Wedding Transport Advice
Everyone knows it's tradition for the bride to be fashionably late for her wedding, but you do actually want to get there! There are many options available as to how exactly you do this. Vintage or classic cars are the most popular but there are a few alternatives if you want to make a bit of an entrance! Whatever you decide here are a few to tips to help you arranging your wedding transport.
Firstly you should look for a well-established, full time professional company, which is still likely to be in business when your wedding day comes. Choose a firm who knows the area well, knowledge of churches, reception venues and traffic conditions can be vital on the day.
Then before approaching any company decide on how many cars you want. Normally the Best man would accompany the Groom in one vehicle. The Bridesmaids, Pageboys and Mother of the Bride share a car. Then the Bride and her Father in a separate vehicle. After the ceremony the Bride and Groom travel together to the reception followed by the best man and the bridesmaids then both the Bride and Grooms parents. If the venues are close to each other and to home you can save money be having one car make two trips. Firstly, for the Mother of the Bride and the Bridesmaids and then for the Bride and her Father. This is only advisable if it is a short journey.
There are now a wide variety of unusual and rare cars available and it is no longer obligatory to have a white car, if you decide on a coloured car however think about your overall colour scheme and how it will look in your photographs with your bridesmaid's dresses.
Check what the chauffer will be wearing as you will want them to look professional. Also some will be happy to dress up in period if appropriate.
Always ask to view the actual cars that will be used for your wedding. Don't take for granted that Rolls Royce automatically means top quality, maintaining and operating vehicles requires professional expertise so make sure you choose a company that has several to choose from and that can provide back up cover should anything go wrong on the day.
Check charging policies - some companies will charge by the hour and some have extra mileage and petrol fees. A flat fee is often a good idea when you want to know exactly what you will be paying in advance. If you want the car to be in your wedding photographs make sure you arrange to have extra time for this. Have all arrangements confirmed in writing. Make sure there is plenty of room in the car for your wedding dress, and for your bridesmaids dresses especially if you are having more than one bridesmaid.
So all you need to do now is choose your car. There are many options available from a classic or modern Rolls Royce to a lovingly restored vintage American saloon, or even limousine to add a touch of glamour to the occasion. Whatever you theme there's sure to be something for you.
Vintage Cars are the most popular choice for weddings these days and there's certainly an immense range to choose from. Phantom III Rolls Royce, a pre-war taxi cab, a Bentley or an American Ford roadster to name a few. These cars are works of art that have been lovingly restored and maintained by enthusiasts. Often 1930's or older they have plenty of space in the passenger seats for hats and voluminous wedding dresses and veils. Some are actually reproduction, having been built in kit form, which means you can get all the benefits of a modern car with the glamour and romance of days gone by.
Classic Cars are also very popular for weddings and the traditional white Rolls Royce has all the glamour of the 50's with plush leather and wood interiors. The only possible problem with there cars is space - make sure you check that your dress will fit in the back seat before booking. Bridal cars in this category however are in high demand so it's best to book well in advance.
Horse drawn Carriages are a great alternative to a car if you are determined to turn heads on your wedding day. They are of course environmentally friendly but surprisingly efficient. It is advisable though to ask about timing because they will be slower than modern cars. Carriages can be open landaus, Victoria or broughams, which are either completely enclosed or available with a hood to protect you from the elements. Horses are specially trained and have an even temperament to deal with the rigours of today's roads. It is advisable to ensure that some form of covering is provided to protect your dress.
Limousines can be a great alternative if your wedding day has a modern, sophisticated theme. The interiors are super luxurious, with full access to mini bars giving you and your dad the perfect opportunity for a quick drink to settle any last minute nerves. Not to mention videos, DVDs and stereos plus mirrored ceilings and glamorous lighting. You can have great fun even before you arrive, and no need to worry about there being enough space for your dress.
Helicopters are fast becoming popular with the growing trend for castle weddings. As well as being the perfect way to get a birds eye view of the surrounding landscape you can be sure that neither you or your guests will never forget your entrance. You will need a football pitch sized space with no obstructing lines or pylons around your landing spot and of course permission from the owner of the land. You could also consider this as a very unique and romantic way to be whisked off to your honeymoon waving to your guests as they watch you fly off, quite literally, into the sunset.
Coaches are often supplied by couples who decide to provide transport for their guests and although this is not obligatory the close atmosphere of a coach encourages mingling and will be particularly appreciated by those who don't drive and those who want to celebrate with a few glasses of bubbly at the reception. Wedding coaches are available in all shapes and sizes from single to double-deckers and from vintage to ultra modern, which come with all mod cons including fridges and toilet facilities.
If you decide to provide your guests with transport to and from your wedding it is advisable to arrange one or two pick up points on main roads, as many minor roads are not designed for larger vehicles. Also you should consider hiring a coach that is slightly larger than you need in order to give your guests plenty of room.
Alternative Transport there are many suppliers now offering alternatives to the more normal modes of transport. From restored VW camper vans, modern and classic sports cars and motorcycles to name but a few. All can add that extra twist to your special day, if you dream it somebody out there can supply it.
Please do your home work and make sure that you check out all the suppliers, see the vehicles first hand and ask for resent references.
