Planning a wedding? Hinsdale Wedding Walk comes to town

Save the date! The eighth annual Hinsdale Wedding Walk starts at 1 p.m. on March 11. Sponsored by Hinsdale Bride, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Social and Wedding Guide Chicago, the affair has evolved into one of the premiere, luxurious events of its kind.

Brides and their guests will stroll through picturesque downtown Hinsdale or ride a quaint trolley while sampling wedding cake and gourmet food, watching hair and makeup demonstrations, and getting discounts and free expert advice.

“Brides can come to the walk at any point in the planning process and find it extremely helpful,” said Brooke Righeimer, wedding and event planner for Tying the Knot, a wedding planning and design service based in Hinsdale.

“Hinsdale is filled with expert wedding-related businesses,” said Righeimer, a participant since the first walk. “We wanted to open our doors for the day and let brides see everything we have to offer. It is an amazing opportunity to join us for an afternoon, meet the owners of the local businesses and come into our ‘homes’ for wedding inspiration.”

The first 100 attendees will receive chic swag bags. Brides who register prior to 2 p.m. at Char Crews, where the walk begins, will have the opportunity to win posh raffle prizes from the event’s vendors.

Brides will receive a map to guide them from business to business. At the end of the walk, there will be a special drawing for the grand prize: a six-night deluxe honeymoon to Riviera Maya in Mexico, round-trip airfare included.

This year’s Wedding Walk features a combination of familiar and first-time vendors, most located in Hinsdale, including Ashley’s Stationery, Bellisima Photography, Belleza, Caffray Jewelers, Char Crews, Classic Party Rentals, Fodeo, Francia Bridal, Hinsdale Travel, Jane’s Blue Iris, Katherine Legge Memorial Park and Lodge, La Cuisine Catering, Morgan Perris Salon, Music by Design, Phillip’s Flowers, Photo Booth by Design, Razny Jewelers, Sass-N-Class, Savory Spice Shop, the Trolley Car Co., Toni Patisserie & Café, Tying the Knot and Viking Travel.

Attendees who bring a gently used bridesmaid dresses to donate to the Mercy Home for Girls qualify for a special prize from Morgan Perris Salon.