In my experience planning and managing client’s weddings, I had found that one of the areas that bring about the most stress is the transportation. Finding a vendor that has everything you want for a good price is often a big challenge for couples. And for those getting married in cities, where street space is a premium, transportation can be even more of a nightmare.
I reached out to Alysia Morris from Absolute Transportation and she has some really great tips on how to keep a handle on everything related to transportation. Everything from what to have when you start looking to what to do on your big day. This is a must read for all brides needed transportation!
Image: Robert and Kathleen Photography
Before pricing out transportation services, prepare a detailed list of the following:
- Event Date
- Number of passengers requiring transportation
-
- Will everyone require transportation throughout the day?
- Start time and locations for all events (wedding, photographs, reception)
- Vehicle preference (i.e. antique car, stretch limousine, party bus, etc)
- Additional items to consider:
-
- Will you need honeymoon transportation (i.e. to the airport, cruise port, etc)
- Will any of your out of town guests require transportation
- On the day of your event, do you plan to offer group transportation?
Ten Helpful Hints:
- Know the law in your state! In Connecticut, if your trip starts, stays and ends in Connecticut all limousines are required to be Connecticut registered and have Livery plates (license plates that start and end with L). These vehicles can carry a maximum of 8 passengers. There are a few companies grandfathered in under and old law that can carry 10 passengers.
-
- The consequences for violating the law include impound on the vehicle–something no couple would want to deal with on their wedding day!
- Ensure all pricing quoted is an all-inclusive (gratuity, service and fuel charges, etc). if there is a deposit, ask about cancellation policies and if the deposit is applied to your final balance.
- Ask about how the pricing is calculated. Is it a garage-to-garage charge (i.e. the time the limousine leaves headquarters until the time it returns) or does the package start from your first pick-up? Are there additional charges? If so, how are they assessed and at what rate? Are packages available? If so, how do they work and what is included?
- Get absolutely everything in writing!
- Are discounts available if you book multiple services?
- Be flexible–You may find that by switching times around slightly, not having a color preference for the vehicle or making the most of your scheduled time (i.e having the limo do multiple runs) can yield savings.
- If you are budget minded and flexible, as if there are lower cost alternatives. We have had couples opt for town cars or SUV services for their weddings, or pick-up after a reception
- Book early to guarantee availability. Aside from the business of wedding season, limousine companies are also servicing prom customers, concert-goers, and the like.
- Ask to schedule a visit and view the fleet.
- Ask plenty of questions and be comfortable with your vendor choice.
And lastly:
- Please leave yourself a few extra minutes on your wedding day. Taking time to carefully get into and out of the vehicle will help preserve the pristine look you've worked so hard to assemble.
- Please know, specialty vehicles, given their length, cannot always travel the say way you might to your destination(s). As such, this may add travel time to your destination.
I hope you will memorize this blog post for when it is your turn to work out the transportation for your wedding, or any special event. There are a lot of bases to cover, but if you get all of your questions out in the beginning, the rest is bound to be smooth sailing. Thank you Alysia for the great tips!
