The moments between the ceremony are exciting ones too, and it’s only fitting to be whisked off in style with your loved one. Here are some tips to make your transport as fun, affordable and memorable as the rest of your day.
FIRST: HOW MANY?
First decide how many people you’ll be moving. Do you want just the bride and groom in a vehicle, or is the entire wedding party heading to the reception together? What about their spouses or dates? Once you make those decisions, you can start searching around for transport based on size. Whatever form of transportation you select, keep safety in mind for when revelers are bouncing from one location to another.
LIMOS
If there is a day to splurge on this iconic luxury vehicle, your wedding is it. Unlike some other forms of transport, a limo can be booked for an entire day, so you could get a high-class ride to pick you up at the house and deliver you to both the ceremony and reception. Most companies have a one or two hour minimum for their services. If you want a car for both going and leaving the ceremony, it might be more affordable to hire two separate cars rather than pay for the vehicle to sit during a long reception. Many options exist for limos. A formal limousine seats four, but to include the wedding party opt for a stretch limo for six to 10. For larger parties and a flashier mode of transport, sport utility models like the Hummer and Explorer are popular and unique both inside and out. The larger models are often posh, with flashy lights and decorative interiors.
CATCH THE COACH
For larger parties, a party bus or luxury coach is a great way to travel. Offering all the amenities of a luxury limousine, these elaborate options have room to spare – they’ll seat up to 10 people comfortably. Or, for bigger groups, a passenger coach or party bus can seat 21 to 49 people. For a small wedding, this is a fun way to get all the guests in on the party right away. Like limousine services, passenger and luxury coach companies require a minimum number of hours. The size and type of coach will determine the hourly rate. Depending on the size of your party it may make sense to hire two coaches, maybe a luxury coach for the bride, groom and attendants and a passenger coach for the guests.
TAKING THE TROLLEY
A fun and picturesque alternative to a limo or passenger coach is a trolley. They’ll generally accommodate between 20 and 35 people, so they’re great for larger parties or adding on some family members. With this antique look and old world charm, they’ll lend a lovely, elegant touch to this wedding day detail. Since most have outdoor decks, these are especially fun in small towns or neighborhood weddings so you can take a peek outside and watch onlookers wave at the newlyweds.
UNIQUE ALTERNATIVES
Some new couples might opt for something more personal or creative. A horse-drawn carriage is a romantic, vintage option, especially if you can decorate it with your wedding colors. Vintage cars are also great photo ops and add a touch of class. An antique Rolls Royce or a ’69 Mustang are fun and unique. Ride in style like the royal couple did in a decorated navy soft-top Aston Martin Volante, or as with other details in the wedding, make sure your transportation reflects your personality. Does the groom ride a motorcycle? Ride off together on your own bike. Do you share a love of mountain biking? Don’t be afraid to wheel over on a tandem together. Personality is what makes weddings memorable.
DOWN TO DETAILS
Make sure to confirm booking well in advance of your wedding dates. And don’t be afraid to ask for a test drive! Look for these in a written contract:
- Name and contact information for you and the company
- Date, time and address of all pick-up and drop-off locations
- Type and number of vehicles rented, and amenities supplied with each
- Exact hours of vehicle rental
- Total cost, including gas, mileage, tip and overtime fees
- Deposit amount, balance, due date and cancellation policy
Weddings are busy, chaotic days, so it’s wise to have someone closely associated with the wedding party, such as the best man or a family member, designated to coordinate with the chauffeur to make sure everything stays on schedule so your wedding party will be riding in style.
Would you like to see more ideas for wedding inspiration? Check out our latest issue of Premier Bride of Mississippi magazine here!