Wedding Transportation 101
Almost every wedding-based movie ends with a scene of the couple driving off into the sunset with ‘Just Married’ on the back. Yet when you imagine your wedding, you may not have considered your transportation options, yet. We asked some of the regions transportation experts what you need to know before booking your limo, car, or bus. Find out what they had to say!
When to Start Looking
When you need to book your transportation depends largely on what time of year you’re getting married. Peak season – April through October – requires much more time, as a lot of people are looking at the same limo as you are. If you’re getting married in May, you’re also competing with prom-goers. “The most honest answer I can offer someone is ‘before someone else does’,” Roger from Statement Limousine says. Anthony from BVIP Limousine Service Ltd. appreciates when a couple can reserve their vehicle more than a year before the wedding, but understands time may not be on your side. Therefore, they recommend at least 6-8 months before your wedding.
Roger from Statement Limo says it also depends on the size of your wedding party. If you have more than 12 passengers an want a limo-bus, you should start the process 12-18 months before your wedding. For a 10-passenger or less limo, 6-12 months will do. Gary from Moonlite Limo Service says they may be able to book in as little as 3 months but do book some weddings up to 2 years in advance.
Who to Consider
It’s important to do your homework and research transportation companies the way you would any vendor. Check out their website and social media, read reviews, and set up an appointment to meet them in person. “You simply can not trust one of the most prized moments of your life to just anyone.,” Roger from Statement Limo says. “In this industry, the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ holds true, whether it be level of service or quality of vehicle.” By meeting them in person, you’ll also be able to see the vehicles in person and pick out the one you want. “Oftentimes, online photos can be deceiving. Make sure the exact vehicle you’ve selected is specifically noted on your contract,” Roger reminds couples.
Of course, feeling comfortable around and regarding the company is important, too. Do they respond quickly to your emails and phone calls? Do they make you feel confident and at ease? “Spend time talking to an experienced transportation specialist who will take time to help you customize what you need on your special day,” Anthony from BVIP advises. Roger from Statement suggests you also ask about the drivers and the expectations the company has versus what you expect. For example, how will they dress? How involved is the training process? Are there background checks and drug testing policies? Knowing the answers to these questions will have you feeling much more comfortable when it comes to signing a contract.
Before your Appointment
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection and set up some appointments, you need to know what questions to ask and what answers to have ready. For instance, a budget and your wedding date are key information to have on-hand. Prices may vary based on season, but “in most cases, transportation options are available for all budgets,” Anthony from BVIP says. So don’t feel shy or wait to hear how much they want to charge before offering your budget.
Anthony also says “comfort and reliability are must-haves for your special day. Therefore, it’s important to make sure the vehicle size is appropriate for your wedding party.” Will you be transporting just your bridesmaids and groomsmen? Their significant others? Your parents? “Always plan for a larger vehicle than needed,” Roger from Statement Limousine recommends. “Consider the extra space needed for wedding attire, beverages, any snacks you want to bring, and the individuals’ stature.”
You’ll also need to know just a bit about the route. For instance, where should the limo or bus pick you up? Where are they dropping you off? How long do you need the limo for? The average minimum for transportation companies is 4-6 hours, so have an idea of your schedule for photos, shuttling to the hotel, etc. “Some companies may charge drive time [to your pickup location], also known as garage to garage time.” This can be especially common if your pickup location is an hour or more away from the transportation company. Having the address of your beginning location on-hand will make figuring out your overall price tag much easier.
Be sure to ask your company if they are properly licensed, insured, and registered with both the State of Ohio and Department of Transportation!
Unless you’re okay with walking from your reception to your home, hotel, or airport, you’ll need to set up wedding transportation! Like any aspect of wedding planning, it takes a bit of research and preparation.
