The wheels on the wedding go round and round… You have guests that all need to get to the same places, at the same time. In addition to a limo or sedan for the newly wedded couple, transportation for wedding guests is often a necessity, if not just a classy and fun touch. Unique transportation choices, like a trolley or hayrack ride, can even become memorable aspects of your wedding day. This of course also depends on your budget. This Free Printable Wedding Budget Planning Worksheet will allow you to plan out a full budget with all aspects leading to your big day. Take a peek at our list of things to consider as you plan your wedding day transportation.
1. Who needs transportation & why?
If your wedding venues and guests' accommodations are not within walking distance, booking transportation will help get everyone to your wedding on time -- and home safely. Especially, if they've been drinking – you want to be sure to watch out for the safety of your guests. Providing transportation is also an added convenience, guests don't have to worry about directions, parking and late night driving. As they are riding, have them fill out these Wedding Guest Response Cards and put them into a box when they arrive at the reception venue.
2. Where is everybody going?
Start with a rough schedule of your day’s activities before researching transportation options in your town or city. Besides the ceremony and reception, make a checklist of what else is happening on that day (bridal party photos, Ketubah, marriage license signing, etc.) and where everything is happening. Is your ceremony and reception in two different places? Estimate the distance between the two venues and between the host hotels. You’ll need this information when getting estimates from transportation companies. You’ll want to know how long it takes to get from the hotel to the ceremony venue and from the ceremony to the reception. Remember, you’ll need separate transportation to get yourself, the groom, the wedding party, and immediate family members to the ceremony ahead of your guests, especially if taking photos beforehand.
3. How do guests get there?
Offer options if your budget allows! Trolleys, hotel shuttle, party bus, coach; cars/carpooling arrangements (for out-of-town guests) are a few wedding transportation ideas to get you started. The bride and groom, the wedding party, and family can travel in party bus, coach or limos.
4. How do they get home safely?
After the reception, all of your guests and family can travel back to the hotel together in a coach or party bus. However, you may want to make your grand exit before your guests leave. Examples: limo or exotic car with banners, streamers, and tin cans, or horse-drawn carriage. All in the day of a megawatt, multi-platinum couple like you. For more fun ideas, see your list of getaway car decoration ideas. Tips:
- Think outside the box - or in this case, outside the limo. Summer country wedding? Dress up a hayrack ride to get guests to and from town. Country club affair? Golf carts, of course! Guests will love getting into the spirit of your chosen venue and appreciate the lift. This would work perfect with our Rustic Outdoor Wedding theme. You can even decorate them with these Love is in the Air Balloons and Champaign Mylar Balloons! When they arive at the reception, have them walk in with the view of a these Champaign Pour Balloon Display.
- Consider varying shifts for departing guests. Older guests may wish to retire earlier - or not. You never know you will get the last mic drop. Gramps or Uncle Al might surprise you after an evening of signature wedding cocktails like this Plum Prosecco Cocktail.
- Save money by booking a larger vehicle rather than multiple vehicles and choosing a central pick-up/drop-off location, instead of multiple stops. Get Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding here!
- Hire a valet service to help with parking if many guests will be driving themselves. Family members could also help out with this as well as wedding ushers.
This wedding is really rolling now! Just four months until your big day! Wedding favors, ironing out ceremony details and creating a wedding candy buffet are a few of the fun items coming up next.
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide.
Article written by: Melissa Collier
