When it comes to your wedding, you need to strike a balance between glamour, practicality, sophistication, and style.  This is especially the case where transportation to and from the event is concerned.  There are numerous factors to consider before selecting the mode of transportation rather than just going for the cheapest or the most lavish type.  Consider the following factors before selecting the type of transportation.

Estimate the length of the journey and time factors

If you commute to and from your job, you are already aware of the fact that it can take you 30 minutes to travel 5 miles on a congested freeway whereas another route will take only 20 minutes to travel 3 times farther.  We recommend that you do a dry run to get an idea of road and traffic conditions.  Additionally, if the wedding is scheduled for 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon, you should do the dry run some Wednesday so that you can arrive on time at the facility where the event is to be held.

The travel route

Careful consideration should be given to the route that is taken to reach the event, especially if you are venturing a bit from the norm.  The type of road and its surface, as well as low bridges and narrow backroads are all factors to consider.  Should you be interested in making that “grand entrance”, such as by air or water, you’ll need to consider other key factors. Right-of-ways, routes that can be legally taken, and whether or not certain restrictions apply based on the time of day that the event is being held are all key aspects that you need to consider.

Consider transportation costs and your budget

People have come up with some really ingenious twists when it comes to transportation to and from their wedding.  Naturally, the most common is the chauffeur and limousine, but others have conducted a more stunning entrance of sorts say by boat or helicopter depending on their budget, the location of the event, and the season of the year.  What is important here is that you have the money to afford the type of transportation you want to hire.  Helicopter rides are a classy way to get to and from the event, but they can have a bigger impact on your wallet than the affair has on your guests.

Choices of transportation are numerous

Whatever type of transportation you select, keep a couple of things in mind.  First of all, don’t rush it.  Shop around thoroughly.  However, if you have decided on a particular transportation choice already, it is wise to reserve it as soon as possible because there is always the chance that it is a one-of-a-kind availability factor involved and someone else may be considering that transportation choice as well.

Considering that your wedding day is a special occasion, you’re not going to want to drive in your commuter vehicle or ride the subway like you normally would during the working week, hence the popularity of hiring a chauffeured limousine.  But there are other venues to consider as well.  For instance, instead of the chauffeur and limo routine, you could rent a classic car for the event and possibly the honeymoon.  The color of the vehicle, whether it is a limo or a vintage car, could be black or white. Although the color white screams “wedding”, a black vehicle is suitable for all types of occasions and special events. Why not go all out and opt for a pink one? The choices are endless.

Keep in mind that there are other options besides limousines and vintage vehicles.  For instance, you can hire a horse and carriage, which numerous couples have done.  In fact, some have even made the trip on horseback with no carriage attached.  In any event, you may want to consider hiring a professional to decorate the carriage, limo, or vehicle, unless you think you can handle that yourself.  Suffice it to say, you will have enough on your plate on your special day, so time is of the essence when it comes down to the final moment that the event begins.  Another twist on the carriage theme is a horse drawn sleigh transporting the bride and groom on a wintry day.  Naturally, having snow for the sleigh to transverse adds to the atmosphere, but doing it this way if it is snowing may not be the wisest of choices.  So keep that in mind.

With all the details and hecticness involved in planning a wedding or other special event, having special transportation may not be high on your list of priorities.  The key is that if the transportation is for your wedding or a special event of equal importance that you definitely want to travel in style and let someone else do the driving.

Arriving in style even with a strict budget

Despite the type of event, sometimes a budget can put a serious crimp in the flash and glamour factors.  Believe it or not, you can still show up in style at your wedding or special event.  Here are a few recommendations for how you can pull this off:

Down-sizing your transportation – a stretch limousine can be excessive if it’s a small wedding party.  Most standard limos today will accommodate up to 6 adults comfortably. If you have 1 large limo however, you might not need to also get a car for your bridal party.

Designate the driver – you may have to dump the idea of the chauffeured limousine for a decent rental car.  You can always recruit someone who is attending the event to do the driving.  Just remember to keep them sober when they’re driving that rental vehicle.

Dump the amenities – you may have to give up some of the flash and panache in order to fit a stylish entrance into your plans.  For instance, a sunroof and television add to the cost as well as being unsafe distractions for the person operating the vehicle.  Dump the pricey extras and put that money towards more critical wedding or event details.