towns to Burr Oak, Michigan

8. Highlight Michigan Agriculture

Incorporate fresh produce, cheeses, and beverages from local farms or vendors into your wedding menu. Offer Michigan-made wines, ciders, or craft beers for a regional twist.


9. Local Experiences

Share recommendations for local experiences:

  • Farmer’s markets

  • State parks or hiking trails

  • Family-owned diners and coffee shops

    • CC's Diner in Bronson is a great local place I would recommend!

Adding a personal touch for out-of-town guests while boosting the local economy.


10. Feature Rural Michigan in Your Wedding Theme

Use the beauty of the location as inspiration for your wedding design. Incorporate natural elements like wood, wildflowers, or greenery that reflect the town’s rural charm.


By taking these steps, you can significantly impact small business owners in rural Michigan towns, creating a thriving local economy and vibrant community. We would love to give you a tour of Evergreen Ranch Wedding Venue.



Modern Lighting lines the interior of a rustic wedding venue located in Burr Oak, Michigan near Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kalamazoo, Michigan
Live Edge Wood Tables inside Venue at Evergreen Ranch located in Burr Oak, Michigan


We aim to use our Wedding Venue Owners Platform to highlight the importance of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can make a difference by leaving a Google review, following their social media pages, and recommending locally owned venues whenever possible. Your support means the world to us, and we’d like to give a special shout-out to our fellow wedding venue owners across the country. If you’re planning an event, consider choosing a locally owned venue—you can explore featured venues on this wedding venue map. Thank you for helping us celebrate and support small businesses! Don't forget to go to the below venues and support them too!






 
 
 

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page