Planning a wedding is stressful enough without heading to a cramped and busy wedding expo or showroom that is sure to put you, your fiancé and bridal party into a tailspin. Why go to a crowded convention center to make your wedding preparations when you can stroll around a hip town like Red Bank for the annual and widely anticipated Wedding Walk?

More than 40 wedding-related businesses, 250 couples, and 800 guests partake in the exciting, prize-filled day devoted to helping brides and grooms check off the items on their planning lists. It’s open to the public, rain or shine, and free; excluding any of the shopping and lunch you’ll stop to enjoy throughout the day.

Cut out the fuss and take in the refreshing spring weather as you stroll historic Red Bank and visit dozens of businesses ready to help you prepare for the most memorable day of your life. At the Red Bank Wedding Walk, presented by Molly Pitcher Inn and The Oyster Point Hotel and organized by the Red Bank RiverCenter, even bridezillas cooperate. Emceeing the event is 94.3 the Point’s Laurie Cataldo, host of Flashback Café, who will play 80’s and 90’s songs.

“The Wedding Walk provides a unique opportunity for couples to see the spectacular wedding-related venues, services and products available to them in Red Bank. Every aspect of the event was created to have our couples longing to return to Red Bank for their big day,” said Amanda Lynn, Program Manager & Wedding Walk Event Organizer, Red Bank RiverCenter. “We want to make their special occasion as memorable as possible, starting with stress-free event planning.”

Enjoy a lovely afternoon planning your dream wedding!

On your travels around Red Bank, discover your photographer, find your ring, smell your flowers, get fitted for your dress, and enjoy tastings at Red Bank’s award-winning venues. Bring whomever you want along for the day. Mom, the groom, or even the whole wedding party will be eager to attend the Wedding Walk. It’s up to you to decide if the day is going to be a romantic outing with your fiancé, quality time with mom, or an all-out adventure with friends. The beauty is that you decide your Wedding Walk experience.

“I attended the Red Bank Wedding Walk and can truly say my wedding planning experience couldn’t have been the same without it…my wedding was the following January and the DJ (Sounds to Go) and photographer (John Arcara Photography) both came from the Wedding Walk Roster,” said Breanne Murray

Wedding Walk registration is from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Oyster Point Hotel. Guests check-in, register, enjoy a continental breakfast, and then depart by limo or trolley to visit participating businesses and vie for many exciting prizes. Brides and grooms can also preregister on the Wedding Walk website to be entered to win a $100 gift card.

All brides and grooms are entered to win a Grand Prize Getaway presented by Liberty Travel of Eatontown. The prize includes a three night all-inclusive stay at The Majestic Colonial Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Other prize highlights include a full DJ and entertainment package from Sounds to Go DJ Entertainment, a ladies white gold wedding band from A.H. Fisher Diamonds, bridal gown from Sassy Chic Boutique, spa package from the Spa at the Galleria, and romantic getaway packages from The Oyster Point Hotel and Molly Pitcher Inn.

Prearrange to have a spa day with your friends, or try out a different hairstyle at any of the salons or spas in town. Although lunch is not included in the day’s program, Red Bank’s restaurants offer a wide-range of culinary flavors including Peruvian, Italian, Thai, seafood, sushi, pub grub, New Fusion and more.

End the Wedding Walk at an afternoon Champagne Reception on the Molly Pitcher Inn patio overlooking the picturesque Navesink River. Prizes will be awarded and guests will enjoy light passed fare, sponsor giveaways, DJ entertainment, and a photo booth.

Event sponsors include 94.3 The Point, Royal Caribbean, Majestic Resorts, Liberty Travel, Sounds to Go DJ Entertainment, A.H. Fisher Diamonds, Arrow Limousine, Sperry Tents, The Sassy Chic Boutique, Barbizon of Red Bank, Char Steakhouse, Red Bank Visitors Center, NJWedding.com, Spitball Advertising, Craig Kiley & Darryn Murphy Designs, Great American Trolley Co., The Knot and Red Hot Magazine. New wedding venues and rehearsal dinner locations this year include Pazzo, Char, Two River Theater, Pinot’s Palette, Robinson Ale House, and the Downtown.

Day’s Itinerary includes:

•   Pick up your Wedding Walk Prize Passport at The Oyster Point Hotel when you check-in anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
•   In order to be entered to win prizes, you must visit a minimum of 14 participating businesses, and at least one business in each of the eight color zones around Red Bank. See map for locations.
•   Have your passport initialed at each business you visit.
•   Doors open at Molly Pitcher Inn for a Champagne Reception at 4 p.m. Must be present to win prizes.
•   Bring your initialed passport to the Molly Pitcher Inn by 4:15 p.m. to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing. Only the bride or groom will be entered in the Grand Prize drawings. Guests may enter to win other exciting prizes.

In 2014, the Wedding Walk won the International Downtown Achievement Award for outstanding improvements to a downtown district by dedicated individuals around the globe.

Visit www.RedBankWeddingWalk.com for a complete list of participating businesses and additional event details.

Use #RedBankWeddingWalk on Twitter and Instagram to connect with friends, participating businesses and sponsors during the Wedding Walk.