Before the wedding, one limousine can take the bride's mother, the maid of honor and an attendant or two from the bride's home to the church. The other female attendants may ride in another limousine. The bride and her father are in the third.

After the ceremony, the bride, groom, and their honor attendants travel to the photograph site or reception in the limousine. The bride and groom may also use the limousine to take them to their hotel after the reception.

Additional uses:

• Picking up guests from the airport.
• To drive the bride's parents home after the reception.
• For bachelor or bachelorette parties, especially if you are planning on drinking heavily.

Make sure you have all pertinent information before you begin looking. That way, you'll be sure that the prices you are quoted will be correct. Wedding times, approximate mileage between the various wedding day sites, how many people will be riding in the limos, and how many limos you will need. All these details will enter into a cost estimate.

• Reserve the limousine as far in advance as possible. They can book up early, especially during peak wedding times.
• Use a reputable and established firm. If in doubt, call the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against the company.
• Visit several companies before making a selection, and ask to meet your potential driver.
• Make sure the cars are properly insured, and that the license plates are marked "Livery."
• Check the age of the cars available. This information should be made available to you, or will appear on the registration of the car.
• Check the overall appearance of the cars. Are they clean and well maintained? Try all the buttons and knobs, to make sure the car's features function properly.
• Beware of hidden charges. Ask what fees may be charged beyond the rental price, such as cleaning, mileage, etc.
• When you decide on a company and a car, make sure to complete a contract stating exactly what you expect to receive. It should also cover any special requests you may have.

• Anyone pressuring you to sign a contract before you have had time to consider the contract.
• Anyone who wants you to pay in full far in advance of your wedding date.
• A company with rates significantly lower than others. You may get a second-rate car, or other problems.
• Inspect the car before you accept it, and point out any problems to the driver. (Cigarette burns in the upholstery, etc.) You don't want to get charged for damage that might have been done by someone using the car before you.
• DO NOT get into a car if the driver appears to have been drinking or using drugs. Instead, call the limousine service, and ask that another driver be sent out to you.

The easiest way to guarantee that your limo and driver will be where they are supposed to be is to write a schedule of times and places. Give this to the service a few days ahead of time. The times, places and people to ride should be outlined. If the locations are very difficult to find, a map for the driver's use would be a courtesy.

© Wedding Planner 2002