Get the Best out of Your Wedding Day Transport

From Monica Lorraine 22 01 2012 Wedding transportation

Wedding themes come and go but choosing the right style of transport on your wedding day that reflects your own personalities is guaranteed to have your friends and family reaching for their cameras to capture the moment.

*Article provided by Suzie Goodman, Owner of Karma Kars Cotswold, Gloucestershire

Traditionally, up to three wedding cars are needed to transport the bridal party to the ceremony. The groom, his best man and ushers travel together, followed by the bridesmaids and often the mother of the bride in another car. Last to leave is the bride and her father, who should be met by the bridesmaids at the other end. If you’re doing it this way, it’s good to co-ordinate the look of the cars. To cut down on costs, car companies often give a discount for hiring more than one vehicle so check when enquiring. Alternatively, see if they will do multiple journeys but factor in distance, travel time and waiting time at the other end. You do not want your bridesmaids standing outside for 30 minutes waiting for the bride to arrive! Hiring a limousine or a camper van often means the bridal party can travel together.

Why not colour co-ordinate your wedding car with the theme of the wedding? This will make for great photographs and tie everything in together nicely. Alternatively, most car companies will provide a choice of ribbon on the bumper and flowers on the back shelf so check what your options when booking. Choice of cars range from classic to modern to quirky so think carefully about what your wedding car is saying about you and your theme.

Here's our handy guide of top tips to think about when hiring a wedding car

How many journeys and passengers do you need to transport to the ceremony and reception. Be clear about this so you get an accurate quote.
Think long and hard about the timings and logistics. Decide as early as possible the route you want to take and allow time for your guests to get there well before you make your grand entrance. Ask questions like how is my luggage going to get to the wedding night venue? Think about whether you would like to be driven somewhere for some photographs with the car away from the hustle and bustle of the wedding. This is your first journey together as husband and wife!
Consider the size of your dress compared to the size of the car, particularly if it has a long train. Having a comfortable, relaxed journey is paramount to how you will look on arrival so ask your car company for advice on this.
Enquire early to avoid disappointment as car hire companies are booked up well in advance most Saturdays during the summer months. Usually you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking and the balance a month before the wedding. Make sure you have a contract of hire and get a copy of the company’s terms and conditions. Ensure you have exclusive use of the car which means they hire out one car per day, per wedding.
Do your research and choose a well-established, local firm. Follow their progress on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Look out for photographs and testimonials from previous couples. If they have a Facebook page then ‘like’ them to get news, updates and promotions.
And finally, if they haven't called you, then call them a few days before your wedding just to run through the route, timings and address details.

Get the Best out of Your Wedding Day Transport

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