TRANSPORTATION

    Traditionally, the bride and groom travel separately to the wedding ceremony, accompanied by their respective members of the wedding party.  It is customary for the bride to ride with her father in a separate car from that used by other members of her wedding party.  This time provides an opportunity for the bride and her father to review last minute plans, reminisce or just be together.

    The bride’s mother and other members of her wedding party can ride in one or more cars, or, alternatively, a limousine hired for the occasion.  If the wedding party is large, you might consider hiring two limos --- one for the brides’ attendants and one for the groom and his groomsmen.

    There are a number of limousine service companies in your area, some of which also can provide stretch limos, buses, luxury car and other vehicles.  Companies have various rates and billing structures, so be sure to investigate before deciding which to hire.  Some offer wedding packages that may be beneficial.

    While limousines offer the advantages of extra space and worry-free travel, some couples prefer other means of transportation.  If you’re lucky, your father, aunt or brother might be a collector of classic cars, and willing to provide transportation for you and your bridal party.  If a classic car fits your wedding style better than limos, there are sources available for renting classic, vintage, or other specialized vehicles.  Or, of course, you can opt to use vehicles that you, or members of your wedding party own or borrow.

    With a little research, you may be able to find companies or individuals that offer horse-drawn carriage rides, classic trolleys or other non-traditional forms of transportation.  Remember, the transportation you choose should fit your wedding style.  Brides and grooms have employed transport as untraditional as boats and helicopters, so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.  Of course you could always walk if the ceremony is close to the reception.

FOR YOUR GUESTS
    Some hotels may also offer transportation packages based on the number of rooms rented, so be sure to ask when you book reservations.  If the hotel does not include shuttle service, consider hiring vans or buses to transport guests from hotel to the ceremony site, the ceremony to the reception and back from the reception to the hotel at the end of the day or evening.  Hotels may also offer free transportation for the bride and groom if you book the honeymoon suite for your wedding night.
​
    If you’re planning to rent one or more vehicles, you’ll want to get some information and then compare the services of several different companies.

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO ASK ARE LISTED BELOW:
  • *  How many year has the company been in business?
  • *  Can it provide references, specifically from people who have hired vehicles for weddings?
  • *  What type of guarantees does it offer regarding timeliness, courtesy, etc..?
  • *  How many vehicles are available for rent?
  • *  What types of vehicles are available?
  • *  How many drivers does the company have available?
  • *  How do drivers dress for wedding transport?
  • *  Does the company have backup vehicles and drivers available?
  • *  Are the cars stocked with snacks and / or beverages?
  • *  Can the wedding party bring its own snacks / beverages on board?
  • *  Is there a minimum amount of time required for renting a vehicle?
  • *  What is the cost per hour?
  • *  Is there a separate cost per hour for the vehicle and the driver, or is it one fee?
  • *  What is the payment policy?
  • *  What happens if you need to cancel?
  • *  Can you extend service the day of the wedding if necessary?
  • *  Can you get a discount if you also hire transportation for your rehearsal dinner?

Once you’ve decided on transportation provider, get a signed contract with everything in writing.  The important thing is that you, members of your wedding party, and your guests arrive where you need to be safely and on time.

​