Choosing your transportation begins with an assessment of who you have to take with you, and the size of your bridal party plays a big part. If it's just you and two bridesmaids, a slick luxury will get you there in style and the bride's parents can ride in a separate car.

Afterward, make sure you remember you'll need to transport the two of you and groomsmen as well. Some couples opt for a car for just them and car or cars for everyone else. The choice is yours. If the reception is within walking distance from the ceremony, you can hire a choir, musician, or, say, mariachi band to serenade you.

Be organized

• Play the Blushing Bride. Ask about wedding packages. Some places will offer you complimentary champagne or upgrades just for asking; others will include a discount if you book for the bachelorise and bachelor parties too.
• Time It Right. Most limos have to be hired for a three- or four-hour minimum. If your travel plans consist of one 15-minute trip to the church, you might want to go for a less expensive option, like a Lincoln Town Car, which is still technically a limo. If there are several legs to the trip, renting the car for the night may make more sense.
• Book Early. Reserve your car at least six months in advance-or more like nine if your wedding is in April, May, or June, which is prom season. Comparison shop to get a decent deal as prices (and quality) can vary wildly. (Hint: Limos that aren't white often cost less.)
• Check the Fine Print. Read the contract word-for-word and ask for a statement detailing the costs of the deposit and balance due. Make sure the following is in writing: the date, hours, and pickup locations; amenities; the driver's name and attire; the make, model, and colour of the car plus cancellation and refund policies.
• Save Up Front. Place the smallest possible deposit on the bill-20 to 25 percent-to minimize your loss if the service winds up being less than great. Plan on tipping 15 to 20 percent, but check the contract to find out if gratuity is already included.
• Drop in on the Car. Make the final reservation in person, not over the phone. That way you can inspect the cars and ask which one you'll be getting. Most places won't guarantee a specific car, but you can get an idea of the fleet.
• Meet Your Chauffeur. Have a conversation with your driver ahead of time. Make sure he knows not just where you're going but how to get there. Let him know if you have a special request or heads-up (you'll be bringing sparklers back into the car after the ceremony, for instance).
• Assign a Type-A. Designate a bridesmaid to call the driver 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time to make sure your ride is coming on time.
• Prepare to Pester. Be sure to get an after-hours phone number of someone at the limo company in case any emergencies come up.

Hopefully, you've already determined your transportation budget. Knowing your buying power will make it easier to choose services and proceed with your plan.


Who Pays

Contemporary grooms are generally expected to take charge of transportation arrangements. Traditionally, the bride's family pays the wedding party's transportation needs (to ceremony, reception, and wherever the couple's going afterward), plus any parking expenses. The groom's family covers just the groom's and best man's ride to the ceremony. Depending on whose footing the bill for other wedding items, transportation and parking fees should be easy to split evenly between families.

Car wedding decoration

"Just Married" - The Decorated Wedding Car Says It All

It's the tradition that lets everyone in town know you were just married: the decorated wedding car. Everyone is familiar with the sight - and sound - of the newly married couple driving away in a car covered with balloons and crepe paper streamers with tin cans dragging in the back. The decorated wedding car is a practice that a few friends and family members traditionally took care of without the bride and groom's awareness.

Flower Streamers and Garlands

Flower streamers and garlands can also be tied to the trunk, so they can dangle behind the decorated wedding car as it drives away. The flowers can be selected to fit in with the wedding theme. For a Hawaiian-style wedding, try palm fronds along with tropical flowers.

Flowers and garland can also be wrapped around the edges of the wedding car windows. However, be careful that the decorations don't limit driving visibility in any way. That goes for all wedding car decorations. While it's wonderful to be creative with wedding car decorations, remember that safety is most important. And take care that the wedding car decorations don't harm the car either.