Any brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and women looking to renew their vows can take a trip downtown to Hillsdale’s third annual Wedding Walk on Saturday.
Jane Stewart, owner of Smith’s Flowers, said the Walk isn’t just for brides. Participants begin the Walk at Elks Lodge, where they pick up a punch card. For each business or vendor participants meet along the way, they get their card punched. More punches equal a better chance at winning top prizes provided by the Walk.
Vendors without a storefront presence can be found at either the Elks or the Broad Street Downtown Market Underground. Participants will find caterers, photographers, cake-makers, people who create invitations and one woman who puts together gift baskets.
“Everyone gets a bridal bag with literature or business cards from some businesses that might not be in attendance,” Stewart said.
Rhonda Carrier of Rhonda’s Every Body Yoga is offering one free class to all Wedding Walk participants.
“I know women are looking to get fit to fit into those dresses,” Carrier said. “Every year I want to get my name out and help support the brides.”
She offers classes in Hillsdale at 5:45 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights at the Hillsdale Community Action Agency.
Some discounts, however, don’t require a punch card. Smith’s Flowers has a drawing for $100 off a wedding package and a purchase at Smith’s Next Door equals a chance to win $600 off a wedding gown.
Yvonne Fedrick, manager at David’s Dolce Vita, said the store is offering 15 percent off cases of wine and reminded participants that it sells liquor at state minimum. She added that her store offers more than just items for the bride and her party.
“We have different groomsmen gifts, flasks, cigars and all the paraphernalia that goes with them,” Fedrick said.
Stewart said she and a couple other businesses began the walk because she had an excellent floral designer and needed more weddings. That year, they only did three or four weddings, but two years later, the number increased to 65. She said she once did eight in one weekend.
“We chose January because many people in our area get engaged over Christmas and we don’t want to miss the opportunity to help them,” Stewart said.
She added that although they can design all the flower arrangements, she also allows women to purchase the flowers to make their own bouquets.
Another vendor who will be in attendance is Paul Taylor who runs Sunshine Entertainment and works as a disc jockey, but he is also an ordained minister and can officiate the nuptials.
