Getting to the church on time

As you want to make sure that you are going to arrive in style, it pays to put some research into the type of car that you are going to choose. Your choice of vehicle is an important wedding detail which should not be overlooked.

Limousines are the popular wedding car choice. White remains the classic but there are now a wide range of colours and styles on offer. You might like to consider black, silver or even gold. If yours is a formal wedding, a traditional limousine is probably a good choice. They come with plush interiors and plenty of leg room. Stretch limos offer more space for really big parties and may come equipped with  mod cons such as mood lighting and minibars. For romantic, old-fashioned style you might prefer to hire a unique vintage or classic car from one of the many specialists.

No matter which car you choose you should know a few basic facts.
Whether old or modern, you are going to need a vehicle that is in good condition and that is reliable. The idea is that you arrive on time, in comfort and without any stress.

It is a good idea to visit the company you are thinking of using so that you can actually check out the cars. Look inside them. And don’t’ be afraid to ask to rent a particular one.

To help you choose which company to use ask friends and relatives for referrals. Or ask the company if you can speak to satisfied customers that have agreed to provide testimonials of their service.

Book in advance, especially if you have a particular style or colour in mind and are planning a summer wedding. Some advise customers to book as much as a year ahead.

Think about your dress/outfit and your comfort in the car. You’ll be able to imagine this when you see the wedding cars in person.

Think about the journey you’ll make and who’ll be in the wedding cars. It’s important that you think about where the pick up points are and exactly who you’d like to be in the wedding cars. Also, think about asking a relative or friend to take any large bags or luggage as wedding cars typically have little storage space (plus – you don’t want to spoil the look of the photo’s with unsightly luggage).

Think about timing – be realistic. Maybe you need two cars in order to get the wedding party to the locations in the right order and on time.

With open top wedding cars – think about your hair! On longer routes or if the weather isn’t perfect, part of the journey may need to be completed with the hood up.

Ask if the company has public liability insurance. There are many ‘hobbyist’ wedding car owners out there that may not operate as a proper business with the necessary safety and documentation. One easy way to sort through these is to check for insurance.

Ask if you get exclusive use of the car – understand what you’re paying for. Some firms have small fleets and will try to make as much money as they can during the key wedding season.  Most companies offer standard packages which include transportation to the church and from the church to the reception. However, they are sure to agree to take you anywhere you want to go for an hourly rate. Maybe you would like to go for a scenic drive to have some time alone right after you tie the knot and before you make your grand entrance at the reception?

Once you have found the perfect car and a company, get everything in writing to ensure that you won’t be stranded on the big day.