4 Ways To Support Small Businesses During Your Key West Wedding or Event

It’s More Than Just Key Lime Pie…

Key West, Florida continues to charm and inspire guests from all over the world. Of course, the tastes and sights are high on the list as some of the many reasons why. However, among the conch fritters and turquoise blue waters lies an endless array of small businesses. These small businesses are owned and operated by passionate entrepreneurs who believed in their dreams so much, they brought them to life. The unique stories and offerings behind each small business is the most magical part of Key West, Florida—making it a top tourist destination for decades.

Now more than ever before, it is so important to support these small businesses to keep their unique charm alive for decades more to come. While Key West is a top tourist destination in general, it is also a top destination for weddings and corporate events/retreats. As news has triumphantly broken that Key West will be reopening on June 1st, 2020, these weddings and events are back in high gear in the planning stages. We are elated to welcome you all back!

As you dive back into planning, we encourage you to think small. Small business, that is! There are so many ways you can help support small businesses as you begin planning your upcoming wedding or corporate retreat. We always want to help, and in that spirit, we are listing out four easy ways you can support small, local Key West businesses as you make those event planning decisions.

1.) Wine & Dine

When considering outings with your group of guests, look into booking dining reservations at small, local restaurants. Your guests will experience a one of a kind meal, and you will be supporting a local family.

This can also be done when choosing a caterer for your event(s). Instead of having a large, corporate company cater, consider a local catering company or private chef group.

Saving the best for last? Your event dessert and libation selections can support small businesses, too! Hire a local bakery for your dessert choices, and look into local, small label brands of liquor, beer and wine to add to your event bar selections.

2.) Entertainment & Excursions

On your wedding or event website and welcome handouts, provide your guests with a list of locally owned and operated tours and excursions they can explore while they are in Key West. This can be things like supporting a local fishing charter, snorkel boat company, museum tour, etc.

For your event(s), look into hiring local Key West talent for your band or DJ needs rather than having a group from another city come in. Your options are endless!

3.) Rest & rejuvenation

While your main event(s) may be at a large name hotel or resort, offer some other locally owned bed & breakfast options for guests to choose from on your event website and information packet. Not only will this give guests an option to support small businesses, it will also likely give guests an array of different budgetary options too.

4.) Begin & End With A Bang

For an unforgettable trip, ensure your guests have unforgettable gifts. That is where we come in! Effortless Creations is here to provide you with custom welcome bags or boxes, farewell/thank you bags and boxes, amenity boxes, favors, hangover kits, and more. Your event and your guests are one of a kind—the gifts they take home to remember the Key West trip of a lifetime should be, too! Contact us today and together we can dream up just the gifts your event needs. Utilizing locally owned small business’ products in all of our boxes, you can gift with good conscious!

We can’t wait to hear from you and welcome you back to Key West. Safe travels & see you very soon!

XOXO,