If you’re like many brides, you’re probably planning to hire a limousine company to transport you to your wedding. Before you start interviewing companies, you should think about what type of car or limousine you would like to rent, for how many hours, and write down any questions you would like to ask the company.
First, calculate how many people will be in the limo or how many in each limo. There are various types of limousine cars, each accommodating a specific amount of people comfortably. These are some standard cars available, however not all limousine companies will have the same cars available.
- Sedans (mostly Town cars, but sometimes Mercedes or special sedans)
- 6 Passenger Limousine (Seats 4 comfortably)
- 8 Passenger Limousine (Seats 6 comfortably)
- 10 passenger limousine (seats 8 comfortably)
- 12 passenger limousine (seats 10 comfortably)
- 14-22 Limousine SUV (typically Navigator, Escalade, or Excursion)
- 18-20 passenger Hummer
- Small shuttle bus (22-35 passengers)
- Coach Bus (45-55 passengers)
- Small limousine bus (14-22 passengers)
- Coach Limo Bus (28-35 Passengers)
- Classic Cars (Rolls Royce, etc).
Once you know how many people will be in the limo, you need to figure out how long you’ll need it. Most limousine companies charge by the hour, so it’s important to decide how many hours you’ll need. Also, most companies have an hourly minimum on Friday and Saturday nights, so if your wedding falls on one of these days and you only want a limo for an hour, you may still be charged the rate. minimal. Also, ask about their overtime rates. If your photography session runs a little over schedule, you may be charged additional fees at the time of service if the booking went over the allotted time. When inquiring about packages, many limousine companies offer a wedding package. Typically, a wedding package includes 3 hours, red carpet service, and often a champagne toast. Three hours of limousine service will cover your transportation to the ceremony, transportation to the photography location, and delivery service at the reception. You can also think about transportation home after the reception. The limousine company can schedule a pick-up time after the reception without having to wait for you during your reception.
You’ll want to book the company at least four to six months before your wedding. If your wedding is taking place between the months of April and September, you may want to book your transportation even earlier, as the most popular wedding months fill up quickly. Keep in mind that during the months of April through June, depending on the area, limousine companies also book proms, which can make your reservation plans difficult.
Call several businesses in the area and see how responsive they are to your questions and inquiries. It is important that they are responsive and courteous with your requests. When requesting your rates, also ask about the inclusion of tips, cancellation fees, and how overtime rates are charged. Limousine companies generally allow a fifteen minute grace period to allow for extra time, however once your grace period has passed you may be charged for extra time. Also ask what the vehicles come with, alcohol, music, smokers or non-smokers, refrigeration and/or food. If possible schedule an appointment to view your vehicle fleet.
Reserve your limousine with the company that you think will arrive on time, have the best vehicle and driver, and have the best price. For most people, price is not as important as service, so you don’t automatically choose the lowest rate, often in the limousine business, you get what you pay for. When booking, make sure you get a copy of the contract, the confirmation/reservation number, as well as your cancellation policy in writing. Confirm with the company if they are going to deliver the work or if they are going to assign the work to another company. If they plan to outsource the work (which is common practice among limo companies, especially for “hot” booking dates), get the name and address of the company so you can check their reliability, the condition of the car, and the service. If you’re not comfortable having your wedding transported by another company, let them know.
One week before your wedding, call and confirm your reservation and request a contact number for the driver. Be sure to check that the pickup route and addresses are correct. On the day of the wedding you can also call and confirm that your limo is scheduled to arrive on time.
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