How to Choose a Limousine Service for Your Wedding Day
Choosing the type of limousine and the company to hire for your wedding
day sounds like a simple task but in reality, it should be done in the
same thorough manner as booking other vendors for the wedding reception.
There are many aspects to consider when renting
wedding limos so it is
best to organize and plan in advance so that you can conduct your proper
due diligence before signing the contract. And a written contract is
required for all wedding vendors.
Before speaking with prospective wedding limousine companies, decide
what portion of your budget will be allocated to wedding day
transportation. The total transportation allowance will depend on:
• how many cars you require,
• how far the travel arrangements (for example are the church and
reception in the same city?),
• how many people require transportation (will the couple be the only
people using a hired vehicle, will it be the couple and wedding party,
or will all guests have access to limo rides when leaving the reception)?
• how many hours the vehicles are required?
Once you have a good idea of what you require, then you can start calling
limo services to set up appointments to meet in person and see the vehicles. At
the meeting, you should be aware of several points that will help you make your
final decision when reserving a wedding limousine service.
• It is important to interview the person who owns the company to ensure that he
or she is personable and caring. The wedding day is a very emotional event and
dealing with people with whom you cannot connect will undoubtedly cause much
grief.
• In addition to the interview, it is equally important to see the car. And do
not make the mistake many people do when booking a company. Although the car is
an important piece of the wedding that you want people to see, the look of the
car is not the critical issue. Do not make any decision solely because you like
the fancy fleet you see.
• At your meeting, you should inquire about maintenance and safety of the
specific vehicles being used at your wedding. Ask to see insurance certificates
and whether the company's drivers have excellent driving records.
• When looking over the vehicles, take note of the cleanliness and general
appearance. Does the company take pride in their cars and do they keep them well
maintained on the inside? Or are the seats full of cigarette burns and are the
mats muddy? All of these conditions are reasons to avoid a company.
• Reserving a limousine is not a last minute wedding task. During peak times of
the week and year, vehicles-for-hire book out very quickly. Be aware of special
events in your city the same weekend as your wedding as that will indicate that
you require a longer lead time when choosing a company.
• Make sure you ask specific questions and that your written contract is
detailed as it relates to
- costs,
- services involved,
- how the chauffeur will dress,
- how many vehicles are reserved,
- the color and type of vehicle,
- how long the driver is expected to work,
- and any other costs that may be added to the final bill.
• Discuss in advance any extra charges for overtime. If the driver agrees to
stay longer if requested, a rate must be stipulated in the contract to safeguard
you from large overages.
• The contract should also include obvious details such as the date of the
wedding, the time the driver is to arrive, the location the driver should pick
everyone up and to where he/she is going throughout the day.
• Understand the liability and who is responsible for what.
• The contract requires specific information about what is expected should one
or more of the drivers not show up for the assignment.
• And finally, the contract always includes the deposit required, the total
amount and the final balance due date.
One last thing: when on a wedding abroad, make sure you understand not all countries have the same selection of wedding limos available...