Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Wedding Transportation
Wedding Transportation
Wedding transportation can be as spectacular as a fairy tale horse and carriage or as simple as using friends' and family members' vehicles. Either way, the wedding day transportation is an important factor in the planning process. The bride, groom, wedding party and parents of the bride and groom must get from the church to the picture taking location to the reception hall so planning the transportation in advance is essential.
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There are several choices of wedding transportation:
Horse and Carriage - Nothing is more beautiful than two white horses pulling a carriage with a bride and groom.
Vintage Vehicle - Many companies and individuals own older vehicles to hire out specifically for weddings. These may include different models such as the Rolls Royce, the Model A Ford and the Bentley.
Limousines - Limousines are available in many sizes, colors and makes. In addition, the service may be hired for airport rides when leaving for the honeymoon.
Family Vehicles - If on a tight budget or if fancy transportation does not appeal to the couple, they may choose to ask family and friends about using their vehicles.
Buses and Mini Vans - Having a bus or mini van available for guests is a nice touch if the wedding budget permits.
When using vehicles from family and friends:
ask the owner to make sure the car is cleaned inside and out the day of the wedding or the day before the wedding
ask a few people to decorate the cars and mark the bride and groom vehicle - normally the best man takes care of this function so let him know which vehicles will be used
if the owner is not driving, make arrangements for drivers for the cars
provide maps if needed to the drivers
do not use vehicles that are two-door only - women in gowns will never be able to get into the back seat
ask the church if the parking spots in the front of the church will be reserved and marked off for the wedding vehicles
When reserving a car or cars for hire, it is important to remember that the company or individual is a wedding vendor as well and some consideration should go into the selection process.
do not be influenced by the fancy car alone - the owner or driver must be personable and caring
how many cars do you require
do you prefer a specific mode of transportation for yourself and then something different for the parents and bridal party
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inquire about package prices to save costs - this may include the trip to the airport or hotel for your wedding night
check the exact vehicles that you will be renting - make sure the owner takes pride in the vehicles by keeping them damage free and clean
weekends are very busy for limousine services as well as specific times of the year such as graduations and proms - be sure to book early as cars may not be available
how will the chauffeur dress
ask to see insurance cards on the vehicles being hired
understand what the packages include and do not include for your price range
as with all wedding vendors, a written contract is required and should include terms such as:
date of wedding
schedule of events - times that the vehicles are required and where the driver should go
number of vehicles
the year, makes, models and license plate numbers of the actual cars hired
names of the drivers
liability requirements of company and drivers
when the vehicles are permitted to leave at the end of the evening
what happens in the event of no vehicle or too few vehicles
the rate when the time is extended - if the drivers have been booked until midnight, what happens if they are asked to stay longer
if they are providing bus service for guests that have no vehicle such as out of town guests or alternatively guests who have been drinking, up until what time do the guests have to use the service - how many people are taken at one time
total cost, deposit, balance due date
Lastly, once the service has been officially booked, provide the driver with as many details as possible. He will need to know the timeline of events, where to find maps for the locations, how many people to expect in the vehicle and their names, parking instructions and any other information that is required of a driver. If photos have been arranged with the photographer that include the vehicle, let the driver know the circumstances. For instance, if you want pictures as you emerge from the limo, the chauffeur should know so that he can open the door at the appropriate time for the photographer.
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