Cool Wedding Day Cars in Southern Florida

No matter how hot the weather is for your Miami wedding, your wedding day transportation is fabulously cool. Whether you’re marrying in flashy South Beach, downtown, or somewhere off the beaten Keys, you want a vehicle that’s as slick as your wedding. Not to worry: Miami is one of the car capitals of the world, so finding the right wedding transportation in Southern Florida is just a matter of getting into gear.

Book your transportation about 4 months’ prior to your ceremony. If you’re marrying during prom season (March - June) get started 6 months’ ahead of time. The average price for a stretch limo—the most popular form of wedding transportation—is about $500 a day. Prices vary depending on class of car, amenities, and how many vehicles you’ll need (check for discounts on multiple cars, as well as cars for pre-wedding parties). Before you begin your Miami car service search, figure out how many people in your wedding party will need car service and book accordingly.

Common wedding etiquette in Miami dictates that the bride travels with her father and bridesmaids. Her groom has a separate car that he shares with his best man, and the moms get their own vehicle. These “rules” are not absolutes, however. If you’re working with a planner, ask her advice, as well as driving options. Your Miami Beach nuptials can begin with you arriving in a sailboat—or, after the ceremony, jetting off in a speedboat with your new groom.

(Be careful about convertibles in South Florida summer months. Ninety-degree heat can wreak havoc on hair and makeup; not to mention adding fatigue and dehydration.)

Once you’ve selected your vehicle, make sure it’s the color you requested (never assume you’ll automatically get white), and ask to see the vehicle to make sure it’s in perfect shape. If you’re looking for cost-cutting measures, opt for a non-white limo, which is generally cheaper. Nix any amenities you don’t need—champagne, sun roof, etc. As for car companies, get recommendations from friends and relatives, and your other local Miami wedding vendors. You should get references from previous clients, and check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

When you’re ready to find your Miami wedding day transportation provider, visit OurWeddingDay.com’s Miami Local Vendor section for a regularly updated, extensive list of top Miami contacts.

In your contract, make sure the car you’ve picked is the same vehicle that will arrive on your wedding day. Go over the driver’s attire to make sure it fits the formality of your weddings. Also, get the names and numbers of all drivers, if hiring more than one, as well as any substitute drivers in case of emergencies. Find out if gas is your responsibility or the company’s.

Drivers should be tipped 20% if the service is exceptional. Assign the best man or another wedding-party member to take care of this task. Your driver needs clear maps of all sites and experience driving in out-of-the-way areas. Exchange cell-phone numbers (including one person who won’t be in a car), and landline numbers should batteries die or you hit an area where reception is weak.

Then hit the town running on love.

-David Toussaint