Dream Machines
Wedding Transport

Actually getting to your ceremony and reception is a big part of your day, and understandably you will want to do so in style. But there are so many ways that you can get the transportation that you want without the killer fees that wreck even well planned budgets.
Figure out how many people you actually need to transport. People get it into their heads that the list has to include Bride, Groom, Father of the Bride, Mother of the Bride, Bridesmaids, Flower Girl, etc etc. In reality, this isn't the case. The flower girl and ring bearer will probably be less nervous if they travel to the ceremony with their parents and have time to settle once they arrive but before the ceremony starts. My mother (Mother of the Bride) chose not to ride with us, but to be at the church to greet the guests as they arrived.

In the end, we had Bride, Father of the Bride and Bridesmaids in a hired car to the ceremony. Dad and I rode in one, the three bridesmaids in another. We hired two brand new white sedans from an ordinary car rental agency and had my two favorite uncles as drivers (they loved being a part of my big day!). The two cars cost us less that $100 each to hire and we had them for a full 24 hour period. I bought my own car ribbon for $3.

The groom and his groomsmen hired a luxury sports car from a car rental agency (NOT a wedding car agency) for less than $150 for a full 24 hr block. Not surprisingly then, the men chose to drive themselves! Not only did it make the day extra special for the groom, the car looked spectacular in the photos.

Other great tips on saving transportation costs:

• Always comparison shop. The prices on car rental can vary wildly.
  
• Always physically view the cars yourself. Your understanding of 'deluxe' can be vastly different to someone else's.
  
• Pass on the 'bridal special' of champagne in the car etc. Brides who have had this service often say the champagne wasn't good or that the ceremony and reception were too close together to have enough time to drink or enjoy it. If it is included in the prices, ask how much they'll discount the service if you pass.
  
• Barter to get the 'extras' for free. To get your business they might just agree and throw in a freebie like the red carpet exit from the car.
  
• Be sure to ask about time schedules and extra fees. A bride was charged $300 in fees just for being an hour later leaving her reception than she originally told the limousine company.
  
• Contact car clubs in your area. Whether it's vintage cars or Ferrari's, the owner's of these cars love having an excuse to show them off. Frances had a fleet of red VW Beetles for her wedding cars! Not only did they look fantastic, all it cost her was a small contribution to the VW Club's social fund!

Boys will be Boys! This vintage car stopped almost as much traffic as the Bride!

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