WEDDING DAY TRANSPORTATION TIPS

You want to make sure your wedding party, out-of-town guests and most of all the groom, arrive at the ceremony and reception on time. It’s the bride’s responsibility to supply transportation or at least provide for it.

You will need to determine how many people need transportation, where they need to be picked up and where they need to be taken to.

Depending on your budget, you may consider renting limousines: for taking you and your father to the church, maybe taking the entire wedding party, taking you and your groom to the reception, and for your final departure. A nice touch for the groom’s parents who live out-of-town is to send a car for them.

Limousines:

Limousine service is available in most cities and can be found by looking in the local yellow pages. Call 6 to 12 months before the ceremony to compare prices and shop around to see which source will provide  you with what you really want at the least rate.

Interviewing Limousine Companies:

When interviewing Limousine companies, be sure to take along spreadsheets “Transportation Comparisons” and “Questions to ask for Limousines” at the end of this section to compare companies and options as well as to ensure you are asking the right questions.

In addition, be sure to do the following:

·                   Be sure to ask the price per hour, the minimum number of hours (most require a 2 to 3 hour minimum) and if there are any package rates. Decide on the options you will need: a TV, the driver to roll out the red carpet or a bottle of champagne(many companies will do this at no extra charge if you remember to request it in advance).

·                   Insist on seeing the actual car that you will be using. Copy down the license plate number to be sure it’s the same car that shows up on your wedding day. Insist on meeting the driver and make sure there is an understanding about proper attire.

·                   Keep in mind; most companies will require a credit card number or a deposit in advance to reserve the date, at which time the balance would be due.

·                   When placing your reservation, you will also have to give them the exact pick-up date, time, the address, the destination and the approximate length of rental time needed. Be sure to find out about their cancellation policies.

·                   Get it all in writing in a contract. Make sure it states the correct places, dates, times, specific vehicle, cost of any extras, the rate, the estimated total cost, amount of the deposit, overtime and cancellation policy. Make sure its clear what is and is not included in the bill. Drivers usually receive a 15 to 20% gratuity that is automatically added to your bill.

A complete list of items to include in the limousine contract:

                      Date, and time of ceremony and reception.

                      Hours you have contracted the vehicle (s) and driver (s).

                      Hourly rate for each vehicle.

                      Overtime rates and conditions.

                      Any additional fees and tipping policy.

                      Location of pick-up and drop-off points.

                      Number of people to be transported in each trip.

                      Number and types of vehicles (the license plate numbers should be included for any vehicle that you have selected).

                      Liability for accidents and damages.

                      Payment schedule (amount, deposit, balance of payments, and any due dates).

                      Method of payments.

                      Cancellation policy.

Town Car:

If a limousine service for the entire wedding party or out-of-town guests is too costly, you could provide a less expensive alternative: a town car. This could also be an option for you and your groom since the town car would provide a much cozier ride and sometimes is just as elegant as the limousine without the costly price tag.

Van:

Another alternative for your wedding party and out-of-town guests is to rent a van for their use. This would also come in handy if you expect your guests to consume alcohol.

Ideas for Transportation:

¨                Horse drawn carriages

¨                Horse drawn sleighs

¨                Antique cars

¨                Trolley car/bus

¨                Bus

¨                Boat

¨                Plane/helicopter

¨                Hot air balloon

¨                Fire Engine

If you are going to use a unique mode of transportation, it makes since to unveil at the reception than the ceremony where it will be seen by more of your wedding party and guests.

Once you have determined your mode of transportation, use spreadsheet “ Wedding Day Transportation” at the end of this section to record all of the pertinent information as to who is going to use the transportation, the pick-up and drop-off locations, the times, and who the driver will be. Make a copy of this form and pass it out to any and all parties involved.

Decorating ideas for the car:

Write “Just Married” on a large paper, which can be taped, to the back of the car. The decorators could also use shoes or tin cans, colored streamers, ribbons, bows, bells or balloons.

	Option #1	Option #2	Option #3
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Type of Vehicle:
Number of Vehicles needed:
Vehicles licensed and insured:
Cost Per Hour:
Minimum number of hours:
Overtime rate:
Gratuity:

Choice for Transportation Company:

Name:_                                                                                                                      

Address:                                                                                                                     

Phone/Salesperson:                                                                                                  

Order Date:                                                                                                                

Deposit:                                                                                                                       

Balance Due:                                                                                                             

Total Cost:                                                                                                                  

Questions to ask:

o How many vehicles will I need to transport the wedding party from various locations?

o What type of model and size of vehicles will be used?

o Is the company a member of the National Limousine Association (US only)?

o Are the vehicles fully licensed and insured?

o What services do the fees include?

o Will there be any additional charges?

o What are your tipping policies?

o What will the driver (s) wear on the job?

o How long will we have the vehicle(s) and driver (s)?

o Do local liquor laws permit the consumption of alcohol in the vehicle(s)?

o What is the payment schedule?

o What is the method of payment?

Bride

Transportation to Ceremony Site

Name:                               Pick-up time:                     Pick-Up Location:                   Vehicle/Driver

Bride’s Father                                                                

Bride’s                                                 Mother                                 Bridal Attendants                                                                                           Groom

Groom’                                      Attendants                                    Groom’s Parents                                                                                            

Grandparents                                                                

Other Guests                                                                  

Name: Bride and Groom	Transportation to Reception Site Pick-up Time:	Driver:
Bridal Attendants
Groom’s Attendants
Bride’s Parents
Groom’s Parents
Grandparents
Other Guests

Transportation From Reception Site to Hotel, Airport, Home, Etc.

Name Bride and Groom	Pick-up Time:	Destination		Vehicle/Driver
Bridal Attendants
Groom’s Attendants
Bride’s Parents
Groom’s Parents
Grandparents
Other Guests