Valet service provides elegant convenience
for your wedding guests, but make sure
your guests will be leaving their car keys
with a competent, professional team!

Welcoming your wedding guests with the courtesy of a professional valet service is an extension of your hospitality and sets the tone for a memorable event. And when your celebration is over, your guests will be grateful for your thoughtfulness for delivering their car quickly and easily.

When choosing a valet for your wedding event, be sure to do your research. There is much more to a valet’s work than simply parking cars. You’ll want to ask the right questions before you engage a valet service to handle this detail on your special day.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Your guests will be leaving one of their most valued assets in the hands of drivers you have selected. You will want to choose an experienced company backed by many years in the parking business. Ask how many year’s the company you are interviewing has been in business. Request an informational brochure, website, and for a copy of a the company’s valet handbook. With experience comes peace of mind that your valet team is well-trained on the finer aspects of how to deliver courteous and efficient service.

PARKING MANAGEMENT
When you talk to a prospective valet, make sure the company has experience managing parking and guests for the number you will be entertaining. Also, ask who will be in charge the day of your event? It is most ideal for one member of the team to serve in a leadership role on the job. This person should be accessible to the hosts in the event that questions or issues arise.

SECURITY AND INSURANCE
Ask how keys are secured. In most cases, a lock box is used. Your guests’ keys are turned over to valet, who codes them for quick retrieval and leaves them in a secure lock box. You will also need to be certain that the valet company you are working with is fully insured and bonded. In the unlikely event an accident does occur, you will want to be protected from liability. An insured valet provides this protection.

APPEARANCE COUNTS
Appearance Counts
Your valet is the first impression your wedding guests will experience. Ask about uniforms and name tags. You’ll want your drivers to be dressed professionally for the season. Depending on the formality of your wedding, your valet should dress to the occasion, from head to toe. Drivers should all be wearing the same identifiable outfit and name tags.

WHAT ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER
Let’s face it, one of the reasons you want a valet service is to protect your guests from wet and windy conditions. Make sure you ask about umbrellas. Do not assume that your valet will come to your event fully equipped to keep your guests dry from the moment they step out of their car.

TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP
To Tip or Not To Tip
Be up front with your valet service provider. If you do not want your guests to feel obligated to tip drivers, say so. The valet provider should respect your wishes. You should have the flexibility to create a payment plan to your choosing.

REFERRALS
Referrals
Always ask for referrals and references. A competent valet service will gladly give you names and numbers. You should also take the time to contact the Better Business Bureau as you conduct your research.

© Wedding Planner 2002