This is our first of several weekly guest blog posts.  We will have more guest sharing information on entertainment, flowers, jewelry and venues over the coming weeks. Please be sure to check back.

This week we welcome Heather from Grace Limousine who offers helpful information on choosing the right transportation for your special day. Be sure to visit their website or Facebook Page for more information.

A Graceful Arrival

Choosing the right transportation for your wedding & avoiding common mishaps

The venue is reserved, you’ve met with your photographer, you chose your favorite cake and the florist knows your color scheme…so how do you choose the right transportation company?

Number one, ask around.  There really is no better way to get “the goods” on a transportation company than asking people who have used one.  Ask your friends who have been married recently, ask other wedding vendors that you communicate with.  Search around and you’ll find that most businesses have built a reputation (if they have been around for a while).

Get on the phone.  Call the transportation companies that you are interested in to get a feel for their customer service.  You can get an idea through email, but if you can spare 5 minutes on the phone I highly recommend it.  Be prepared to offer information such as:  date and time of your event, locations of pickups (where you & your fiancé are getting ready),  number of people needing transportation, ceremony and reception locations, specialty vehicles you might be interested in and any other helpful information.  Rates and packages are based off of the above details, so offer up as much information as possible in order to get an accurate quote.

Interview the Events Coordinator.  Wedding transportation is a specialized service and you have every right to interview the potential candidates.  Here are some great questions to ask that will help you make a decision you can feel good about:

• How long have you been providing wedding transportation in this area?
• What types of vehicles are in your fleet (year, make and model)?
• What is included in your wedding package?
• Are your vehicles smoking or non-smoking?
• How prepared are your chauffeurs?
• Will I receive a contract outlining the details of my reservation?
• Is there anything that makes your company unique?

Don’t be afraid to present possible scenarios to the events coordinator to test their problem solving skills!

Visit the showroom.  While it’s best to make an appointment, you can also learn a lot about a company by just showing up.  You will see the chauffeurs coming and going, the detailers shining the vehicles, the office staff taking reservations and the dispatchers making sure everything runs smoothly.  This is your opportunity to view the fleet and inspect the operation that will ensure your prompt arrival to the most important event of your life.

Don’t automatically go with the cheapest.  If the lowest-priced company also gives you the most confident feeling then great!  Often a cheaper package will reflect a lower level of service and you want to be treated like royalty on your wedding day…red carpet and all!

Book early if you want a special vehicle.  Transportation is not at the top of the to-do list when you first get that engagement ring, but if you want to arrive in a unique style, make transportation a priority.  Vehicles that often book into the coming year include vintage types (Rolls Royce, Bentley), stretch SUVs (perfect for large wedding parties) and limo coaches.

Go to a Bridal Expo.  This is a great opportunity to meet the chauffeur that will take care of your on your wedding day.  Unlike your florist, cake artist, or jeweler, your chauffeur is going to be present during your wedding festivities.  Most transportation companies will bring at least one chauffeur to the wedding shows and it’s the perfect chance to meet them and request them for your wedding day.