5 Tips for Hiring a Wedding Limo

Once you’ve set an event date and determined how many people will be in your party the search for a limo service can begin.  Be aware that the driver and front passenger seats are included in the seating capacity of limousines.  Therefore, a 10-passenger limo seats 8 in the back. 

Pricing
Rates for limo service is typically contingent upon six factors:
1.    Type of vehicle selected
2.    Total time needed
3.    Pick up location - If the pick-up/drop-off location is in our local area, the chargeable time typically begins from the time the driver picks you up to the time (s)he drops you off safely at your destination.  If you are requesting a pick-up/drop-off in a non-local area, ask the limo company to split the cost of the drive time with you.  For example, if it’s a one-hour drive to the pick-up location and another hour upon return, you might ask the company to charge you for just one of those two hours.   
4.    Time of the year – Some companies offer discount prices between November and March, depending on your area. 
5.    Day of the week – It’s often less expensive to rent limousines Sunday through Thursday, as demand is higher on the weekends.
6.    Gratuity – is almost never included in the price of the rental.  You should plan accordingly and budget a gratuity of 20% for the chauffeur.

Payment
A non-refundable deposit is typically required to hold the date. Many limo companies accept major credit cards.  The balance is typically due on the day of service, but if you’re going to give payment directly to the chauffeur, you should plan to pay in cash (as most can’t process a credit card for you on the spot).  Better yet, pay by check or credit card a few days before the event – one less detail to worry about on event day.  The gratuity, however, should be paid directly to the chauffeur. 

Timing
Minimums – Typically, limousines have a minimum rental period of at least two hours, but sometimes more.  For a wedding, if your ceremony is long and/or there is a lot of time between your ceremony and reception you may want to consider a pick-up at the church to save money. 

What to Expect
You should make it clear ahead of time that you expect a clean, fully-detailed limousine to arrive on time with courteous, professional and formally-dressed chauffeurs.  Don’t be afraid to ask ahead of time questions such as:
•    What happens if I forget something back at the house?  Can I ask the driver to pick it up for me?
•    Who takes care of the “Just Married” decorations for the limo (for a wedding)?  Is that included in the rental cost?  Can they match my bridal colors? 
•    Will beverages be included (if passengers are of age)?  How about champagne? 
•    Do you provide any kind of “grand entrance” into the limousine after the ceremony?  Such as a red carpet, decorations, pillars, etc?  

Additional Notes/Tips
Friday night weddings are becoming a little more popular, but be careful of prom season.  It may be difficult if you don’t book your date far enough in advance. 

Ask about discounts available when you book more than one occasion at the same time: a wedding plus bachelor/ette parties, for example. 

Wine tours and spa/limo packages are becoming popular alternatives to the customary bachelorette parties.