WEDDING LIMOUSINE PLANNING 101
What Should You Budget For Your Wedding?
This depends on the type and number of vehicles you are planning to rent. Please understand that most limousine services have a rental minimum of 3 hours. Most services do not offer "pick-up" and "drop-off" service as this only consumes 1 hour of time.
Limousines are costly business assets; it is not cost effective for limousine services to offer their service for 1 hour. Typically a 1 hour rental would consume more than 3 hours when considering travel times and vehicle preparation. You cannot rent a hotel room for 5 hours; limo service is similar. A typical wedding rental package runs from $300 - $900 for 3 hours of service depending on your vehicle preference. Exotic vehicle choices cost much higher. For example, a standard white 8-passenger stretch limousine would rent in the $300-$350 range while an exotic vehicle, such as a Stretch SUV Hummer would rent in the $800 - $900 range - a big price difference!
Risks You Accept When Shopping for the 'Best Limo Price"
Your limousine does not show up. Your parents drive you instead
Your limousine is late. Your 45 minutes late to your ceremony.
A 1989 Lincoln limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door when you were expecting a 2005 model. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are embarrassed amongst family and friends.
Because of not being properly trained, your limousine chauffeur exercises poor customer service with your future husband and ruins your special day.
Your limousine breaks down on the freeway during transport to the reception. You and 6 of your bridesmaids are 2 hours late to the reception. Yet, you saved $35.00!
Your limousine service gets into an accident and does not have the proper insurance to cover the damages involved in your injuries.
Your limousine shows up late for your wedding. The groom doesn't get to the church until 1 hour later amongst bewildered and disgruntled guests. Yet, you saved $50.00!
Is Any Of This Worth Saving a Few Bucks?
When should I begin shopping for a limo?
A good time to begin your wedding limo shopping is 6 to 9 months before your wedding date. Delays in your shopping could result in not finding your vehicle of choice. Conversely, most companies do not handle inquiries for service which extend beyond 1 year. To be taken seriously by a limousine service, it is best to begin your shopping duties within a year of your wedding date.
Can my entire bridal party fit in the limo?
Most limousines simply are not big enough to accommodate 12-14 people. Exotic vehicles and Limo Coach Party Buses can accommodate larger parties but are more expensive and limited. When shopping, make sure you specify the number of passengers you want traveling. Although a limo might be designated as a "10 - passenger" limousine, it may be difficult to squeeze 10 adults dressed in formal attire in such limos. Always remember the industry standard 'Take 2 away for comfort'.
Ask About Insurance and Permits
When you are shopping for a limousine service not only should you see what type of cars they have in their fleet but also if they are properly licensed and insured. In New Jersey all limousine operators must be licensed by their respected township or city and carry at all times $1.5 million dollars of liability coverage on all their vehicles. Companies that offer buses with a seating capacity of 14+ are required to carry $5 million in coverage. Make certain that these limits are clearly listed on your contract. Be careful with out of state operators, these companies are required by Law to carry these higher insurance limits as well as Federal USDOT and MCC registrations when they have a service originating in NJ. Unfortunately most of them do not.
Get A Signed Contract for Your Wedding Limo
Having a contract with your chosen limo company is a wise decision which will help avert any problems in the future should your hired service not perform to your expectations. Sadly, many firms do not put their services in writing - you should require it.
Ask About Limo Industry Associations
Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the New Jersey Limousine Associations (LANJ) and the National Limousine Association (NLA) are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau and your local Department of Consumer Affairs is also is a good research source.
"The Limo Got Into An Accident"
Don't be the bride which gets the "The Limo Got Into An Accident" or "We don't have your reservation" story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.
What should we expect to pay for a wedding limo rental?
Most limousines rent between $250 - $850. These rates are based on a three hour package. The majority of limousine companies in the tri state area require this minimum time of rental. Unfortunately, you cannot rent a limousine for 1 hour. The reason being that because of vehicle prep costs, travel times, and chauffeur salaries, a one-hour limo rental is not feasible for most limo services. In high-demand time periods such as the spring time (with proms & weddings) rates can increase.
Do we pay for the limo while we attend our wedding?
You still have to pay for the rental time during your wedding even if you aren't physically using the vehicle. Although the vehicle is not in use, it cannot be used elsewhere; even when there are 2 or 3 hours in between the drop-off and pickup.
Why am I paying a service charge?
The service charge is a percentage (20%) of your total fare that is added in at the time of booking. This charge allows us to properly compensate all team members who contributed to your travel experience. Additional gratuities are completely up to the discretion of the client. At Santos Limousine we truly believe that TIPS should be earned and not saddled upon the client.
What if I need to extend my contracted time the day of the wedding?
Not to worry! At Santos Limousine we understand that even the best planned weddings may need some extra time. On the day of your wedding our reservationists will not book another service for the vehicles you have reserved until 2 hours after your contracted drop off time. By doing this you are guaranteed availability of overtime (should you need to) on your wedding day and don't have to be worried about being "rushed" because of overlapping bookings. Overtime is based on 1/2 hour increments which allows you greater flexibility and the rates are itemized for you on your contract.
When does the time start? Do I have to pay for tolls and fuel?
In most cases the time will begin when we arrive at the pick up location and end when we drop you off at the reception hall. We do not charge for tolls, fuel and/or mileage.
What happens if there is a mechanical problem with limousine on the day of the wedding?
Although we perform weekly maintenance checks on all of our vehicles, mechanical issues can happen and we have contingency plans in place should an emergency arise. These plans insure that a replacement vehicle of the same or greater passenger capacity will be sent with minimal interruption to your day. Our contingency plans are detailed on all service contracts.
Do I need to provide point to point directions to the chauffeurs?
Although some limousine services require you to provide directions, We Do Not! We feel that your are not only renting a top of the line luxury limousine but also hiring a professional that should know how to get to all of your locations. All of our chauffeurs are knowledgeable of the major roadways in the tri-state area and fully map out your itinerary the week before.
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