Here Comes the Ride
Plan ahead for your transportation needs

Transportation, once thought of as simply getting the wedding party from point A to point B, now fills an expanding role in wedding planning. Naturally, bride and groom have the need to get to the wedding site on time, but there is so much more to finding the right “ride” for the day. Read on:

Transporting the Wedding Party

To begin with, it is traditional to arrange transportation for the bride and her attendants to the ceremony. Typically, the best man gives the groom a lift to the wedding; afterward, the groom joins the bride if there is transportation between the wedding and reception. Chauffeur-driven transportation should be provided for the bride’s parents, for the children in the wedding and for the wedding attendants. Recognizing that you don’t want to squeeze too many people into each vehicle, this could amount to two or three limousines.

Local transportation options—from traditional limousines, sedans and vans, to trolley cars, vintage autos, mini coaches, horse-drawn carriages and SUV stretch limousines—abound, so some prioritizing is in order. Personal recommendations from friends, wedding consultants and other trusted vendors, will ensure that your transportation needs are met by dependable professionals.

Out-of-Town Guests

Concern for the safety and comfort of your guests may prompt you to arrange transportation for the out-oftowners as well. With many families traveling long distances to attend weddings, sometimes in unfamiliar destinations, it’s a nice treat to offer bus service between the wedding and reception sites—or from guests’ hotels to the wedding. This virtually eliminates the possibility of late arrivals due to confusing directions or poor mapquesting. Moreover, you won’t need to be concerned about your guests drinking and driving after your reception. This added touch will impress your guests and make them feel pampered and appreciated.

The Fine Print

When reserving transportation, be sure to get a written contract that specifies the number of people who will need transportation, the specific vehicles for each purpose (try to choose the vehicles yourself), vehicle rates, liability information, vehicle rates, deposits and additional fees such as taxes and gratuities.

Be sure that all insurance and state licenses are current, and ask about the drivers’ attire. Don’t forget to confirm the air conditioning! Since Arizona clearly has a peak event season (October to May) be sure to start looking and booking early in the planning process.

As with all of your wedding vendors, follow up with a confirmation call at least a week before the wedding to be certain there are no unanswered questions.

Photography:
Something Blue Photography