Transport

On-line Wedding Planner

The Bridal Party

In terms of wedding etiquette, there is a correct order in which the bridal party arrives.

It is the important responsibility of the best man to arrange transport for himself and the groom. Generally the best man drives to the venue in his or the groom’s car or arranges a taxi but they should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.

The bridesmaids are next to leave for the ceremony venue normally accompanied by the bride’s mother.

The bride and her father follow a few minutes later, arriving a short while before the ceremony begins to allow time for the photographer who will be waiting for the bride’s arrival.

After the Ceremony

The car in which the bride and her father arrived will be waiting to take the bride and groom to the wedding reception following the ceremony. The bridesmaids and the bride’s parents will travel in the same car in which they arrived before the ceremony.

Guests are responsible for their own transport although it is the duty of the best man and ushers to ensure everyone gets to the reception on time and to arrange transport for any elderly or disabled guests in the wedding party if necessary.

Wedding Transport

There are many options when arranging transport for the wedding day. It is a common sight to see neighbours and friends standing in the street to wave off the bride and other members of the wedding party from the family home.

The mode of transport is dependent on your personal taste and the budget you have allocated but here are a few of the more usual and also unusual options available.

Modern Cars

Modern cars are defined as a car built from 1990 onwards and are usually finished in white or silver to compliment any wedding colour scheme. Models made by Rolls Royce, Bentley, Mercedes and Jaguar are available to hire from reputable wedding transport providers. This type of car is spacious and air conditioned to drive you in style to your wedding venue and usually seats up to 4 passengers. A people carrier or MPV is a popular choice if you need to transport a larger group of people in one journey and these carry up to 6 passengers.

Limousines

Stretch Limousines are the perfect choice if there is a large wedding party that all want to travel together in style typically seating between 8–16 people. A limousine is certainly a head-turner complete with luxurious interior, complimentary bar and hi tech sound system.

Typical stretch limousines are manufactures by Ford, Chrysler and Hummer.

Classic Cars

A classic car is one of the most popular choices of wedding day transport. These elegant models have been typically manufactured between 1950-1980 by Rolls Royce, Daimler, Bentley and Austin. These sumptuous and comfortable cars boast leather seating and walnut trimmed interiors and seat up to 4 passengers.

Vintage Cars

Another popular choice to make a grand entrance is the vintage car which evokes memories of an elegant bygone era. Manufactured between 1920-1940 the vintage car is often less spacious than a modern vehicle however larger models are sometimes available. Today, some models of vintage car are very rare with only a few working models still in existence and therefore hire charges are more expensive than some other forms of transport.

Horse and Carriage

Open carriages are one of the most romantic and spectacular sights although they do have a few disadvantages which should be considered.

Firstly, they are only suitable for short journeys and extra time needs to be allowed to arrive at both the wedding venue and reception. Some companies will only travel within a given radius whereas others will transport the horses and carriage further afield. Obviously the further a company has to travel, the higher the cost.

Secondly consider the time of year you plan to marry. Whilst an open carriage is suitable for weddings held in the summer months, in colder weather conditions it will be necessary to check that the carriage has a protective hood or is heated. Due to their popularity, open carriages will need to be booked well ahead of the wedding date.

The cost of hiring a horse and carriage will vary from company to company so it is wise to contact a few to compare prices however you can expect to pay between £350 - £600.

A Guide to Arranging Wedding Transport

· Check availability.

· Photographs of wedding cars on websites or in brochures may be misleading so go in person whenever possible to view the cars yourself to avoid any disappointment on your big day.

· Make sure the company you choose have knowledge of the area including the route to the church and venue.

· Ask if the company supply decorations such as ribbons, floral arrangements and champagne if required.

· Make sure your quotation includes everything to avoid any hidden charges for extras.

· Obtain the agreement in writing to confirm the type of car, collection time and place and the ceremony time.

· Find out what arrangements are in place for a replacement vehicle in the event of the transport breaking down.

Budget Weddings

If you have a limited budget there are a number of ways in which you can reduce the cost of wedding transport. One option is to hire a car for the day or weekend. Many hire car companies have models which are suitable for an occasion of this kind as well as special hire rates.

The other option is to use your own car or that of a relative or friend. Ensure the car is in good working order and clean and decorate it with ribbons for that special touch.

Unusual Transport

Many couples now consider unusual ways in which to arrive at their wedding ceremony and there is no end to the imaginative options now available. Obviously these methods of transport are usually quite a lot more costly compared to the more conventional ways so budget is always an important factor and practical limitations will also be an issue for some of the choices listed below:

Ferrari

Morris Minor

VW Beetle

Cadillac

Camper Van

London Cab

Fire Engine

Bus

Motorbike

Fire Engine

JCB

Tractor