We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
Like the song says, you're going to the chapel to do you-know-what. But how's Mom getting there? Or your bridesmaids, or for that matter, your fiancé(e)? And just as important, how's everybody (wedding guests included!) getting from the ceremony to the reception… and then home? Unless you plan on beaming up to your destination, it's time to work out some wedding transportation logistics. Start with our expert guide.
When should you book your wedding transportation?
When there are between three and six months to go, it's time to think about your transportation… aka when you've long settled on your date, ceremony and reception sites and wedding party size. If you're marrying in April, May or June—prom and graduation season—high-class vehicles will be in high demand, so you'll need to book your transportation even earlier. Pro tip: Make the final reservation in person so you can inspect the vehicles and ask which one(s) you'll be getting.
Who should you transport?
Your first step is to take a headcount for immediate family and VIPs. For many weddings, that means the couple, their wedding party, both sets of parents, siblings not in the wedding party and grandparents. Some couples also provide wedding transportation services for close relatives, out-of-towners or all guests. So where do you draw the line? The decision will probably come down to budget, but you should also consider the following:
Distance: If your ceremony and reception venues are only a short distance away from each other, you're in the clear. But there's a cutoff—if they're more than 30 minutes apart, you should definitely consider providing transportation for all wedding guests so you don't inconvenience them with Uber charges and long, tedious drives. Keep other distances, like the miles between your wedding venue(s) and the hotel where you've booked room blocks, in mind too.
Location: If you have lots of people coming in from out of town (who might not have cars with them) and/or have a hard-to-get-to or hard-to-find location, you should also consider booking transportation for guests.
Special needs: Think about anyone who might otherwise struggle to transport themselves and organize a travel plan for them—for example, asking your brother to pick up your 90-year-old grandma who isn't comfortable behind the wheel.
Even if you decide not to book transportation for certain guests, you can still throw them a bone. In your invitation suite or on your wedding website, do provide information about public transportation. This can include where to catch a cab, phone numbers of (reputable!) local services and estimates of how much each option will cost (that way, no one will have to worry whether they have enough cash on them). Another thoughtful option is providing discount codes for rental cars. (FYI: Wedding guests get up to 25 percent off the bill if they book a Budget rental car through The Knot.)
Also, check with the hotels you've reserved rooms at to see whether they provide any sort of airport shuttle service; if they do, definitely clue in your guests, then cross another task off your list!
How should everybody get to and fro?
There are actually three routes to consider besides your walk down the aisle: the trip to the ceremony, the ride between the ceremony and the reception (if they're not in the same place) and the getaway. You'll need to figure out who needs transport where before you actually book anything.
Transportation for the wedding party and other VIPs:
The ride to the ceremony: Brides and grooms often travel separately to the ceremony with their respective attendants in tow, though you may opt for a ride with your parents, or to rent a trolley or shuttle for the wedding party to ride in together. The average stretch limo seats around 10 people, limos seat about 6, and most town cars hold 4, including the driver. (A full-sized coach bus, on the other hand, has room for around 50 passengers!) Try to save a seat for the photographer too: Candid, wide-angle or paparazzi-style shots are a surprising favorite.
The ride to the reception: After the vows, it's traditional to duck into a dream ride for the jaunt to the reception, either à deux or with the honor attendants. Meanwhile, your parents, wedding party and anyone else who hitched a ride with you earlier in the day will also need a lift. If your budget allows, parents and attendants can ride to the reception in the same vehicles that brought them to the ceremony, while the couple takes a private car. The whole group (or select members) can also pile into a guest shuttle, if there is one. Otherwise, parents and attendants can ride to the reception with relatives or friends. Just make carpooling plans well in advance, and communicate with everyone involved.
The postwedding getaway: Like every other aspect of your wedding, your getaway mobile should complement and match your sense of style as a couple (not to mention that this is how your guests will remember you and your honey—pardon the cliché—riding off into the sunset). Do you see yourself waving goodbye in a horse-drawn carriage or a convertible red Mustang? Departing in a classy Rolls-Royce or a rock-star stretch limo? Though the options are many, choose something that fits your budget as well as your personality. (Now's the time to test drive that dream car or even rent the boat you've always wanted for a night!) We've got plenty of other awesome wedding transportation ideas to consider too.
Do you have to provide transportation for wedding guests? No. Is it an awesome perk? Yes. If you do decide on providing transportation for wedding guests, see if your venue or hotel offers shuttle services. Alternatively, you can rent vans (which usually hold anywhere from 8 to 20 people) or go with something more festive, like a streetcar.
It's thoughtful to accomodate guests on their way to and from the ceremony and reception. While you're not responsible for every individual guest making it home safely at the end of the night, if your guests are imbibing, it's courteous to furnish them with options. That doesn't necessarily mean booking them something; again, you can always provide a cab number or encourage everybody to download a ridesharing app.
When should everybody arrive?
Next, determine your travel times before you start making calls. Figure out your itinerary by taking a test spin of the three routes to approximate driving times. To estimate an ideal pickup time for the ride to the ceremony, for example, plan to arrive 15 minutes early, then work backward: ceremony time, minus 15 minutes (or even more if you're planning to get ready at the site), minus drive time, minus 10 to 20 minutes of "padding" for traffic, unexpected delays,and getting excited people into multiple cars.
If your ceremony and reception are at separate locations, don't forget about timing transportation between them either. If your exchange of vows ends at 4:30 p.m. and the reception location is only 15 minutes away but co*cktail hour doesn't begin until 6 p.m., you run the risk of having guests arrive while the space is still being prepared. Timing, of course, is everything, so try to schedule everything sensibly. If that's not possible, you may need to devise a plan for how to occupy guests in the interim, or, if need be, discuss with your reception site manager the possibility of starting the co*cktail hour earlier.
Who pays for wedding transportation, anyway?
If guests are left to their own devices, they're responsible for their own transportation costs, whether that involves filling their gas tank, renting a car or taking a Lift.
Traditionally, it's the bride's family that bears the financial burden of any organized transportation and parking, minus the expense of getting the groom and best man to the ceremony (the groom's folks traditionally pick up the tab on this one). The bride also foots the bill for getting the wedding party and family members around. Today, however, it's entirely up to you and your specific wedding budget situation.
And how much does wedding transportation cost?
According to company data, the average cost of wedding transportation is $800. That said, pricing obviously varies a ton based on when, where and what you book. Once you've established your needs, start inquiring about rates and availability in your area. Most rental companies charge by the hour and require a minimum time period: typically three hours. Calculate the duration from the pickup time to the end of the reception to determine if it's worth it for your wheels to wait. A 15% to 20% tip is usually included in the contract (sales tax may also be charged). If it's not included, a $20 tip for each driver is usually appropriate.
Wondering how to save money on wedding transportation? There are certainly ways to shave costs off your transportation tab:
Shop around: Call multiple car companies to compare quotes and packages.
Ask for freebies: Rental companies often throw in extras as part of a wedding package—score!
Ask for pickup and drop-off service: Your rental service may let you choose how to use your minimum number of hours. It's smart to have cars wait during the ceremony, then drop people off at the reception. The cars can return later in the evening for a pickup.
More affordable wedding transportation ideas: The most cost-effective transport, of course, is to recruit kith and kin to carpool with the out-of-towners, but sorting out how to get everyone from point A to point B may become an unruly task if there are a lot of people to pair up from multiple origin points. If it's too unwieldy to pull together a volunteer fleet and you opt to rent, do the math to see which option makes the most sense. Skip the stretch limos and go with the regular size, or even downsize to a town car if you can. Also, leave out amenities like an on-board bar, TV and sunroof. Surprisingly, even the color of the car you choose can cut your bill. You'll pay less in general for black or silver limos than for white ones, particularly during high-wedding season.
And for the guests: Think about your attendees' wallets too! Remember, it's a super-sweet gesture to try to negotiate discounted travel rates for them if you aren't footing their transportation bill. (Psst, don't forget the awesome deal we've scored on Budget rental cars for your guests.)
What about parking?
Granted, some guests will be shuttling themselves around, so keep parking in mind. Talk to the reception site manager and find out what your options are, plus who handles the arrangements and staff. In the event that you may have to hire an independent service, tailor it to your needs. You can choose a full-service valet team, which will park your guests' cars and retrieve them at the end of the night, or opt for parking attendants that merely direct traffic, hold signs and guide drivers to empty spaces. Either way, expect to pay an hourly rate per person, plus a 15 to 20% tip (usually tacked on to your total bill). Figure five valets (or 3-4 parking attendants) for every 100 guests.
Helpful hint: A massive guest list, limited parking facilities and a complicated location will require more help and add to the cost. Before getting a price quote, make sure the parking service manager scouts out the location to see how many attendants you'll need.
How else can you prepare for the big day?
Create a call sheet with the names of guests and all pickup and drop-off addresses and times, and call to confirm these arrangements with the car company the day before or on the morning of the wedding. Drivers should have all this information in advance, including detailed directions to the ceremony and reception sites. It's also a good idea to give passengers a copy of the directions with an emergency contact number in case the driver gets lost. And we recommend choosing a transportation point person (be it your wedding planner or a close friend or family member) to oversee logistics on the day of and handle any issues.
In addition to all that, watch out for the following, then read our list of the biggest wedding transportation mistakes you can make:
Overcrowding: Billowing skirts and nervous excitement call for more space. Don't try to fill every car to capacity—allow an extra person's worth of breathing room.
Drivers without maps: On the day of the wedding, a wedding party member should hand each driver a sheet with detailed directions, maps and contact numbers.
Vague or verbal contracts: Be sure to get all of the details in writing with your rental company. These points should be included:
date, time, and locations of pickup and drop-off points
The Bride travels to the ceremony accompanied by her Father or the person who is giving her away in one car. Most couples go for a second car that will carry the Brides Mother and the Bridesmaids. The Groom will arrive with his Best Man or Ushers, not necessarily in a wedding car.
The bride is escorted down the aisle with her father, who stands on her left side. Together they process down the aisle towards the groom. Once they have reached the altar, the groom turns around and takes a step forward to greet the bride. The bride takes her place next to the groom, standing on his left.
Traditionally, after the last song of the reception is played, guests usher the bride & groom off on their honeymoon. Since it is typically at night, sparklers, glow sticks, lanterns, and even fireworks are popular options to make this exit more formal & grand!
Delicate white florals, plenty of lush greenery, light linens, and minimal decor: These tried and true wedding details will never go out of style. And if you're a couple that prefers timelessness over trends, we suggest planning your ceremony and reception in a classic wedding style.
When it comes to saving money on wedding transportation, don't be afraid to take a “less is more” approach. Rather than arranging transportation for your entire guest list, try booking a fun mode of transport for the wedding party. Large-scale options like a limo, party bus, or trolley are all just right for the job.
The mother of the bride travels to the wedding ceremony ahead of the bride. She usually travels in a car with the bridesmaids and any little ones who are in the wedding party. You should be there around 10 minutes before the bride arrives.
Typically, the maid of honor pays for smaller-ticket items, like a bachelorette sash or tiara, decorations, and swag for the other party guests. If you, as the bride, don't want to pay for these smaller items, our advice is to give your friends space to take the reins.
The groom might opt to escort his mother down the aisle and to her seat in the front row, followed closely behind by the groom's father. This gives the groom an opportunity to give his parents a hug before taking his place at the altar.
The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
How Long Should You Stay At A Wedding Reception? A wedding with a ceremony, followed by co*cktails, followed by dinner and dance, can be six hours long. If you are a loyal guest, you should stay until the last dance.
Image Courtesy: Brody Tan Photography. Chinese consider red, yellow, and green as the most auspicious colours for any celebration. Red and yellow are mostly used during weddings. Red is the most favoured colour as it is considered to ward off evil and bring happiness and good luck.
Renting a car is way more affordable than a whole limo, especially if you are only looking for transportation for yourself and your daughter. Tons of sites offer discounts on car rentals, and you can rent luxury cars that will stun your guests!
Traditionally speaking, the mother of the groom is responsible for planning and hosting the rehearsal dinner with the grooms' father (typically) the night before the wedding. This is one of the biggest mother of the groom responsibilities, so make sure you start planning the dinner about six months in advance.
On your actual wedding day, one of the major responsibilities the mother of the groom can take on is making sure that the people at the wedding they know (family and friends) are taking their seats at the ceremony on time, are all set with transportation to and from the venue, and don't get lost, especially if you're ...
Nowadays, perhaps a sweet grandmother offers to purchase your gown, or perhaps you're paying for it on your own. The bride's family also pays for big-ticket items such as a wedding planner, the bachelorette party, and ceremony reception costs (music, guest favors, rentals, etc.).
Usually, it's about 50/50 on who pays for hair and makeup, and it's mostly determined by the bride's total budget. Sometimes, brides and bridesmaids can come to a compromise and split the costs.
A typical wedding gift is around $100. The exact amount depends on your personal budget and relationship to the couple, among other factors. Aug. 18, 2022, at 4:18 p.m.
"Skip black or white, unless the bride and groom have requested it. And do not match the bridal party colors unless requested to do so," says Valiente. It doesn't hurt to send a picture of your prospective wedding outfit to the couple before you buy it, just to be on the safe side.
Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to WeddingWire. The bride's parents give an average $12,000, and the groom's, $7,000. Just 1 in 10 couples pays for the wedding entirely on their own, according to TheKnot.com.
5 minutes prior to ceremony: The groom's mother is escorted to her seat by the head usher, a son, or the groom. The groom's father follows and sits next to her.
Who Traditionally Gives Speeches at Weddings? At a traditional wedding, there are three people who give speeches. These are the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. If the father of the bride is deceased or not in attendance, someone else may give a speech in his place.
Regardless of your current relationship with your future mother-in-law, she'll inevitably become a major part of your life after the wedding. Inviting her to get ready together encourages bonding and makes her feel included in the celebration.
No, the mother of the bride doesn't need to match the bridesmaids or the wedding party in general. The bride may prefer to have corresponding colors for a cohesive look, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
“Parents Just Don't Understand” – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. “Bring Em Out” – T.I. “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” – The Darkness. “Kickstart My Heart” – Mötley Crüe.
Your immediate families, the bridal party (including the parents of the flower girl and ring bearer, even if they're not in the wedding), any ceremony readers, and your officiant (plus his or her spouse, if married) should always be invited to the rehearsal dinner.
This is, 100%, the biggest wedding don't. Not only is it incredibly tacky to ask your guests to pay for their drinks, but it's straight-up rude. Like, chances are, people traveled to your wedding, and NOW you're asking them for a gift AND to pay for their fun alcohol?
The number one pick and best wedding song: the romantic ballad "All of Me" by John Legend, which is an example of great songs to walk down the aisle to or marriage songs for playing throughout the celebration.
It's actually really simple, and pretty much a golden rule. ~ Bride & Groom is served (and eats) first, then the wedding party and parents, then the rest of the guests.
Italians rain candy and sugared nuts over couples, for sweetness in marriage. For something a little less traditional, give your guests flower petals or paper airplanes to toss, or choose biodegradable confetti, which is even easier to clean up.
An urban legend that keeps cropping up, especially during the busy wedding season, is that you shouldn't throw rice because birds will eat it, the rice will immediately begin absorbing water in the bird's body, swell and, if there is enough rice, it will kill the bird. The facts: This isn't true.
You can expect a more conservative reception venue to end the party around 11 pm or midnight depending on a few different factors, including: what they have booked the next day.
If you decide to have a traditional co*cktail hour, then expect dinner to be served somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half after the guests arrive.
Does the mother of the bride travel with the bridesmaids. Traditionally yes, although the mother of the bride can be like the groom sometimes and forgotten in the transport arrangements for the wedding. So traditionally she would travel with the bridesmaids to the ceremony.
How does the bride's mother get to church? The Mother of the Bride would generally travel to the ceremony with the bridesmaids. After the ceremony, the parents, bridal party and groomsmen would typically make their own way to the reception venue. However, if budget allows, additional transport could be hired.
First, the groom and the best man enter from the side of the church. Then the bridesmaids and groomsmen escort one another up the aisle, followed by the maid of honor, who enters alone. And last, but certainly not least, the bride and her father (or another male family member) make their grand entrance.
Traditionally, the groom's mother stays with her son on the morning of the wedding, and there's nothing wrong with maintaining the custom. She may feel more comfortable being surrounded by her own family members, and she'll certainly want to be there for photos with her son anyway.
The bride's side of the family traditionally pays for the bride's wedding dress and the bridesmaids' dresses. Increasingly, however, bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses.
The bride should sit on the side that the driver plans for her to exit the car, the chauffeur should let the bride's father out first, then the bride. General Travel Guide: The Bride travels with whoever is giving her away. The Bridesmaids travel with Mother of Bride.
A. The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn.
Although there is no need to give a gift, there is also nothing wrong with doing so if you choose. Ask your daughter for some guidance as to allergies, preferences, etc., and make it something small so that you don't make her feel uncomfortable. Simply being included is probably gift enough.
As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.
To answer your question, you have several options: Your father can lift the veil to give you a kiss when you both reach the end of the aisle or you can wait until after you and your groom have exchanged vows and have been announced by the officiant as husband and wife. Your new husband would then do the honors.
The groom is traditionally expected to pay for the marriage license and officiant's fees, and buy the bouquet for his "date" (the bride), as well as her engagement and wedding rings and a gift; he should also purchase boutonnieres and gifts for his groomsmen.
If your wedding is a formal one, some mothers of the groom might prefer to wear shades of gold, dark silver, or even black. Other darker colors that might be worn include shades of : Navy.
It's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera. "Skip black or white, unless the bride and groom have requested it.
Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
