wedding limousine planning

Utilize these wedding planning tips to ensure you limousine rental is safe and hassle-free.

what should you budget for your Wedding?

This depends on the type and number of vehicles you are planning to rent.  Please understand that most limousine services have a rental minimum of 3 hours.  Most services do not offer "pick-up" and "drop-off" service as this only consumes 1 hour of time.

Limousines are costly business assets; it is not cost effective for limousine services to offer their service for 1 hour.  Typically a 1 hour rental would consume more than 3 hours when considering travel times and vehicle preparation.   You cannot rent a hotel room for 5 hours; limo service is similar.

A typical wedding rental package runs from $250 - $500 for 3 hours of service depending on your vehicle preference.  Exotic vehicle choices cost much higher.  For example, a standard white 8-passenger stretch limousine would rent in the $250-$350 range while an exotic vehicle, such as a Stretch SUV Excursion would rent in the $500-$1,000 range - a big price difference!

 

when do you start shopping?

A good time to begin your wedding limo shopping is 6 to 9 months before your wedding date.  Delays in your shopping could result in not finding your vehicle of choice.  Conversely, most companies do not handle inquiries for service which extend beyond 1 year.  To be taken seriously by a limousine service, it is best to begin your shopping duties within a year of your wedding date.

can my bridal party fit in the limo? 

Most limousines simply are not big enough to accommodate 12-14 people.  Exotic vehicles can accommodate larger parties but are more expensive and limited.  When shopping, make sure you specify the number of passengers you want traveling.  Although a limo might be designated as a "10 - passenger" limousine, it may be difficult to squeeze 10 adults dressed in formal attire in such limos.

should I get a contract?


Having a contract with your chosen limo company is a wise decision which will help avert any problems in the future should your hired service not perform to your expectations. Sadly, many firms do not put their services in writing- you should require it!

what is a good time to hold my wedding? 

If you haven't yet planned a wedding date, we strongly advise picking a date which DOES NOT occur in the springtime.  Why?  During prom season (March - June) prices are exorbitantly high because the demand for limo service skyrockets.  Prom attendees scoop up all available services and many bridal parties are left without limo service options.

In the spring, bridal parties may find themselves with limo options that require 8 hours minimum and rental rates 30% higher than normal.

If your wedding date is in the spring, we suggest starting your limo search 1 year before your wedding date.  You should also plan on making reservations 1 year in advance as well.   For wedding dates during other seasons, 6 months is adequate.

do we pay while the limo is waiting? 


You still have to pay for the rental time during your wedding even if you aren't physically using the vehicle. Although the vehicle is not in use, it cannot be used elsewhere; even when there are 2 or 3 hours in between the drop-off and pickup. However, exceptions do exist when there are 6 to 8 hours between a pick-up and drop-off.

can we rent a limo for 1 hour? 

No. Most companies require a minimum 3 hour booking to rent a limousine. During prom season, expect this minimum to increase;  as much as 8 hours minimum.  High demand vehicles such as Stretch Excursions will often rent at full price with an 8 hour minimum.  Unfortunately, you are more likely to get struck by lightning than getting a limousine rental for 1 or 2 hours during prom season. Limo prices explode during prom season, including weddings!

are there any discounts for my wedding? 

Depends on the day and length of time rented. However, limousine services do not offer discounts during prom time.  Why?  The demand for limousines during the spring exceeds the supply.  This shortage causes an increase in prices and hourly minimums.   Some companies may offer a discount for a rental which exceeds 8 hours.

SAFE LIMO shopping FOR YOUR WEDDING

Limos.com advertisers are rated and reviewed by past users.  This gives you a level of assurance unmatched by any independent limo service or website.  Limos.com advertisers pay extra special attention to Limos.com clients because they know they can be publicly reviewed positively or negatively.

 

WEDDING LIMOUSINE RENTAL TIPS

DON'T MAKE A PRECIOUS MISTAKE!

Most people wouldn't hire the cheapest surgeon, or stay at the cheapest hotel, yet, many brides-to-be shop for a limousine service in this fashion.



The biggest mistake brides and grooms make when hiring a limousine service for their wedding is basing their decision solely on the "best price".  This translates into a large risk for you.  Getting the "best price" is like choosing a surgeon who offers the least expensive surgery -- a foolhardy choice. 
 

best limo price" shopping risks

RISKS YOU ACCEPT WHEN SHOPPING FOR THE "Best Price"

Your limousine does not arrive on time. You are late for your wedding ceremony.

The limousine is late. You miss your honeymoon flight and an special guided tour in Hawaii.

A 1989 limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door, not what you expected. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are embarrassed on your big wedding day. 

Your limousine chauffeur exercises poor customer service with the bride's mother and a verbal altercation ensues.  Your day is ruined.
 
Your limo breaks down on the freeway during transport to the reception. You and your bridal party miss the wedding reception where it cost $60 a plate, yet you saved $35.00 on limo service.

Your limousine service gets into an accident and does not have proper insurance to cover the damages involved in your injuries.

Your limousine arrives late for your wedding. The groom is transported to the church 1 hour after the ceremony was scheduled to consummate.  Wedding guests are bewildered and disgruntled.  Yet, you saved $50.

 

SMART WEDDING LIMO RENTAL CHOICES

WHEN RENTING, EMPLOY THESE GUIDELINES!
 

Ask to See The Company's Limos

Check out the vehicle you plan on renting. Some companies utilize older limo fleets . You don't want to be surprised on your wedding day when a 1988 limousine shows up at the church when you were expecting a year 2007 model!  Many Limos.com advertisers have pictures of their vehicles posted online with their company listings.

 

Get A Signed Contract For Your Wedding

Reliable and professional service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed-contract for service. Companies who can't supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to fulfill.

 

Ask About Limo Insurance And Permits

All limousines are required to carry commercial livery insurance and proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages and advertising services such as ours do not require the same in order to advertise. To protect yourself from "gypsy companies", ask for proof of these with your signed contract.

 

Ask About Limo Industry Associations

Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau also is a good research source- complaints about limousine services are not far behind auto mechanics complaints.

 

"The Limo Got Into An Accident!"

Don't be the bride which gets the "The Limo Got Into An Accident" or "We don't have your reservation" story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.




 

SAFE LIMO shopping FOR YOUR WEDDING

Limos.com advertisers are rated and reviewed by past users.  This gives you a level of assurance unmatched by any independent limo service or website.  Limos.com advertisers pay extra special attention to Limos.com clients because they know they can be publicly reviewed positively or negatively.