Transportation

It is customary for the bride and her father to ride to the ceremony site together on the wedding day. You may also include some or all members of your wedding party.

Normally a procession to the church begins with the bride's mother and several of the bride's attendants in the first vehicle. If desired, you can provide a second vehicle for the rest of the attendants. The bride and her father will go in the last vehicle. This vehicle will also be used to transport the bride and groom to the reception site after the ceremony.

There are various options for transportation. The most popular choice is a limousine since it is big and open and can accommodate several people as well as your bridal gown. You can also choose to rent a car that symbolizes your personality as a couple.

There are luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, sports cars such as a Ferraris, and vintage vehicles such as 1950's Thunderbirds or 1930's Cadillacs. If your ceremony and reception sites are fairly close together, and if weather permits, you might want to consider a more romantic form of transportation, such as a horse-drawn carriage.

In some parts of the country, limousines are booked on a 3-hour minimum basis.

Questions:

Make sure you ask all the following uestions before selecting a transportation company:

• What is tile name and phone number of my contact person?
• How many years have you been in business?
• How many vehicles do you have available?
• Can you provide a back-up vehicle in case of an emergency?
• What are the brand names of the vehicles available?
• What are the various sizes of vehicles available?
• How old are the vehicles?
• How many drivers are available?
• Can you show me photos of your drivers?
• How do your drivers dress for weddings?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• What is the minimum amount of time required to rent a vehicle?
• What is the cost per hour? Two hours? Three hours?
• How much gratuity is expected?
• What is your payment policy?
• What is your cancellation policy?

Caution: Make sure the company you choose is fully li­censed and has liability insurance. Do not pay the full amount until after the event.

Consider hiring only one large limousine. This limousine can transport you, your parents and your attendants to the ceremony, and then you and your new husband from the ceremony to the reception.