Riding in Style
Who wants to cruise up to her wedding in a same-old set of wheels?
Your big day is the perfect time to take a spin in a big, luxurious
car.
A gala occasion like your wedding calls for special transportation.
Sure you could get there in the back of your dad's old Toyota, or
even drive yourself, but when you are riding on cloud nine, who
wants to stop for gas? Here's are some of the ways you can get there
in style—and make a lasting impression, too.
Luxury Lines
Spacious limousines are great for a bride and groom dressed in their
finest.
BASICS
Limos feature plush interiors, complete with mood lighting and are
available in a variety of sizes, makes and colors (classic white,
black, midnight blue or gray; Lincolns, Jaguars and even new eight-passenger
PT Cruisers). Visual and audio entertainment and mini-bars ensure
your last ride as a single and first ride as a married couple will
be completely comfortable. Some limousine services treat their clients
like celebrities by rolling out the red carpet-or any other colored
aisle runner you would like.
BENEFITS
This mode of transport is ideal for keeping all the involved parties
in one place. Limos can hold as few as two or as many as 16 passengers,
and some cars take up to 20. Stretch Lincoln Navigators and Ford
Excursions seat around 18 people and offer plenty of comfort and
style. All the extra space allows you to travel with your wedding
party, so no bridesmaids are MIA-either lost or stuck in traffic-five
minutes before the ceremony. When you travel in a limo, you will
all get to the church on time and stress-free.
KEEP IN MIND
You may need to arrange for different transportation after the reception.
Most wedding packages include just three hours of travel. You don't
want your family and friends stranded at your site, so rent post-party
limos, make carpool arrangements or let the bridal party know that
they will need to find rides home.
Big Ideas
Need something more spacious? Look into mini-buses, coaches and trolleys.
BASICS
These larger vehicles hold 14 to 40 people (or more) and can be
of value to your guests, as well as to you and your bridal party.
In addition, you don't sacrifice any comfort or luxury: Buses often
have televisions (some even large screen), CD players (often with
surround sound) and mini-bars. Trolleys lend a historic look to
your wedding photos and give guests an open- or closed-air view
of the city.
BENEFITS
If you are expecting many out-of-towners at your wedding, large-size
vehicles can be a plus. Guests flying in for the wedding will be
grateful for a shuttle from the airport to their hotel or to and
from the ceremony and reception. Considering the number of people
they transport, mini-buses are economical, often costing less than
some of the largest and most trendy limos.
KEEP IN MIND
If you and your groom plan to take the bus, everyone will have to
stop for your wedding photos. So turn your ride into a pre-wedding
party, complete with champagne. Many companies offer complimentary
bubbly, but you may want to stock up on some other refreshments.
And if you are not in a rush, see if the company can give a tour
of the town while en route to the reception.
Old-Fashioned Charm
Many services offer antique Rolls Royces.
BASICS
You can find practically any classic car for your wedding if you
are willing to call around and write the check. Antiques have real
personality and can create a Happy Days or Great Gatsby kind of
mood. They might also make your grandparents feel quite sentimental-a
nice touch for your special day.
BENEFITS
An antique car gives your arrival a retro-feel. These gems cost
a little more than a limo of the same size. But, they're well worth
the price since you'll make a big impression on your guests. Often
drivers will wear a tuxedo or a pinstriped suit and a chauffeur's
hat to look the part.
KEEP IN MIND
Old cars may not be as dependable as an automobile circa 2001. When
hiring a classic car, you want to make sure both the company and
the car are reliable. "In spite of the car being an antique, it
should be well cared for. Depending on the make, most cars seat
two, four or six people comfortably. When booking your classic car,
you will want to ensure that its climate control capabilities are
modern-air conditioning is a must for a summer wedding!
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