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Wedding Transportation

Getting around on your wedding day isn't hard to figure out. All it takes is a bit of planning and creativity. Some people are so creative that they even travel via rollerblades, a horse drawn carriage, or on horseback. Then again you might just want to keep things simple and use something with four wheels. Whatever you choose, make sure to have it decked out (duty of the bridal party) with champagne, and other fun goodies to make the ride more enjoyable. Start off by determining your budget if you haven't done so already. Usually transportation costs rings in at 2% of your total wedding budget. This works out to somewhere between $30 and $100 an hour depending on the type of transportation and where you live (and don't forget the 15-20% tip). However, everyone's needs and desires are different, and while a stretch limo may be the only acceptable choice for some, others are happy with something simpler. Plus, depending on how many people need transportation and how you arrange it, you may spend more or less money in the end. The things you need to figure out right from the start: : '''How many people need transportation? When is transportation required?''' ** '''Just the bride and groom?''' *** To the ceremony? *** From the ceremony to the reception? *** A getaway car after the reception? ** '''Brides and bridesmaids?''' *** A spacious car or limo makes traveling in large ballgowns much easier and keeps the skirts from wrinkling. This is a typical thing for the bridal party to do before the ceremony. *** Most often the bridesmaids ride with the groomsmen from the ceremony to the reception if people are driving their own cars. ** '''All the attendants?''' *** For those with the means, providing transportation for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to the reception site is a nice gesture. *** When the groom comes to the ceremony, he'll often get a ride from the best man. ** '''The parents of the bride and groom?''' *** Want to pamper your parents for footing some of the wedding bill? Have them arrive in a stylish ride on you. *** The parents may drive their own cars too. ** '''Every wedding guest?''' *** Sometimes, when there are many guests coming from out of town you'll need a way to transport everyone. This works well when you have 50 people or less to transport. Buses or vans (carrying up to seven people) eliminate the possibility that people will get lost. Plus, when people are escorted directly from their hotel to the ceremony, reception, and back to their hotels (for out of towners) it greatly reduces the risks involved with drinking and driving. It's even cheaper when you have the ceremony and reception site in the same place. *** For those driving their own cars, and depending on the reception and ceremony sites, you might need valet parking (four valets per 100 guests). This typically runs about $25 per hour per attendant not including tips. You may even choose parking attendants to help park people efficiently Consider some of these options that might suit your personality and the formality of your wedding. Remember, you can always drive your own car if you're tight on cash or if you are just having an informal wedding. There are no rules and you should go with what will make you most happy. !

Sealing the Deal

So, you've figured out what type of transportation you need and want, plus what you can reasonably afford. Now it's time to find a limo service. When signing a contract with a company, make sure to ask the following questions: * '''Are the cars your own? '''Problems can arise when a rental company uses someone else's cars, so it's best when they have their own. Plus, no-shows and tardiness are less common. * '''Are the cars new?''' Know what you're signing up to rent the size, color, model number, and year. You may even want the license number. You don't want the driver to show up in something ratty, even if it is the type of car you selected. * '''Who will be driving and how will they be dressed?''' You want to make sure you get a professional, well-groomed, and courteous driver who has experience with weddings. * '''What is the cost and pricing policies?''' Is it cheaper to rent by the hour or get a package deal? Is there a minimum number of hours required to get an hourly rate? Is tip included in the final cost? * '''Are there any extras included in the cost?''' Champagne, caviar, wet bar, sun roof, red carpet? How much will these things cost to have them included as part of the service? Can you stock the car with things you'll want to have ahead of time at no extra charge? * '''What are the cancellation policies and liability clauses?''' Is there a deposit required? How much is it? Is it refundable? What is the remaining amount due and when is it due?

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see: ! FR: Location d'une voiture pour un mariage