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transportation countdown

6–9 Months Before
Before your search begins, make sure there are no vehicle restrictions at your ceremony or reception sites. Make a list of all the people you need to transport (the bride, groom, parents, grandparents, and bridal party), then start researching rental companies and make a reservation.

4 Weeks Before
Pass any travel updates or changes to your rental company (and get changes initialed and in writing). Get an after-hours phone number of someone at the limo company in case of emergencies that come up.

1 Week Before
Confirm your reservation with your transportation company. Take a test drive on your own to plan the best possible route to the ceremony and reception. Check with your local department of traffic to see whether traffic patterns are restricted by street fairs or other events that could affect your time frame.

1 Day Before
Call the driver the morning of your wedding to make sure your ride will be on time. When your driver arrives, give him detailed directions, maps, and contact numbers.

 

Wedding Transportation: 11 New Wedding Transportation Ideas

Get a vehicle rundown for getting you and your wedding party to the ceremony on time and in style.

Photo: Laura Doss

The key to finding the right transportation is to make it as convenient as possible for all those involved. We’ve created a vehicle breakdown so you can determine the best plan for your wedding party. From the newlywed duo (you!) to the out-of-town guests, there’s a ride for everyone.

Vespa

Fast, stylish, and oh so much fun, this vintage motor scooter is not only a great way to arrive at your reception, but also makes for one-of-a-kind wedding photographs.
Approx. cost: $35–$60/two hours
Seats:
2 passengers

Note: Most transportation vendors require a 20% gratuity on top of the total bill. Sales tax may also be charged. Make sure additional costs are included in you contract.

Horse & Carriage

A four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle is the ultimate in romance, and perfect for a Victorian-themed wedding.
Approx. cost: $650–$1,700/three hours
Seats: 2–6 passengers

Sports car

Rent an exotic car such as a BMW, Mercedes, Lexus Coupe, or Saab convertible. The ultimate in performance, most are designed for speed, not to mention sass.
Approx. cost: $800–$2,000 per day (depending on make and model)
Seats: 2–4 passengers

Vintage Automobile

Classic cars are always in style, and they make for fantastic photos. Make a timeless entrance in a 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. One of the most sophisticated and glamorous automobiles ever built, the Rolls-Royce offers beautiful exterior styling, plush carpeting, and beautiful chrome accents.
Approx. cost: $125–$200/hour (for at least a two-hour minimum)
Seats:
4 passengers

Town Car

Both cost-effective and comfortable, the town car is ideal for transporting smaller groups. A full-size luxury town car is practical yet stylish and offers a smooth ride.
Approx. cost:
$35–$60/hour (for at least a four-hour minimum)
Seats: 4 passengers

Limo

The most classic of wedding rides, you’ll feel like a VIP when you’re chauffeured around in a long luxury car. Many models feature audio players, TVs, stocked bars, and mini-refrigerators. Limos also have benches along the inside of the vehicle so fellow riders (like the bridal party) can face each other, offering the perfect setup for prewedding toasting.
Approx. cost $75–$150/hour (for at least a three-hour minimum)
Seats: 8–10 passengers, but bride and groom can have it to themselves

Van

It’s not just a box on wheels anymore. Wedding vans can offer just as much style (and value) as the next vehicle. Most are outfitted with beautiful interiors and plenty of room for your guests to stretch out and relax on their way to the day’s festivities. Not to mention it’s a less expensive option.
Approx. cost: $60–$100/hour (for at least a two-hour minimum)
Seats: 7–11 passengers

Stretch SUV or Hummer

Whether you find them tacky or fabulous, these gas-guzzlers can be the ultimate in luxury. Often equipped with leather interior, floor lighting, flat screen TVs, beverage bars, tinted windows, and a moonroof, these cars are in high demand. Approx. cost: $100–$300/hour (for at least a four-hour minimum)
Seats: 16–26 passengers

Party Bus

This large vehicle can most likely transport your entire wedding party and more (some party buses can transport up to 45 people). From basic to glam, a party bus can be designed to fit the personality of any group. Leather seating, disco lights, and flat screen TVs are just a few of the accessories party buses can include. This is a perfect choice for large groups who want to have some fun and a great option for youe guests’ after-party transportation. Party buses offer surround sound as well as surround seating, much like a stretch limo.
Approx. cost:
$100–$300/hour (for at least a three-hour minimum)
Seats:
16–20 passengers

Trolley

This open, low-speed bus is growing in popularity for wedding parties. A memorable and exciting ride, trolleys typically offer elegant wood interior and seating, making the ride and photographs more unique. Keep in mind that because trolleys travel at a slower speed, you should allow a little more travel time than if you were driving in your car.
Approx. cost:
$100–$150/hour (for at least a three-hour minimum)
Seats:
32 passengers

Bus

If you’ve got many guests to transport, and you want them to ride all together, then a chartered bus can offer the efficiency you need.
Approx. cost: $150–$200/hour (for at least a three-hour minimum)
Seats:
50–60 passengers

-- Erin Hill

See More: Wedding Transportation , Wedding Planning Basics

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