Transport and Wedding Cars

Arriving in style on your wedding day is the only way to go in the eyes of many modern day brides.

There is something truly unique about the ambience that is created as a bride arrives at her wedding day ceremony venue.  The air is full of anticipation as everyone eagerly waits his or her first glimpse of the bride as she steps out of her wedding car (or whatever mode of transport she has utilised).

In order to ‘get to the church’ safely and on time for your special day, it’s time to consider transport and wedding cars!

In the bigger scheme of things, your wedding vehicles may not seem a top priority in comparison to other elements such as your dress, cake, or reception venue.  And whilst in one way this may seem true, you do however, need to consider your options early in order to avoid disappointment. 

It is not uncommon for wedding transport companies to book out up to 12 months in advance.  Ensure that you allow yourself enough time to explore and book your wedding transport.

From horse-drawn carriages and vintage classics to modern stretch limousines and even wedding ‘trikes’, there are various options to choose from when it comes to planning your wedding vehicles.  

Consider the overall style and formality of your wedding and choose vehicles that complement this style.  If your wedding is a formal or traditional affair, classic and vintage cars, along with horse-drawn or princess carriages are a perfect choice.  On the other hand a more modern wedding may call for a sporty convertible or stylish limo. 

Take some time to consider all of your options and paint a picture in your mind of your perfect wedding.  This will help you to choose a vehicle that fits in with your ideas for the wedding of your dreams.  And don’t forget that wedding transportation doesn’t have to be limited to land-based vehicles.  Many brides have arrived to their weddings via boat, train and even plane – anyone for a skydive entrance!!!

Shop Around

Once you’ve decided upon the style of your vehicles, it’s time to start searching for the ultimate set of wheels.  Be sure that you shop around for wedding vehicles.  The first port of call is to ask friends or family, who have recently married, for advice and referrals.  Remember that word of mouth is often the best form of advertising. 

Take some time to browse through wedding magazines, your local phone books, the internet, and of course, The Bride Guide, for some wedding transport ideas. Jot down a few companies who may be of interest to you. 
It’s a good idea to make appointments with (approximately) three separate wedding transportation companies or chauffeurs before you book.

Once you have found some potential companies, it’s time to give them a call to arrange an appointment to personally inspect the vehicles and meet the staff.  It’s a good idea to choose 3-4, if possible.

It is advisable that you do not book vehicles without inspecting them first.  Whilst the photos in the magazines may look impressive, looks can be deceiving.  Ensure that you take your fiancé or a close friend or family member along with you.  Two sets of eyes and ears are usually better than one!

Take your time when inspecting the vehicle, taking into account the size of the vehicle, cleanliness, it’s condition both inside and out, interior comforts, maintenance an repair of the vehicle, whether there are any scratches, rust or damage, whether the vehicle has any odour, whether the vehicle is heated and air-conditioned and the overall appearance of the vehicle.

It is also advisable to view uniforms or attire that the staff may wear on your wedding day.
Should you be having a horse-drawn vehicle, be sure to view the horses to ensure that they are in good health and of a quiet nature.

Ask the company whether they have any display albums or videos of their staff and vehicles ‘in action’.  Testimonials from other brides may also be useful.  Ask plenty of questions and decide which company appeals to your personal style and transportation needs. 

Make sure that you also enquire as to whether the company is licensed.  State governments have regulatory control over the wedding car hire industry. It is illegal to use a non-licensed car if you are paying for their hire. Car hire companies may be fined if they are operating without a license and police have the right to stop a vehicle from travelling any further if they are pulled over.  This could mean that on your wedding day, your driver could be stopped by police, and if found to be travelling without proof of license, you will not be able to continue on to your ceremony or reception venue! 

So, if the thought of arriving to your wedding in a police car doesn’t sound overly appealing, make sure that you seek proof of the company’s license as a wedding car hire business.  A sticker can be found on most vehicles.  You may also check whether a company is licensed by contacting the Taxi Directorate in your state.

Lastly, ensure that you feel comfortable with the chauffeur in terms of their personality as well as their vehicles.

Ensure that you prepare some questions to ask each company before you meet with them.
The list below may be of assistance to you.

• Do they have recent examples of weddings that they have attended?  This will usually be in the form of display albums or videos. 
• Are the vehicles that you actually inspect and the staff that you meet with (at your appointment) the ones that will be used for your wedding day?
• How many people do the vehicles seat?
• Are the vehicles used for other weddings on the same day, or only one wedding?
• Are any food and beverages provided in the vehicle?
• Is the company licensed to operate as a wedding car hire company?
• How many staff / chauffeurs are provided with the vehicle?
• What wedding packages are available and what do they include?
• Are there any special offers available with the venue’s wedding packages (reduced price for off-peak, winter or Sunday weddings etc)?
• Do the chauffeurs carry umbrellas and assist the bride in and out of the vehicle?
• How long is the vehicle hire for?
• Are the vehicles heated and air-conditioned?
• What happens in the event of a vehicle breaking down?
• Are ‘back up’ vehicles always available?
• Are there any extra costs associated with the hire of the vehicle?
• When are deposits, instalments and final payments due?  How much will they be?
• Are there any cancellation fees?

In addition to these questions, you may wish to consider the following:

• Are the car hire company’s costs within your budget?
• Are the vehicles in keeping with the style and theme of your wedding?
• Are the vehicles available on the date that you are getting married?
• Are their chauffeurs familiar with the locations of your ceremony and reception areas?  Nothing would be worse that getting lost on your wedding day!
• Do the chauffeurs carry mobile phones, in the event of an emergency?  This really is a must.
• Don’t forget to consider how you will be getting to your hotel after your reception venue.
• If you have signed a contract, ensure that you have a copy, have read it and understand what you are signing.
• Quality over price is usually the best way to go.

There are a few other things to consider in relation to travelling on your wedding day.  The tips below should help to keep things running smoothly on the day.

• Ensure that you exchange contact numbers with each of your chauffeurs, photographer, videographer and reception venue.  This way, they will be able to communicate with each other, should they become separated on the day, or are running late.
• Keep in mind that you may not be able to take a great deal with you in the vehicle.  This is especially the case in older vintage cars.  If you have suitcases or other bulky items, have a relative transport them for you.
• Always be careful of your wedding dress when getting in and out of the vehicle, or when having photos taken near the vehicle.  You don’t want your dress brushing up against the tyres.
• If you have children involved in your wedding, it may be best to have them escorted to your wedding ceremony or reception by a friend or relative.  Many hire vehicles are not equipped to carry child restraints.  You can have the vehicle escorting the children follow behind the wedding vehicles and do a quick ‘change-over’ when you arrive at the ceremony.
• Allow enough time before your wedding ceremony for the vehicles to collect you, assist you into the vehicle, and to travel to your venue.  This may take a great deal longer than you may think.
• Be aware that many vintage cars that have had air-conditioning installed were not built to accommodate this.  On a very hot day, this may lead to a break down.  It may be best to travel without it.  Speak to the hire company in regards to this.

With all of these considerations on board and a little research on your part, you should be travelling comfortably and in style to your wedding venue!