Not Just Transportation!

Getting yourself and your bridesmaids to the wedding is something you'll want to plan for whether you have friends drive your of hire a transportation service.

If friends agree to act as chauffeurs, offer to pay for gas and a car wash for the day. Offer a small thank you gift for the driver. Pre-arrange time and schedule from pickup to delivery to the church, from the church to the reception and from the reception to your honeymoon location or the airport. Discuss what will be done if there is car trouble, or someone is unable to do it (illness, etc.). Have a backup plan.

If you decide to have a limousine service, you can find them in a number of places: on-line, phone directories, and from lists kept by reception locations and wedding planners. It's great if you can get a reference from someone you know.

Ask the limousine service companies about their wedding packages which may include champagne, roses, and the red carpet treatment. Also ask how long they have been in business and what are the year(s)and make(s) of their various types of cars. If you're looking for something unusual, tell them. Most services have more than the standard/format, outsize or stretch limo. Some have antique cars, charming trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, and extraordinary luxury limousines. (If you decide on an open carriage, talk to them about inclement weather preparations.)

Along with the cost and what's included, ask for references. Choose the transportation you want based on the number of people to be transported and your budget.

Charges may be a set price, hourly, or package. Most costs begin when the limo leaves its origination point and ends at its final departure point after having delivered you. A 50% deposit is usually required at the time of booking. It may be non-refundable. Ask about their cancellation policies and about insurance liabilities.

The balance of your contracted for cost is usually due at the time you and your party are picked up. There is often a minimum rental time (3 hours is common). If your mileage is more than standard, there may be an additional fee. And don't forget a gratuity for the driver(s). If your father is driving you, your mother may join you, or go in another car with your maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids. If you have a large number of maids, you may need a second car. If you have a stretch limo, you may only need the one car for all of you. A separate car to pick up your groom's parents is a very nice idea.

The groom and his best man and groomsmen may choose to have a limo (and their spouses drive their car to the reception for the return home), or the groomsmen may drive themselves.

It is courtesy to arrange with other guests to transport out-of-town guests to and from the church, or you if a group is staying at the same hotel, consider renting a van or limo bus to take them to your wedding. Make sure that everyone has appropriate return transportation. For guests driving themselves, an easy-to-read- accurate map is a great idea even if they have online map capabilities. Cards with directions to the reception location (if different) can be given to attendees as the leave the church, or it can be done by word of mouth - assign several people to do this beforehand.

Remember to set aside parking for your wedding party's cars in front of the church, and nearby for guests cars. If you are having a wedding or reception in a home or private neighborhood, or even a park, be sure to find out ahead of time if there are any parking restrictions.