Transportation
The transportation arrangements you make for your wedding should reflect both style and careful planning. Since it is your day and you will want to be the center of attention, plan to arrive and depart your wedding in the most elegant way possible. In addition, to assure that all goes smoothly, you will want to give careful consideration to the transportation needs of others in the wedding party as well as those of your out-of-town guests.
Plan Ahead
Wedding transportation is not a low-priority item. You should begin planning several months before your wedding date. Advance care shown in transportation preparations will allow you to enjoy your wedding day, avoiding last-minute problems and the stress that goes with them.
The Sophisticates
The classic mode of travel for the bride to the wedding site is by limousine or luxury car, which will also provide an intimate ride for you and your husband from the marriage ceremony to the reception. There are quality limousine and luxury automobile services throughout the area, but do check with these services well before your wedding to ensure you will be able to reserve the car you want, especially if your wedding is during the busy months of May, June or December.
The Romantics
Naturally, anything you choose will be romantic. But for the perfect "fairy-tale wedding," many brides and grooms have fantasized about their first ride together as husband and wife . in a horse-drawn carriage. Then, there are graceful hot-air balloons, and maybe even festively decorated gondolas or dune buggies for couples who get married by a lake or on the beach. Whatever your fantasy, now is the time to live it.
On the Practical Side
When choosing your transportation service, look over the vehicles the company offers. Be certain the service you choose has the style of car or carriage, etc., you want, and that it will be available when you need it. Find out if you will be charged hourly or if all services will be included in one set price. Ask what the driver will wear and about the tipping policy. Professional transportation services will be happy to work with you to ensure that you arrive and depart promptly and elegantly.
A Little Help From Your Friends
If your budget allows, you can provide special transportation for the entire wedding entourage and out-of-town guests. Party boats, while great fun, are best saved for partying. But a trolley or double-decker bus is a wonderful mode of travel. And you can also call on dependable (and punctual) friends to play chauffeurs. Each friend who provides transportation for guests should allow enough time to arrive at the wedding site 30 minutes before the ceremony. Give your drivers money for gas and a car wash, and be sure each driver knows the addresses (with directions) and phone numbers of everyone he/she is to pick up. Don't tip your friends, but a small "thank-you" gift is always appropriate and appreciated.
It's your choice
Brides and grooms will enjoy choosing a style of transportation. Driven first by what the couple wants, the choice eventually comes down to a combination of factors. Owners from all of the services contacted by California Weds had suggestions on how to choose a service. Be sure to:
. Start looking early, probably even as early as the search begins for your ceremony and reception sites. Call ahead and make appointments. Don't make decisions over the phone.
. Examine the equipment to be sure it looks and sounds safe and clean.
. Check references and ask around about the reputations of the various services. You want somebody who will satisfy you.
. Don't even consider someone who does not ask you pertinent questions about your wedding — simple things like date, time and location of the ceremony and reception. You need someone who will help you think through your needs and who knows the questions to ask.
. Ask about liability insurance. Don't go with anyone who can't provide paperwork and show full coverage.
. Ask about rain policies, especially in the event of less traditional modes of transport. Check to see if the service provides a back-up plan or if you have to keep a contingency in mind.
. Ask about refund policies in case of cancellation or change of the date/time/ locations. Are there refunds in the case of weather-related changes in the service? Are there refunds if the transportation is late for any reason? Can you get those terms in writing?
. And when you've made your choice, be sure to arrange photos through your photographer and your camera-carrying friends. All our professionals lamented the fact their brides often found too late that the transportation they chose was overlooked in the wedding album, with only a fleeting flash of a tail light (or tail) as the couple was whisked away. Most drivers, they say, are ready and willing to wait for or help pose formal photo sessions if the bride asks.
For the ride of your life .
There are many options, not only for your grand entrance, but for the comfort and convenience of your guests, as well. Here are just some of the ways couples can make a memorable entrance (or an exciting getaway!)
Horse & Carriage
Longing for that charming, fairy-tale effect? Look no further than a horse-drawn carriage. This timeless, romantic mode can give you and your fiancé some "just us" privacy before the big moment. Or you may choose to be delivered alone, holding the instant of suspense for everyone to see when your groom lays eyes on you for the first time — as his princess bride.
Limousine
This classic and classy approach will always be in style. With seating anywhere from four passengers in a regular limo, to 28 in a stretch SUV, a limo is also versatile. You may decide to just go one-on-one with your fiancé; or you could take along some or all of your bridal party as well. With a chauffeur to handle the driving, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and sip some champagne, if that tickles your fancy.
Trolley
Transporting the bridal party from the ceremony to reception is just the beginning for this festive medium. Prior to the event, the groomsmen can be picked up and dropped off, with the bridesmaids following. After the ceremony, many couples utilize the trolley to travel to and from various locations where they have photographs taken. Seating (and standing!) approximately 20-40 people, this is another fun way to celebrate the day (clang, clang!) and you're sure to be noticed by passers-by on the street!
Classic/Sports Car
From BMW's, to Bentleys, to Jags, to Porsches . this is a wonderful way for just the two of you to show up together at the ceremony, reception, or your wedding night destination. You can even have a chauffeur drive you (as long as it's not a two-seater!). Remember, though, if your honey is doing the driving, make sure he's not also doing the drinking!