Wedding Transportation for Today's Bride and Groom

Most soon-to-be-married couples don't think outside the box when it comes to wedding transportation. They open the telephone directory, search for limousines and then start calling around to find out which company is the least expensive. While a limousine is quite appropriate, it's also so very common. If you want your wedding day to stand out, you've got to get creative. Here are some transportation issues to consider beforehand and some alternative transportation ideas you may not have thought about.

Transportation is one wedding issue you want to tackle early on, six months to a year in fact, before the big day. On your checklist, it would happen after you've selected the venues for the ceremony and the reception, and after you've confirmed the number of wedding attendants you will have. Why? Because a big part of wedding transportation involves logistics, in other words, how many people can be transported to and from point A to point B and then to point C and how long will it take.

Begin with transporting the bridal party from the place where they will dress to the wedding ceremony. It is customary to transport all women (and girls) involved as well as the bride's parents. If the bridal party is so large that everybody cannot fit into the vehicle, it is possible to make multiple trips provided they are coordinated and discussed with the service provider beforehand. The groom and groomsmen arrange their own transportation to the ceremony and this is not something that typically is contracted out.

After the ceremony, anything goes. Many couples choose to have the entire wedding party transported from the ceremony to the reception, but it's acceptable to transport only the bride and groom, or the bride, groom, best man and maid of honor. If you'll be transporting the whole gang, again, multiple trips or multiple vehicles may be necessary. Once everyone is present and accounted for, the topic of transportation is over.

With that logistical information figured out, you're ready to begin your search. First, double-check the wedding budget worksheet to see how much money has been allocated for transportation. Your options can get pricey. Besides limousines, you can make a grand statement by being transported in a stretch Hummer or SUV, either of which can transport large groups. Classic or vintage cars are a stylish option. Other ideas include a party bus, a horse-drawn carriage, a boat, a snowmobile, motorcycle and side car, hot air balloon, or anything really that fits in well with the overall theme of the wedding. Of course a personal vehicle is always a fine option and is the least expensive.

Be sure to ask about wedding package deals like a free bottle of champagne, or transportation at the end of the evening. And always carefully review the contract before you sign. Make sure it states date, pick-up times, total costs and payment schedule, any extras you've agreed to, the driver's name and what he or she will wear, and the cancellation/refund policy.