Getting yourself, and your guests, to your wedding on time may not be one of the first things you think about when you start planning your wedding, but it is an important consideration.
There are plenty of reasons to line up transportation services. Here are some of the most common ones:
-You'd like to provide transportation for your wedding party and close family (parents, siblings, grandparents).
-Out-of-town relatives are more than 30 minutes away from your venue.
-Your ceremony and reception venues are not close to each other.
-Elderly or disabled relatives will need a ride to and from your wedding.
-You want to make a dazzling wedding exit.
And if you do need transportation, there are more decisions to make, from how much to spend to how to find the right service.
We’ve covered some of those things below, along with 15 tips for lining up and working with transportation services.
1. Wondering who should pay? Traditionally, the bride's family covers transportation expenses except those of the groom and the groom's parents.
But, whether your family is paying or you and your partner are, we encourage you to think about transportation early in your planning process and include it in your budget. Your costs will depend on the number of people you need to transport, the season, your location, and the type of vehicle you’re considering.
In 2023, the average cost for a stretch limo was $350 to $500, while party buses range from $800 to $1,200. Trolleys, another fun option, can range from $1,200 to $2,200.
2. Your options for transporting guests include limos, passenger vans, cars, a trolley, a party bus (usually has fun amenities from disco balls to light shows), and even a school bus. (Yes, some couples rent school buses. They cost about $200 to $500 for eight hours.) Overall, the average cost of wedding transportation is $800.
3. As you select vehicles, remember that your guests, who likely will be dressed up and might be carrying a gift, won't want to be packed in like sardines. Don't aim to max out the space in a limo for 12 to 14 people. Find an option that matches your budget and keeps your guests comfortable.
4. If you will need transportation services, try to book them as soon as possible: right after you line up your location. This is especially important if you’re wedding will take place during the prom season or the holiday season.
5. Don’t consider a transportation service unless they can show that they're licensed, insured, and have a great safety record.
6. If you’ll be married at a wedding venue, ask your contact if they can recommend any transportation services. They may even have an agreement or partnership that can help you get a discount.
7. While you're talking with your venue about transportation options, have a conversation about parking for guests who transport themselves. Will valet parking be provided? Is there anything your guests should know in advance? Is overnight parking an option for those who’ve been drinking?
8. As you request quotes from potential transportation services, ask them to include gas, mileage, and tips so you can make sure your final choice remains within your budget.
9. As you would with any contract, read your transportation service's agreement carefully, including their policies for cancellations, refunds, hours minimums, overtime, and pickup and drop-off times.
10. Keep the people you'll be transporting in the loop. If you'll be providing transportation, share details about what you've lined up and timetables. Provide contact information for the service provider.
11. If you opt to transport multiple guests in one vehicle, make sure the driver has a complete list of the people they'll be picking up, along with their addresses and phone numbers.
12. Unless you have the budget to provide transportation for all of your guests, you should connect the people coming to your wedding with the resources they'll need to line up their own transportation. Include details about public transportation, nearby hotels that offer shuttle services on your wedding website, and your venue’s parking information.
13. If you're counting on guests being able to request a ride from Uber or Lyft, consider your location and make sure there’s no risk of spotty cell phone service or limited drivers there.
14. Look into discount codes. A number of transportation services, from limo companies to rideshare programs, offer discounts for groups and special events.
15. You may be able to get a discount if you use the same transportation service for pre-wedding events, like bachelor and bachelorette parties, in addition to your wedding.
The Bell Tower on 34th is an elegant wedding venue, suitable for indoor and outdoor events. Our venue near Cypress, TX, offers excellent service with customizable packages.