Many couples are apt to put little effort into wedding transportation. The first impulse is to find a telephone directory or website to look for a limousine company then call around for a good price. Limousines are fine, but not a particularly imaginative choice. There are also some alternatives you could consider which could make a real statement.
Transportation is one wedding issue you want to tackle early on, six months to a year in fact, before the big day. On your checklist, it would happen after you’ve selected the venues for the ceremony and the reception, and after you’ve confirmed the number of wedding attendants you will have. Why? Because a big part of wedding transportation involves logistics, in other words, how many people can be transported to and from point A to point B and then to point C and how long will it take.
The first leg of the journey through the day starts with transporting the bridal party from the location where they get ready to the ceremony site. Traditionally the bride and attendants along with the bride’s parents are brought together to the site. If the bridal party is large, multiple trips can be made provided it is arranged in advance with the transportation service. The groom and groomsmen do not usually ridetogether, instead they arrange their own transportation to the ceremony.
After the ceremony, there are no specific rules for transportation, and this can allow for a little creative leeway. Sometimes the entire wedding party is transported to the reception site. Other times transportation is arranged for just the wedding couple or for the wedding couple along with the best man and maid of honor. If everyone in the wedding party is to be transported, either multiple trips or a larger vehicle may be needed. Once everyone is taken to the reception site, generally no more hired transportation is necessary.
Once the logistics are planned out, it is time to start searching for a transport company. Be sure to double-check the budget for the amount allocated for transportation. Some options can be stylish but pricy. Along with the standard limousine, you can hire a stretch Hummer or SUV, both of which can hold large groups. Another possibility is a classic or vintage vehicle.How about hiring a party bus or trolly. a horse-drawn carriage. a boat, snowmobile, motorcycle with sidecar, or even a hot-air balloon! A personal vehicle perhaps decorated for the occasion is the lowest priced option.
Be sure to ask about wedding package deals like a free bottle of champagne, or transportation at the end of the evening. And always carefully review the contract before you sign. Make sure it states date, pick-up times, total costs and payment schedule, any extras you’ve agreed to, the driver’s name and what he or she will wear, and the cancellation/refund policy.
