Choosing the Right Transportation

How you arrive and leave your wedding can really say a lot about you and your fiancé and the tone you would like to set for your big day.  In 2013, we are seeing a variety of different ways to arrive and leave in style.  When choosing your transportation, matching your theme and who you are as a couple is very important.  If you are aiming towards a traditional and romantic vibe, then maybe choosing a limousine or a vintage car would be the best choice.  Or if your wedding is more about having a great time and is towards a modern theme, then choosing an exotic car could be the way to go.  In the year 2013, there are no boundaries.  Just make sure that the transportation you choose matches the theme and tone you are trying to set from the moment you arrive, to the moment you and your new spouse drive away to a Happily Ever After. 

The Limousine

                Traditional, romantic and convenient are all reasons to pick a limousine as your transportation to and from your wedding venue.  Even though the black and white options are still available, today they are not just the stretch limousines we have grown accustomed to.  Limousines can come in any shape, size and color you can ever imagine.  Limousines now come in the structure of just about any vehicle, including a Semi!  And not only can you choose the structure of your limo, but you can choose the color.  Have you and all of your bridesmaids pull up to your wedding in a stretch pink limousine, and have your fiancé choose his and his groomsmen’s transportation as well… maybe a black Hummer limo, or even a silver Semi.  Not only do limousines have a plethora or different exterior choices, but they have many interior choices as well.  Limousines can come with anything from having televisions, Champaign/mini bar services, and it is always nice to have your own personal Chauffeur to help with your belongings and to open and close the door for you.  When choosing a limousine, be creative, have fun with this decision, and to always remember the theme of your wedding day.

Vintage Cars

                Vintage weddings have been a major trend in 2012, and continue to be in the year 2013.  Nothing says romance and elegance more than a vintage-themed wedding.  When choosing transportation for this theme, be creative and choose a vintage car.  These gorgeous cars are an attention grabber and will be a car that everyone will want to ride in.  A perfect vintage car would be from either the 1920s or the 1930s.  Or if you are leaning towards an Old Hollywood Glamour theme, then choose a car from the 1940s.  Not only will this get you to and from your wedding venue, this car would make a magnificent prop and would capture breathtaking photographs.

Exotic Cars

                If fun, excitement and uniqueness sound like the vibe you would like to set for your big day, than an exotic car could be the perfect choice for you.  These big, bold and modern vehicles may be a fantasy vehicle for you and your fiancé, but it could become a reality to be able to drive one for your special day.  From a Bentley and a Rolls Royce, to a Lamborghini and a Mercedes Benz, these choices are the definition of luxury.  Not only will this set the mood for your wedding day, but we are sure your husband to be will be very satisfied with this decision. 

5 Advice Tips When Choosing Your Transportation

1.       Make sure to research, research and research some more.  You want a trustworthy company who will provide exactly what you ask for the day and time you ask for it.  So ask your family members, co-workers and friends if they have any advice or referrals.  Go on websites, look at newspaper ads, and read reviews and wedding blogs for any tips or references to a place near you that you can check out.

2.       Meet with many companies ahead of time to compare and contrast many different elements.  When going to these companies, ask to see the vehicle you would like to use and make sure this will be the one that you will have on your big day.  It is  very important to see what you are paying for before you sign any contract.

3.       Read over the contract very carefully. When signing a contract look for many different things.  Make sure the price is reasonable and know the time frame that that price covers.  Also see if gratuity is covered in that price or not.  Know what will be included and what will not be included in your price (mini bar for instance).  And most importantly ask if there is a contingency plan just in case something happens to your vehicle the day of your wedding.  Make sure there are back-up vehicles, and ask if there is a discount or refund if this were to happen.  

4.       Have your fiancé decide his form of transportation with his groomsmen.  The vehicle could be a decision he would like to make, so include him in the process.   Men usually know a lot about vehicles and this could be exciting for him to have his dream vehicle for a day. 

5.       Once again, make sure your vehicle correlates with your wedding theme and the tone you would like to set for your wedding.  2013 is a year of themes, and matching your vehicle to your theme is a very important detail.  

       BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

       Olivia

Make Sure Your Carriage Awaits You!

Most couples picture themselves in the type of car they will arrive in or depart from on their wedding day. Imagine walking out of a Rolls Royce for a touch of royalty, a limo bus for the partying entourage, a mustang for the rocker couple, or a limo for a hint of Hollywood elegance.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Let’s say you plan to rent a Rolls Royce for that big event. What time will it show up, at whose house, how long do you have it for, and how long will it take for you to go from A to B to C or D? I guess you can figure out what I’m trying to point out. What good is this beautiful or unique mode of transportation if you don’t have a schedule or timeline? A car is supposed to get you somewhere on time, and safely. A bride wearing a silk organza gown with a long veil cannot drive herself to the church, period, and she better not be late. It doesn’t make sense to prepare for months, or even a year, for a beautiful event, and arrive late.

Always allow enough time for each activity, pause and photo opportunity, while you’re getting in, sitting in and walking out of the car, in traffic and the weather. Give your schedule to the transportation company, or wedding planner, ahead of time so they know what to expect or even advise you if your timeline is realistic. Maybe you will need 6 hours instead of 7, or it could be different altogether for a horse-drawn carriage. Horses are not as fast as automobiles. But then maybe you just need the carriage for a couple of hours, from the chapel to your reception at the nearby winery. Please remember that you need to return the mode of transportation at the agreed time, or else the driver will leave, or you will pay for the extended hour.

Always, let me repeat, always confirm your transportation ahead of time, not the day of the wedding. Call the company a month ahead to confirm, and then a week ahead, and then the day ahead, just to make sure. Make sure to pay ahead if required so you don’t have to worry about it on your wedding day. Make sure to get the driver’s name and cell phone number for the day. The office number does not help you on a Saturday when it’s closed.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

So what do you do if your ride doesn’t show up? Anything can prevent your ride from showing up - your limo was rear ended, your uncle who is supposed to pick you up in his nice Cadillac misheard your instructions, or your best man didn’t fill up his tank. Here are a few simple tips if your transportation unexpectedly doesn’t show up or is extremely late. Plan ahead, and don’t panic. Keep a taxi’s phone number handy. Tell a relative or friend who has a working car to not leave you until your formal transportation shows up. If it can’t be helped, dial that cab company’s number and order a cab, or two if you have your bridesmaids or groomsmen with you. The most important thing is to not panic. Riding in those taxis may be one of the funniest and memorable moments if you stay positive.

The message I’m driving at, excuse the pun, is it’s not just the style or mode of transportation that will get you to your long awaited event, but it’s also you planning ahead, and keeping your cool.