Get Me to the Church on Time!
Transportation to the church and reception contributes to the atmosphere of your day, whether you arrive in a limo or on a motorcycle. As soon as you booked your ceremony and reception sites, you probably determined what kind of wedding-day locomotion you need.
If you require any special transportation other than your own two feet, arranging it can be enjoyable if you remember to use the same planning and budgetary concern you've applied to other elements of your wedding.
Renting a Limousine
Driving your own car or a family member's car may be the least expensive option for wedding-day transport, but many couples opt to rent a limousine to shuttle themselves and the wedding party around town.
Once again, consult your budget. Figure out how much money you have budgeted and how large a limousine you need. Limousine companies can accommodate any size wedding party, and you can even rent a motor coach or party bus to ferry all of your guests from Point A to Point B.
Check Things Out
Always get recommendations from friends, family, business associates, and your wedding vendors. Visit the company and talk to a representative about your needs and her prices, and ask to see her vehicles and a contract. Be sure to ask if any wedding packages are available and what they include.
Essential
Try to have most details worked out before you draw up a contract arranging transportation for the wedding and reception. The more specific you can be about matters up front, such as times, tolls, number of people, and mileage, the fewer surprises you'll have later.
With more companies leasing their vehicles, it will be important to know who actually owns the limo. Who will be responsible if the transportation doesn't work as planned on your important day?
Also, ask for proof of the limousine company's commercial livery insurance policy before you sign a contract.
Budgeting Details
Most limos are contracted at an hourly rate, which will quickly add up during the ceremony and reception. Find out exactly when the time clock begins; there can be a big difference between a company that charges as soon as its car leaves the garage and one that waits until it arrives at your house. Ask how many hours you will have the limousine and what happens if you go over your time.
If you live in a large city, make sure you know who is responsible for paying tolls and parking charges. Make sure to budget for a gratuity, which can sometimes be as high as 20 percent. Be sure all these points are included in writing in your contract.
Make sure the contract specifies all information important to you, not just the name of the limo company. Include details such as what time you must be picked up and how many people will be riding in the vehicle. Also specify in the contract the exact type of car you need, so you aren't given something smaller than what you want or not as nice.
When a Limo's what You Want
Kylie hired a limousine to transport her and her wedding party to the church. “My parents and I want to go together — it will be very special, being with them just before I am married.”
Lynn will ride to the marina country club in a limousine. After the reception, she and John will take the limo to the airport to catch their flight to Hawaii.
