A group of eight soon-to-be brides spent the day together on Saturday, visiting many local businesses in a limousine.

It was the first Brides on the Bus, organized by the Little Black Dress consignment shop in Driver. Owner Lana Sadowski said she wanted to promote local small businesses, particularly those in Driver.

“We wanted to show that out this way we have a lot of great consignment shops, florists, ministers, and beautiful venues as well,” she said.

The day started in Driver, where O’doodleDoo’s provided bride-and-groom themed doughnuts. They checked out bridal gowns in the consignment shop as well as nearby businesses such as Harmony House Antiques, which featured jewelry. The eight brides then piled into the limo and visited venues Obici House and Elks Lodge No. 82 in Chesapeake. They stopped off at dress shop Maya Couture on Main, florists, a bakery and other wedding vendors.

Priscilla Hughes, one of the brides on the tour, just moved to Suffolk from Norfolk. She’s getting married out of state but still wanted to take the tour.

“I just wanted to get to know the Suffolk community,” she said.

Bride Amanda Davis brought her maid of honor and two bridesmaids along for the ride.

“I just wanted ideas of how to plan my wedding,” she said, adding her favorite part as of noon was the limo ride.

Susan Milton also took the tour. She and her husband settled in Suffolk after their Navy service and are renewing their vows soon after 20 years, and she wanted to get some ideas.

“I just wanted to come out and see what’s local,” she said. “I’m a big believer in supporting local businesses.”

Even those vendors the brides didn’t visit personally provided freebies and information for goodie bags, Sadowski said, adding about 40 vendors were represented altogether.

Sadowski said the event was a success.

“It was really terrific,” she said. “We had a blast. It was really amazing, and we definitely want to do it again next year.”