Having a beautiful Las Vegas wedding means you will probably have a few out-of-town guests in need of transportation. Not to mention, you never want any of your guests (local or out-of-town) driving if they’ve had a couple drinks to help you celebrate wedded bliss! So, we at Bridal Spectacular put together five must-know tips any bride-to-be should know about planning your wedding transportation.
1) Plan at Least Six Months Ahead
After you’ve determined your wedding date, location and time, you should start searching for what type of transportation you might need right away — and that may be for more than just the wedding day. Perhaps you would like to coordinate a shuttle to pick your guests up from the airport or to and from the rehearsal dinner. Keep this in mind and be sure to book all of your wedding transportation needs at least six months in advanced or even earlier if your wedding lands in the midst of a car company’s busy season, such as homecoming or prom.
2) Budgeting & Scheduling
Generally, most rental companies will charge by the hour (anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour) and require a minimum time period, which is typically three or four hours. This means you will probably need to contract them for the full day on your wedding. In addition to the hourly charge, there may be sales tax and it’s customary to give a 15 to 20 percent tip. To plan the timing for each trip, a good rule of thumb to pad your times by 20 to 30 minutes. Meaning, if it’s going to take a half hour to get to your wedding site, then have your driver pick you up 40 to 50 minutes beforehand. With traffic, unexpected delays and the task of getting excited people into multiple cars, it’s better to be safe! Additionally, be sure to research any special events that might be going on during your wedding day that may add extra travel time. Also, if you choose to have a guest shuttle, be sure to provide them with the pickup location and time well in advanced. It’s also a great idea to have multiple departure times from the wedding so some guests can leave earlier if they would like.
3) Get Creative!
After you’ve determine what your wedding transportation needs are, you’ll need to start thinking of what type of vehicles you’ll want. Immediately, we all think of the traditional limo, but if that’s not your style or doesn’t go with your overall theme, then get creative! For example, you and your hubby can exit the wedding in style in a Rolls-Royce, an old vintage car or sports car and even a horse and buggy! For the bridal party, you can rent a pimped-out Las Vegas party bus, a stretch Hummer, or an old yellow school bus. Just keep in mind your overall wedding theme a get the plane, train or automobile that best coincides with that theme. Plus, unique transportation always makes for great wedding photos!
4) Take Care of Your Guests
Technically, you’re not required to provide transportation for any of your guests, bridal party included, but you want to be sure they all have the chance to celebrate without having to worry about how to get around — especially if you are having alcohol at your wedding. For the bridesmaids and groomsmen, consider renting them their own car, limo or shuttle. For your other guests, especially the out-of-towners, be sure to rent something that can accommodate everyone. If you get transportation that can hold up to 60 guests, then you can just have the driver take multiple trips. Or, if you don’t have the budget to transport everyone, then you can call a couple cab companies to let them know your guests will be calling so they can be prepared. Then have the cabs’ numbers readily available for your guests.
5) Personalize Your Ride
Remember, this is YOUR special day and you should be able to add personal touches if the rental company allows for it. Depending on the company, you may or may not be able to decorate, but be sure to ask up front. And, if you have special requests, let the company know that up front as well. They can usually accommodate requests, such as including a certain type of champagne in the car, a certain type of music player you need (like an iPod connection) or a specific dress code for the driver. Just ask your rental company about adding these extras into your contract before you sign. And don’t forget the music! Create a few mixes of your favorite songs for your trips to the ceremony, reception and at the end of the night. If you’re getting shuttles for your guests, create playlists for their rides also to help pump them up before you walk down the aisle!
For more wedding planning tips and ideas, please visit http://www.bridalspectacular.com or follow us on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest. And, be sure to save-the-date to attend our Winter Bridal Show January 17 and 18 at Cashman Center!
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