Tip:
Finding the right transportation for you can be fun and reflecting
your own personality once again. A carriage ride, antique cars,
sports cars, horseback, elephant or motorcycles (for a theme wedding)
and, of course, the ever popular limousines.
You want to find the perfect match for you. Consider the following
questions: How many people will be riding in the vehicle? Where
do you need the vehicle to take you (the ceremony, location for
photo ops, the reception the hotel or airport)? Be sure to budget
in ample trotting time if you decide on a horse-and-carriage ride.
Ask you other vendors for recommendations. The yellow pages will
also have several listings for limos. Use your local wedding magazines
for help as well.
Keep in mind that most limo companies offer a variety of interesting
vehicles, including stretch SUV's, party buses and and antique
cars.
Transportation companies will require you to sign a contract.
Pay particular attention to whether they charge by the hour or
by distance. What about overtime? Does the hourly charge start
when the vehicle leaves the garage or when it picks you up? Are
parking and tolls included in the price, or are they additional
expenses? Make sure you are clear on cancellation policies and
refunds on deposits The contract should list all of the stops
you want the vehicle to make. Ask to see proof of registration
and insurance on the vehicle. And finally, industry standard is
for 20 percent gratuity to be automatically added to the final
bill. This should be stated in the contract.
Ask
the limo company if it own its own vehicles. Some act as dispatchers
and actually get cars from other places. Also, make a trip to
the company's lot and take a look at your choices. If you want
a specific car, take down the license plate number to guarantee
you'll get that one.
Some companies will do a transfer from ceremony to reception,
then come back later as another transfer for pick up. Think about
hiring a different car to pick you up after the reception since
no one will be seeing you—no more photos or video at this
point.
Ask for the royal treatment. Several transportation companies
offer wedding-day packages to make your ride more special. Your
vehicle can come stocked with chilled champagne and you can choose
a sign for the back of the car, ranging from "Going to the
Chapel" to "Just Got Hitched." Your limo can even
come equipped with a high-tech stereo system and TV. Some packages
also offer balloons and bridal horns to herald your day.
It's most important to see what you're getting and know what
you are signing in your contracts. Read carefully and get it all
in writing.
Have fun, as always. And Stay Organized!
