Wedding Day Transportation
Well-planned wedding day transportation is the key to making your day flow beautifully, elegantly and smoothly. Having these details arranged in advance means you can relax and enjoy the trip, with no worries about traffic, parking or that champagne cocktail you enjoyed. Your chariot awaits – in whatever form it may be!

The deciding factor in determining your ideal mode of wedding day transportation is how many people (who, exactly) you wish to transport. Just the bride, groom and parents? The entire wedding party? The wedding party plus their spouses/guests? Making these key decisions will be necessary before deciding on what type of transportation to use, because it all depends on the number of people. Once you’ve given that some thought, your options include limousines, coaches, trolleys or other unique alternatives.

Luxurious Limousines
Limousines can be acquired for the entire day, picking you up at home and delivering you to the ceremony, the reception, and even to the airport to depart on your honeymoon. Most companies have a one to two hour minimum for their services, so put some thought into what the most cost-effective option will be: keeping your limousine on call throughout the entire ceremony and reception or hiring one limousine to take you to the ceremony and reception, then another for leaving the reception.
Traditionally, one limousine carries the bride and her father to the ceremony, while a second limousine or sedan transports the bride’s mother and bridesmaids. Of course many brides opt to have both parents or their attendants ride with them. It’s simply a matter of personal preference. After the ceremony and reception, the newlyweds ride together, either alone or with the maid of honor and best man, or with the entire wedding party.

A formal limousine seats four people, while stretch limousines can allow for six to 10. Limousines are usually black or white, and new models include sport utility varieties – the Hummer and Explorer are two possibilities that are eye-catching and quite unique. Some companies offer fleet rates for those who want the entire wedding party and family to arrive and depart in regal style. The choice you make depends not only on how much you wish to spend or the impression you wish to make, but also on the level of revelry. If the day is to be filled with many champagne toasts, providing safe transportation for those who will be celebrating the most is a smart idea.

Catch the Coach
A limousine is a luxurious way to travel; however, there are creative alternatives to this standard bearer that can add a distinctive mark to your ceremony and reception.

One option is a luxury coach. With all the amenities and style of a luxury limousine with room to spare, these vehicles can seat 10 or more people comfortably. A luxury coach allows the bride and her attendants to spend time together surrounded by mobile luxury on the way to the ceremony. After the ceremony, the bridal party can enjoy a grand celebration with the bride and groom while traveling to the reception. A passenger coach, without all of the added luxuries, can seat anywhere from 21 to 49 people, which is a great way to transport your family and guests, especially if your reception is located in an out-of-the-way location or if parking is an issue.
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, perhaps a luxury coach for the bride, groom and their attendants and a passenger coach for the guests. By having more than one vehicle, it will allow some guests to leave at different times if needed.

Taking the Trolley
An attractive, fun alternative to the luxury or passenger coach is a trolley, if it’s available in your area. Trolleys generally can accommodate between 20 and 35 people, and are ideal for larger wedding parties. With their antique look and old world charm, they lend a lovely, elegant touch to this wedding day detail. And, they look beautiful in photos!

Unique Alternatives
For those who prefer something more creative or romantic in transportation, there are many unusual offerings. If a horse-drawn carriage is available in your city, this is a charming option. This service can vary from a simple carriage to an elaborate coach. Although space in the buggy will undoubtedly be limited, there is nothing quite as beautiful and romantic as a bride being led to a waiting carriage with beribboned steeds and driven away under a clear blue sky or starry night. It can be an unforgettable experience for the happy couple as well as a memorable sight for the wedding guests.

Vintage or luxury cars can also add a touch of class: a Bentley, Rolls Royce or even a kitschy pink Cadillac can be the finishing touch for your wedding’s personal style. Motorcycles, bicycles, horses, boats or even hot air balloons can also transport the bride and groom if that’s more your style, and fits your needs.

Down to Details
Whatever you choose, you should confirm your transportation booking and verify pick-up and departure times well in advance of your wedding day to avoid any mix-ups. And if your wedding is around a busy time – say, the holidays or prom time, be sure to book early.
Make sure your written contract covers all the pertinent details, such as:

• Name and contact information for you and the company (including cell phone numbers!)
• Date, time and addresses 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 and mileage, and overtime fees
• Deposit amount, balance and due date, and cancellation policy
• Signatures, including yours and the company’s representative

 It would be wise to have someone closely associated with the wedding party, perhaps the best man or a family member, designated to coordinate with the chauffeur to make sure that pick-ups and departures happen on schedule. The size and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as personal taste, will help define your final decisions for travel.
There are many options available for today’s bride and groom, and with just a little creativity and planning, you can find the mode of transportation that best suits your style. B

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