Arriving at your ceremony, relaxed and unruffled in a chauffeur driven limousine is the perfect way to begin your wedding celebration.
Everything about your wedding day should be extraordinary, right down to the motorized carriage that whisks you away to your chapel rendezvous. No matter how you look at it, struggling into a Honda Civic attired in full wedding regalia just wouldn't be the same. In fact, even in jeans it wouldn't be the same. Weddings just seem to call for the "out-of-the-ordinary." Go with it and enjoy.
Limousines and vintage autos can be reserved for several hours or for the entire day, picking you up at home or hotel, and delivering you to the ceremony, then to the reception, and even to the airport for your honeymoon departure. Most companies have a one to two hour minimum for their services, so put some thought into what the most cost effective option will be keeping your limousine on call throughout the entire event, or hiring one limo to take you to the ceremony and reception, then another for leaving the reception.
Traditionally, one limousine carries the bride and her father to the ceremony, while a second limousine or sedan transports the bride's mother and the attendants. Of course some brides opt to have both parents and their attendants ride with them. As for the boys, they'll definitely need wheels of their own. After the ceremony the newlyweds usually ride together to the reception, alone or with the maid/matron-of-honor and best man. It's all a matter of personal preference. Mix and match to your heart's content.
CAPACITY A formal limousine seats four people while stretch limousines can allow for six to ten. Some companies offer fleet rates for those who want the entire wedding party and family to arrive and depart in regal style. The choice you make depends not only on how much you wish to spend or the impression you wish to make, but also on the need. If the day is to be filled with many champagne toasts, providing safe transportation for those who will be celebrating the most is a smart idea.
BOOKING Ideally, you should book your limousine six months before the wedding and no later than four. To avoid any mistakes on your wedding day, confirm that the company you are dealing with owns the vehicles. Read all contracts down to the fine print, paying particular attention to the pick-up and drop-off times and locations. See if the gratuity for the driver is already added, or to be paid separate. While most transportation companies prepare their drivers for each route, it doesn't hurt to have an extra map or copy of the directions handy on the day of the wedding.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION Do you have a large bridal party? Do you have a reception location without a bride's room? No problem. We've got the perfect solution - the luxury coach. It has all the amenities and style of the luxury limousine but with room to spare. It can seat ten or more people comfortably. The luxury coach allows the bride and her attendants time together on the way to the ceremony, providing luxurious surroundings with mobility so the entire retinue can share some pre-wedding girl time with the bride. After the ceremony, all the bridal party can enjoy a grand celebration with the newly wedded couple on the way to the reception.
A passenger coach, without the luxuries, can seat anywhere from 21 to 49 people, which is a great way to transport your family and guests from the ceremony to reception, especially if your reception is located in an out-of -the-way location, or if parking is an issue.
HOW MANY? HOW LONG? Like most limousine services, passenger and luxury coach companies require a minimum number of hours. The size and type of coach will regulate the hourly rate. Depending upon the size of your party, it may make sense to hire two coaches - perhaps a luxury coach for the bride, groom and their attendants and a passenger coach for the guests. Having more than one transport allows for guests to leave at different times if need be.
For those who prefer something a bit off the beaten path, you're in luck. Depending on the location of your ceremony and reception, and availability in your city, a horse-drawn carriage is a charming consideration. This is a limited option, but you must admit, there's nothing quite as romantic as a bride being led to a waiting carriage with beribboned steeds, and driven away under a clear blue sky or starry night. It's quite a memorable sight for the guests.
For couples just bursting to break out of the mold, there are companies that offer vintage and classic cars, complete with chauffeur. Wheeling away in a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow or a Bentley after saying "I do" definitely says "Ooh-la-la!"
Whatever your tastes, preferences or needs, there's a transportation option to suit your every whim. Book well, then sit back and enjoy the ride.
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