How you arrive at and depart from your wedding ceremony and reception is your choice. Although limousines are still the most popular mode of wedding transportation, don't overlook the possibility of dropping down to the ceremony in a hot-air balloon, floating up on a sailboat, or trotting in on a stallion. There are dozens of options. Of course, whatever means of transportation you choose should fit into your budget.

Here are some ideas:

• A trolley car

• A horse and buggy (or just a horse)

• A sleigh

• A plane

• A glider

• An antique car

• A classic car

• An Excalibur, a Rolls-Royce, a Bentley, or another make of luxury car

• A parade float

• A motorcycle

• A unicycle (well, maybe not — it might be tough to maneuver in the gown)

• A speedboat

• … anything else you can think of!

Granted, some of these options aren't practical year-round, and others can be a logistical nightmare — not every ceremony site comes equipped with a landing strip — but you have choices beyond the traditional limousine.

Finally, if you're not renting transportation, but borrowing a nice luxury car from a family member or friend, make sure the car is tuned up, cleaned, and filled with gas. (Offer to pay for the car wash and fill the tank with gas before and after the wedding.)

Questions to Ask

To ensure that you'll be getting quality transportation for your money, ask the following questions. (Note: the following list is geared toward limousine rental, but it will give you an idea of the kind of information you should get from any transportation supplier.)

How long has the company been in business?

Does the company have the proper license and insurance?

Can you get references from former customers?

Does the company own its vehicles? (Companies that don't own their vehicles may have a hard time guaranteeing availability. They are also less likely to be on top of any mechanical problems or other unforeseen dilemmas.)

Can you inspect the vehicles? (Check for cleanliness, dents, rust, and so on.)

Does the company have the kind of vehicle you want? The color you prefer? Will it be available on your wedding day?

What are the rates? (Most limousine services charge by the hour. Unfortunately, the clock starts ticking the minute they leave their home base rather than when you start using the vehicle.)

What is the company's cancellation policy?

Is there a required minimum fee or number of rental hours?

What is the policy on tipping? Is it included in the hourly rate, or should you account for it separately? (You won't want to tip your chauffeur at the end of the night if the gratuity is covered in the fee you paid. It's doubtful the service will be so spectacular that you'll want to pay twice.)

How much of a deposit is required to reserve the vehicle(s) for your wedding? When is the final payment due?

Will the company provide champagne? Ice? Glasses? A television? Will these items cost extra?

TRANSPORTATION CHECKLIST

May We Hitch a Ride?

You are also responsible for providing or arranging transportation for the members of your wedding party. You might also want to make sure your parents and the groom's parents won't be standing on the corner waiting for a bus to the ceremony. If your budget allows, consider renting an extra limousine or two to chauffeur them to and from the ceremony and reception sites. Otherwise arrange for those with the nicest cars to transport the rest of the group. Make sure everyone is aware of who's taking whom, what time people will have to be ready, and where they may have to meet.

The Going-Away Car

If you're lucky, your budget will allow you to keep your limousine (or other rented transportation) until the end of the reception. As your attendants may not be too keen on trashing a rented luxury car, you can whip over to your hotel (or to the airport) in style and not have to worry about cans clanging behind you all the way.

Before it's too late, be aware of the tradition of “decorating” the going-away car. Usually the male attendants are responsible for this. For safety's sake, make sure they don't obstruct the view or movement of the driver. Any writing should be applied with washable shoe polish.