With so many details to consider in planning a wedding, it is easy to overlook the most obvious. You've coordinated times with the caterer and band, made accommodations for out-of-town guests, and garnered "something old, something new, something borrowed, [and] something blue."
Still feel like you're missing something? With the hustle and bustle your wedding has become, that sinking feeling that you've forgotten an important detail looms ominous in the back of your mind. You want to make sure that everything is taken care of, down to the transportation you will need from the ceremony to the reception. You know that you need to leave your ceremony in style, and this is no detail to leave to the last minute.
Limousine services and horse-drawn carriages are two of the most popular and elegant ways for couples to make their "getaway." Whether you are after a sophisticated wedding bash or a traditional celebration, there is a mode of transportation to suit your needs, as well as your tastes.
You should begin planning your wedding transportation within a year of your wedding. If a limousine service appeals to your idea of the perfect wedding, ask around to find friends who have employed these services with reputable companies. Don't just pick a name out of the phone book -- you have to do your homework to find a company that will be sensitive to your needs.
When you go visit the various companies, check out the exact car or cars that you would be renting. Make sure that they are nice on the inside as well as the outside, and that whatever services you would contract to receive are in working order. Find out what resources the company is prepared to call upon in an emergency. Are there extra cars available in case yours breaks down? Copy down the license plate and/or serial number of the car you like to make sure that you receive that exact one.
Also verify that the company has the proper licenses and sufficient insurance. The State of Ohio issues "livery stickers" to those companies who present valid insurance, and these stickers must be on both the front and rear license plates.
You may also want to ask for and check references, as well as call the Better Business Bureau, the National Limousine Association, or the Ohio Limousine Association to see if they have received complaints about a specific company.
Once you find a company, you and your fiance should decide how many cars you will need, and for how long. A typical rental lasts five hours, and gives you ample time to get picked up, taken to the church, married, and then driven to the reception site. Make the most of your rental, and have the limo pick up other friends and family after you and the wedding party arrive at the church.
Typically, the maid-of-honor and the best man ride in the first car with the couple, and the rest of the wedding party follows in a second car. Whichever arrangement you decide upon, make sure that everyone has enough room to keep their clothing wrinkle-free.
Many couples find the Victorian charm of a horse-drawn carriage appealing. The broad range of carriage colors, sizes, and styles that they have to choose from make it possible for the couple to choose the right carriage for them.
When meeting with livery services, make appointments to view the carriages and horses. Make sure that both are clean and in good shape. Look for a livery owner who is flexible to your ideas, and knows how to make your ride romantic and special.
Unpredictable Ohio weather does not have to ruin your day if you plan accordingly. Many carriages come with convertible tops and pull-up windows to keep you warm and dry on your way to the reception.
You will need to decide if the carriage will carry just you two, or if you will include the best man and maid-of-honor. Most carriages can fit four grown adults quite comfortably.
In choosing a horse, temperament is much more important than breed. The driver will choose a horse who is calm and good-natured, so that you can sit back and enjoy yourself.
Whether you choose a limousine service or a horse-drawn carriage, your selection will reflect your individuality. Both options are fun and luxurious, so be realistic and choose the mode of transportation you and your fiance will enjoy most.
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