From a horse-drawn carriage to a London taxi, from a standard stretch limo to a classic Rolls-Royce, today's services can definitely get you to the church on time for your wedding in whatever style suits you. More than 75% of all couples employ hired transportation for their weddings, and the elegant white limousine is the conveyance of choice 85% of the time.
Besides being safe and comfortable, a special wedding-day conveyance is, to most couples, the ultimate luxury. Those with formality and elegance in mind will choose the traditional white, silver, or black limousines. Often, couples will even hire one or two additional vehicles for their bridal parties and their parents, so that all VIPs will arrive and depart in style and safety.
Wedding transportation is not a necessity, but it is an affordable luxury that alleviates some of your worry over getting everyone everywhere on schedule, especially with your wedding-day jitters. You'll want to be sure that you deal with an established, reputable company, and that you inquire about more than price when comparing various services.
You should definitely shop around and not just go with the first you company you see because you love one of their cars. Unfortunately, there are flimflams in this business, so you have to be sure of the reputation of the company you're dealing with. Car switches and unethical payment policies are among the most common complaints lodged against limousine operations.
To avoid wedding-day disappointment, take a look at the following guidelines:
1. Get word-of-mouth recommendations from people/businesses you know who have used a service before.
2. Set up a face-to-face meeting with the owner/manager of the company.
3. Verify the insurance protection and the qualifications of drivers.
4. Be sure that the company is licensed by the appropriate licensing authorities, both state and municipal; this is especially important if the vehicles will be crossing state or county lines during your wedding service.
5. Check to see if the company is a member of the National Limousine Association; this is some indication of reliability and service standards.
6. Know what the liquor laws are in your area and do not expect any exceptions for your wedding. For instance, in many areas, the use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in vehicles, and that includes champagne!
During peak wedding/prom/party seasons, the demand for transportation, especially for exotic vehicles, can easily surpass the supply, so you will want to start interviewing companies far enough in advance to allow for adequate choice and comparisons (three to four months should suffice). Be wary of companies who rely solely on phone answering machines, or who do not respond promptly to your initial inquiry. This could indicate poor reliability. Discuss your plans in general terms over the phone, and then make an appointment for a personal visit with those companies who seem able to meet your needs.
Finally, in the interest of romance, do not share your limousine ride from the ceremony to the reception with anyone else. These few minutes together are likely to be the only ones the two of you will have alone all day, and they are the first few minutes of your married life. Savor them, and keep them private.
