Booking Vans, Buses or Limos for Your Reception Guests

If you plan on providing transportation for guests from the ceremony to the reception (and/or the reception to their hotel), make sure you’ve covered all variables and budget requirements ahead of time.

Most limo companies will charge about $50 to $75 per hour, depending on type of vehicle, passengers, and where your wedding takes place. Many companies also have an hour minimum, and you’ll be expected to pay a gratuity of 20%, provided the service is above average. (Make sure the tips are taken care of ahead of time, so that guests don’t pay.)

Parking at the site may be covered in the contract (go over this ahead of time); if not, you’ll need to hire a valet service. Valet companies charge around $25 per attendant, and it’s common to have one attendant for every five guests. You’ll need to take care of the valet tips as well.

To save money, you can hire town cars instead of stretch limos. Also, nix extras like full bar and television. Your guests are going to a reception, not a trip across the country. Also, see if you can book cars for the drop-off at the site, and the pick-up to the hotel only. You’ll save money if the cars aren’t waiting for several hours at your reception site. Some guests will probably leave earlier than the designated departure time, so make sure there are cabs available.

Even if your guests are going a short distance, and you don’t want to hire limos, bus or van services are a nice idea. They can be had for half the price of town cars, and you have the added advantage of knowing most of your guests will arrive at the reception site at the same time. You’re not required to provide transportation for guests, but keep in mind that Great Aunt June might get stuck looking for a cab in a thunderstorm.

Arrange your car service needs about 4-6 months’ before the ceremony, and 6 months’ before if you’re getting married during prom season, March through June. Make sure drivers have the correct routes for each location, as well as the exact pick-up and drop-off times. Confirm the day-of.

Car services generally have their own insurance, but you might be responsible for any drunk drivers leaving your reception. Have your Best Man or another trusted wedding-party member on hand to make sure no drinkers drive home by themselves.

-David Toussaint

Check Out the Responsibility of Reception Transportation
Check Out Comparing Limos & Carriages for Your Ceremony Arrival
Check Out Which Wedding Vendors You’re Expected to Tip