Plan your transport requirements
Just as weddings are the bringing together of two individuals to make a couple, wedding day transport most often involves bringing the bride and groom from different locations to the ceremony. The mode of getting to the ceremony can vary greatly from couple to couple.
For some it is often a demonstration of the individuality of the bride and groom by using strikingly different modes of transport, the bridal party arriving in a classic Rolls Royce Silver Wraith and the groom in a Jaguar Mk5 convertible. For others it is a well matched and coordinated fleet of vehicles. Either way the wedding procession has a long history in most cultures.
The groom’s party
Typically the groom, best-man and groomsmen arrive about thirty minutes before the bride to meet and greet the guests as they arrive.
How many in the groom’s party?
Groom, best man, groomsmen, pageboy? Some couples include the groom’s parents in this group on the way to the ceremony.
How will they get to the ceremony?
The bridal party
The bride and bridesmaids arrive at the start of the ceremony. They are traditionally escorted by the father of the bride, although it is common practice for the mother of the bride to be included these days.
How many in the bridal party?
Bride, maid of honour, bridesmaids, flower-girls? Traditionally brides travel to their wedding with their father however many now include her mother in this group on the way to the ceremony.
How will they get to the ceremony?
Loop-de-loop
If the bridal party is preparing for the wedding within 10-15 minutes drive from the ceremony location the wedding cars or limousines can pick-up and deliver the groom’s party and then move on to the bridal party. Remember to factor in traffic conditions at the time of your wedding in your travel times and add five minutes for every pick-up and drop-off if you are planning a loop-de-loop. This strategy is only recommended for a patient bride because simple delays compound to affect both groups (someone has just gone to the bathroom, I forgot my speech, where are the rings? etc).
We do not recommend loop-de-loop limousine hire for weddings with a very small time allowance for the ceremony as occurs at popular churches and wedding venues (unless the locations involved are quite close and the bride is within 10 minutes drive from the ceremony location). We experience more late bride arrivals to the ceremony with the loop-de-loop wedding than for any other reason. Many couples over-ride our suggestions and set their own schedule only to be thrown on the day when something goes wrong:
- the groom’s party are not ready on time and leave 15 minutes late (the most common delay)
- or they need to return 10 minutes into the drive to the ceremony because “I forgot my speech, the rings, special cufflinks etc”. Its not usually the groom’s fault, remember his groomsmen are there too (end of lesson). Instantly the process is 25 – 30 minutes late.
- wet weather slows down the road speed and congests the roads (even without an accident on the route being taken) adding 10 minutes to each trip…. 3 x 10 = 30 minutes late…. 3 x 15 = 45 minutes late…. the longer the journey the greater the compounded risk.
A separate short hire limousine or chauffeur car for the groom’s party will cost between $150 – $290 which is a good investment if it secures your wedding schedule.
Multiple wedding cars and limousines
Using two wedding cars or a wedding car and limousine can provide transport for both groups to the ceremony with their own schedule. It also means that there will be sufficient seats to drive the wedding party to the feature photography locations and on to the ceremony.
Big tip 3 A
Add one or two seats to your total wedding transport needs for comfort. At a minimum the bride should have two seats (eg. a bench seat for the bride and groom). While this is advised, not all couples do, or need to add additional seats.
You know the size of your group – four ‘regular’ sized passengers fit in a classic car comfortably, however, we once had a bride book a six seat limo for six Fremantle Dockers players and the result was comical. Similarly extra tall or stout members of your group need some consideration. Please contact the office for advice if needed.
Big tip 3 B
Avoid long distance travel. We will assist with what ever your plans are for the day, however, to give you the benefit of our experience, the less distance that needs to be travelled the less likely you will suffer delays due to unexpected traffic conditions and the more time you will have to enjoy the highlights of your wedding day. If your chosen wedding venues are a long drive from home look at hiring an apartment in the vicinity of your ceremony location for the night before your wedding and preparation on the day.
Big tip 3 C
Read our article on having a ‘Pan B‘ in place for the trip to the ceremony. A few minutes planning ahead of the day can help to keep your wedding on schedule if something goes wrong on the day. This is especially true for loop-de-loop bookings.