Whether it's purely practical, or to also add extra pizazz to your wedding arrival or departure, you'll need to arrange transport for the big day.
There's a fine selection of wedding car hire companies around South Africa, so you should easily find what you're looking for. You can also browse HAPPLY's directory for top car hire listings.
Otherwise, here's how to arrange stress-free transportation.
First things first: discuss your transport needs with your partner and wedding party. If your venue also has accommodation, you may not need hired transport at all, providing you have your own vehicles to get there beforehand.
If your venue is further away from where you're staying, it's best to get professional transport than to rely on friends or family. You also don't want to be driving yourself around on your wedding day.
Make sure you know your itinerary before booking transport. For example:
Remember to factor distances and timing into this equation.
You should also consider what kind of car you would like or require. Choose something that will suit the overall style of your wedding. If you want a character car for photos and mood, it's slightly different from hiring a chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle—research what each option entails.
Remember, a vintage car may not be up to long distances, so if you need a vehicle mainly for practical reasons, it's better to get reliable, modern transport.
Whatever you do, make sure you'll fit into the car comfortably with your dress! If you have a lot of skirts on your gown, this could be a concern.
Also, consider transport for your wedding attendants. It's best to hire a van or cabby-type vehicle as then everyone will be together. It also works out more cost-effectively.
Make sure to do your homework on car companies. You need to hire a reliable one. Ask your planner, or research reviews online to find the cream of the crop.
Most of the time, a wedding hire car will come with a driver, and companies charge for their services by the day.
It's best to plan your itinerary as far ahead as you can and then book your transport. If your date is during high wedding season, car hire companies may be too busy to schedule you at the last minute. Be considerate of their calendar as well.
You should ideally book transportation 4 to 6 months before the special day.
Make sure to put together a comprehensive, typed itinerary for your driver. This way he’ll know who he needs to pick up, where and when, throughout the day.
Be sure to include phone numbers of people needing to be picked up, so that if there is any confusion, the driver can call them. Give the driver's contact details to relevant people as well.
If you've delegated car hire arrangements to someone else, make sure they give an itinerary to you, and to anyone else who may need one.
Wedding transport is an essential logistical aspect of your big day. A misunderstanding regarding timing or distance could cause a lot of stress.
Therefore, make sure you give due attention and focus to your transportation plan!
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