All About Wedding Transportation

It's the most important ride of your life -- and the possibilities are practically endless! But whether you want to arrive at your ceremony in a stretch limousine, or make your post-wedding escape in something completely unique, make sure you check out our helpful hints below before booking your wedding-day transportation.

Consider Your Options
Romantic, humorous, and even outrageous -- there are all kinds of rides to choose from when it comes to getting to the church on time. Check out some of our favorite alternative transportation ideas that will have you coming and going in style.

• Horse-drawn carriage. If you can't make a fairytale entrance on your wedding day, when can you?
• Vintage automobile. Pay homage to your favorite era with a splashy, classy car from yesteryear.
• Horseback. If you're planning an outdoor, western-themed wedding galloping in (or away) on horseback is perfect.
• Hot air balloon. Taking to the sky is just right for a wine-country celebration.
• Bicycle built for two. For a short and charming jaunt between ceremony and reception, roll away on wheels (be careful with the dress!)
• Golf cart. If your ceremony and reception are on the grounds of a country club, tack a "Just Married" sign to the back of a cart and get going.
• Convertible. Whether you want to go cute or cutting edge, a shiny convertible is always a great look.
• Motorcycle. If you don't mind the windblown look, what could be cooler than easy riding on a Harley?
• Open-roofed double-decker bus. If you want to transport yourselves and your guests between the ceremony and reception, a bus is the answer.

Keep Your Budget On Track
Concerned about cost? See if you can save some cash with our suggestions below.

• Think small. If it's going to be the bride and 12 bridesmaids rolling to the church together, a stretch limo is a must; but if it's just the bride and dad or mom, a smaller limousine will save you a lot.
• Downsize. Are you really going to mix a martini and channel surf on the way to the ceremony? If you can cheerfully live without a fully stocked bar and a television in your car, downsizing the extras can definitely cut costs.
• Lose the limo. If your heart's not set on something fancy, consider hiring a luxury sedan -- they're elegant, much less costly than a limo, and provide a cozier ride to the reception for the bride and groom. If you're up to driving yourselves, a sporty convertible makes for a cute and classy escape.
• Hitch a ride. Not that many people are going to witness you rolling up to the ceremony (you'll either arrive long before guests or they'll already be seated). Steal some quiet time with one of your parents by letting them drive you, and save the fancy ride for your getaway.

Be A Smart Driver
Once you've mapped out what kind of transportation you want and how much you want to spend, it's time to start pinning down the details.

• Compare prices. There can be significant differences in cost between companies. Shop around to see which source will give you what you really want at the best rate.
• Insist on seeing the actual car that you will be using. Copy down the license plate (and let them know you'll be looking to make sure it's the same car that shows up on your wedding day).
• Meet the driver. Having a driver you like and trust (with a semi-familiar face) can really make a difference on the big day. A face-to-face meeting will help you determine if your driver is professional as well as friendly and personable. You should also make sure there is an understanding about appropriate attire, or you might get a nasty surprise on your wedding day (think T-shirt and jeans).
• Get it all in writing. Make sure the contract clearly states the correct places, dates and times, the specific vehicle, the costs of any extras, the rate, estimated total cost, amount of deposit, overtime fees (if any), and cancellation policy.
• Make sure it's clear what is (or is not) included in the bill. Limo drivers usually receive a 15-20% gratuity, which is often automatically added to the bill so you don't have to worry about providing a tip on your wedding day. (You will be glad for this because it will be one less thing to worry about!) Just be sure all the extras are defined up front.

Be sure to pick the form of transportation that best fits your budget and style. Then sit back and enjoy the ride!