Transport

Organising a ride has never been so much fun.

Your transport to and from your venue is another part of the celebration where you can really have some fun. Just make sure that whatever you choose fits into what’s realistically appropriate for your venue – nothing’s so unique it’s worth ruining your day for. Look at it this way: a tuk-tuk driver won’t be able to putt you up a steep gravel hill; nor will a stretch limousine fit on a narrow country road.

With your wedding venue sorted, discuss your vehicle options. Work out how many people need to be transported and how many trips will be made. Traditionally, the groom, his best man and ushers travel to the venue first, followed by the bridesmaids and mother of the bride, followed by the bride and whoever is giving her away. However, it’s your day – arrange whatever feels best for you. Also consider any children, and whether parents will be included.

Unless you’re planning to make a seriously alternative entrance (for example, atop a horse or a retro scooter), don’t plan to transport yourself to the ceremony. You want your sojourn to the aisle to be happy and relaxed, and you’ll be thankful for the support of a chauffeur who’s clear-headed, reliable and responsible.

EVERYONE ELSE

If your venue is a long drive from town, or involves a tricky drive, it might be worth arranging a bus to pick guests up from and drop them off at a central location. Choose an ending time for the reception, (for example, 11pm) and inform guests of this time well in advance – therefore if they think it might be too late for them, they can drive themselves.

PRO POINTERS

✤ Do you know someone with an extra special vehicle? Save yourself some money by borrowing cars from family or friends. ✤ If you’re travelling to the ceremony with your bridal party or family, one of them may like to take the wheel. ✤ Drive the routes you’ll be using on the day at the time of day you’ll be taking them. Make sure you allow for traffic hold-ups. ✤ Ask your supplier if your wedding vehicles will be used elsewhere on the day. If so, consider using another service unless they can absolutely guarantee that the vehicle will be on time and cleaned properly before it comes to you. The more potential setbacks you can prevent, the better. ✤ A limousine could be a more practical option than you imagine. This type of vehicle has remained a popular mode of marital transport for good reason: not only are they luxurious, but some models seat up to 15 people, which means they’re roomy enough to enable both your bridal party and your parents to accompany you. W