{ Everything you need to know about Wedding Day Transportation }
Everyone loves the age old tune, "We're going to the chapel and we're gonna get married", but does anyone ever think about just exactly how they got to that chapel? Who's driving? Where are they coming from? Where are they going after? How much did it cost?
Although planning your wedding day transportation might not seem that exciting, it is actually a key element in making your wedding day run smoothly. But how do you know when to book your transportation, who to transport, and what company to use? Don't Fret! We've written an entire blog post to answer all of your transportation questions for your big day!
Photo: Jessica Pendley Photography
When to Book your Transportation
Typically, the time to start booking your transportation needs for your wedding would be four months out. However, if you are getting married in the months of April, May or June, you might want to book your transportation six months in advance to account for the high demand for transportation during prom and graduation season. Also, consider that these months are popular wedding months and other couples will be looking to book their transportation as well.
Photo: Lyndsey Pethel Photography
Who Rides
If you are getting married off site, such as in a church, you need to consider who you will need to transport you to the reception site. Traditionally, it is customary for the bride and groom to transport their bridal party to the venue. Often, many couples also include transportation for their parents, siblings that might not have been in the wedding along with their children and/or spouses, and the grandparents of both bride and groom. If the ceremony site is a lengthy drive from the reception site some couples provide transportation for all guests via a party bus or some type of shuttle depending on their budget. Providing a mode of transportation for your guests who want to enjoy an open bar and providing them a safe ride home is another thing to consider when it comes to your transportation needs. Whatever your transportation needs may be, make sure your budget accommodates for the transportation of your VIP members.
Don't forget about the get away car! At the end of the night the bride and groom will need some sort of transportation to get them from the reception to their next destination. Consider this when you are planning your budget and searching for rentals.
Photo: Hillary Leah Photography
When to Arrive
Having a detailed schedule of what time the ceremony starts and ends, when the reception begins, when the bride and groom exist, and when the guests leave is helpful when planning your transportation needs. If you are getting married offsite and transporting guests and or your bridal party two and from the ceremony site consider how much time you need to get ready or any other details when giving your driver a time for drop off or pick up. You never want to feel rushed before your ceremony or reception and you definitely don't want to be waiting around for your ride either. When deciding the times for pick up and drop off always add at least 10 minutes for traffic just to be cautious.
The Budget
Once you've decided on how many guests you are responsible for transporting, it's time to think about the budget. Calling around to inquire the availability and rates of different transportation companies is always a good idea. We have provided a list of transportation companies that have worked with us and The Walters Barn in the past in hopes that it will make the search a little easier. Also ask about wedding packages. Many companies provide wedding packages that can allow you to get more for your money.
Photo: East Creek Photography
Things to consider
Overcrowding: Just because a vehicle can accommodate for 15 passengers doesn't always mean that you should fit fifteen passengers. Consider the comfortability of your guests. Everyone will be in formal attire and a little added space never hurt.
No Direction: The last thing you want on your wedding day is a lost driver. Before the ceremony or reception designate someone to give a map to the driver with the address and some written directions to insure that they know exactly where to go. If you will only see your driver at the end of the night make sure to fax, email, or text them the correct address and directions before your wedding day so that they know where to show up at the correct time. Providing the number of your designated map giver to your drivers in case of an emergency is also a good idea.
All the Details: Make sure that your contract with your transportation company is very detailed and all written out before your big day. Be sure to include the date, time, and location for pick-up(s) and or send off and exactly which vehicles that you rented to be sure your getting what you paid for. Make sure to include the exact hours the vehicles are rented for, the payment expected for each driver (including the tips), and the total cost (including the gas and mileage). Also be sure to know their cancelation and refund policy just incase.
Photo: River West Photography
Transportation Companies who have worked with Soirees Southern Events: