Are you planning a wedding? Hiring the right vendors is half the battle! Remember, transportation plays a huge role in events like weddings, whether you're looking to carry your wedding party or as a shuttle for guests. The timeliness and professionalism of your tranportation provider is more important than you think. Here are some pointers to reference when you're looking for the best wedding transportation.
It's vital to choose a company with experience. This means they have been to your destination in the past, know the route, and any other stops along the way like good wedding picture locations. You want to have the most efficient company at your wedding, and one that doesn't have to figure out where to park the bus, or turn around, or when to pick you up. Make sure to ask about their experience with your venue during your initial phone call or meeting to ensure you're making the best decision. And it never hurts to ask about the individual driver’s experience, and how they are vetted - whether through background checks and/or drug testing.
Another smart move is to plan on reserving a bigger vehicle than what you think you will need. We say this because transportation providers don't set the sizing capacities for vehicles; departments of transportation are responsible for that. The thing is, they only consider one seat to be around fourteen inches! Often times, adults take up much more space than this, especially if they are wearing dresses with fully-lined skirts. It's also a good idea to leave space for your photographer or videographer as well, because there are a lot of moments to be captured while en route to the wedding destination.
Whatever you do, make sure that you totally understand the contents of the contract that you will sign when you've locked down your transportation vendor. Each contract will vary from one company to the next. Is alcohol allowed? What happens if people are running late – at what point will you be charged overtime? Is the number of people final, or can you squeeze in a few more at the last minute? If the drivers are working all night, do they require meals? It's also good to be informed about what they consider to be damage so that you're on the same page!
Also make sure you are clear on the pricing. While one company might advertise a price that includes everything, another may say that they do, but add in fees for regular things like gas and mileage. And don’t forget your drivers. Some companies require a driver tip; for others it is optional. Either way, it is customary in this area to make sure they get at least 20% for their hard work. To make it easier, put the tip in cash in an envelope and give to your day of coordinator to hand out at the end of their run.
Keeping this information in mind will lead you to the best transportation solution for your wedding, and a seamless experience for your guests. And, lastly, remember to slow down and enjoy the process yourself!