Picking out your favorite cake, your favorite flowers for the bouquet, your favorite songs for the reception and first dances… these are just a few of the most exciting parts about planning your wedding.
But how much thought have you put into the logistical side – namely, the transportation?
Not all weddings need transportation, but yours might. Some couples arrange for transportation between venues, especially for destination weddings where guests don’t have a car. You might also arrange transportation specifically for the happy couple or the wedding party.
Get excited about this part too, because there are a lot of ways to get around in style. Here’s what you need to know about wedding transportation in Dallas!
Types of Wedding Transportation in Dallas
Limo
Limos mean luxury, elegance, and pizazz – and they’re a classic option for wedding transportation!
With spacious, comfortable leather seating and tinted windows for privacy, there’s so much to love about limo transportation. Drivers are typically professional chauffeurs, so they’re highly trained in both technical driving skills and customer service.
The downside is that limos are more limited on seating. Most limos seat 6 to 12 people, so they’re not as practical if you need to transport the entire guest list. That said, they’re perfect for small, intimate wedding parties or VIP guests (like family).
Or, indulge and keep the experience entirely to yourself! Limos are an ideal, stylish transportation option for the happy couple. Wedding entrance, wedding exit, or both!
Shuttles
If your wedding plan involves transporting a lot of guests around Dallas, then shuttles are the most practical and efficient way to go. They have high carrying capacity and are cost-effective compared to smaller vehicles. High-end buses offer air conditioning, ample seating, and even luggage storage, too!
You also have a bunch of options available. Shuttles can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you can cater your booking to your guest list size. Mini buses can generally hold around 14 to 28 people, while larger charters can accommodate a large guest list of 50+.
This wedding transportation option is ideal for practical transportation between venues and hotels – especially if alcohol is being served.
The main downside is that a bus isn’t the most glamorous option out there. A quality shuttle will certainly be comfortable and professional, but it prioritizes function over style.
Buses can also slow things down as guests wait to board and deboard. Make sure your guests know about the bus schedule too, so no one misses their pick up or drop off times.
Party Buses
Looking for a middle ground between classy limos and practical shuttles? Party buses are the wedding transportation option for you!
Party buses are typically associated with bachelorette parties, but they work well for wedding transportation, too. They create a fun, social atmosphere for guests, complete with music, lighting, and sometimes even a bar setup. Keep the party and energy going between venues – it’s all about celebration!
Party buses also hold more passengers than a limo. While one party bus won’t accommodate a large guest list, it’ll comfortably fit most wedding parties.
As far as cost, party buses tend to be on the pricey side compared to other options – especially if you’re paying for an open bar. But if you want to keep the party going as long as possible, this is your chance to splurge!
Other Wedding Transportation Options
Limos and buses are the most common options for wedding transportation in Dallas, but they’re not the only ones. If you need something that better matches your budget or wedding aesthetic, we have a few more ideas to share.
- Classic or Vintage Cars – Unique and timeless. Renting a vintage car isn’t something guests see every day, and it’ll make for stunning wedding day pictures.
- Horse-Drawn Carriage – Ultimate romance! Arriving by carriage creates a magical fairytale moment. Just keep in mind that horses can’t exactly keep pace on the highway, so your travel route will be somewhat limited.
- Ride Sharing Services – Simple and straightforward, and better yet, no need to schedule in advance. If you need one less thing on your plate, ride sharing services like Uber or Lyft mean you don’t need to manage drivers or vehicles (and they’re easy on your wedding budget!).
Tips for Booking Wedding Transportation
Ask LOTS of Questions
We know there’s so much to plan. And SO many questions to ask all your vendors. And yes, that includes your wedding transportation, too!
Logistics are a foundational part of your wedding going off without any problems. You need to book transportation that you can absolutely count on to promptly and safely get guests where they need to go.
Here are a few key questions to ask:
- What is included in the quote? Driver gratuity, gas, mileage?
- Are there any additional fees for overtime, multiple stops, or late-night pickups?
- Do you require a deposit?
- What is your cancellation and refund policy?
- Can we see the vehicles in person?
- How often are the vehicles maintained? Are there backup vehicles available just in case?
- Are your drivers professionally trained and licensed?
- Can we decorate or customize the vehicle?
- Do you provide amenities such as champagne, bottled water, or music?
- Can you accommodate special requests (ADA-accessible vehicles, pet-friendly options, etc.)?
Get Quotes (And Negotiate!)
Transportation costs can add up fast. It varies by region, but one survey found that couples spent an average of $1,100 on wedding transportation. The average costs in the southwest are lower compared to other areas (~$730), but it’s still not something to overlook.
Don’t let the quote surprise you in the middle of your overall wedding budget planning. Call around and get quotes for transportation sooner rather than later.
And when we say “get quotes,” we do mean to get QUOTES, plural. Vet a few options before committing to anything. Not only does this help you know you’re getting the best option, but you can also compare the quotes you got – and use them in negotiations.
Pro tip: If you’re also booking a hotel block, ask if they offer transportation services! Some hotels will offer a discount or incentive when you book with the hotel or through one of their partners.
Don’t Skip Wedding Insurance
We know, we know – this isn’t the kind of thing you want to think about. The last thing you want is some kind of hiccup on your special day.
With professional, trained drivers, it’s unlikely something will go wrong while transporting guests from one destination to another. But with an essential like this, you should be covered just in case. It’s a small price to pay for assurance and peace of mind.
Plan a Picture-Perfect (And Film-Perfect!) Wedding
From the time you arrive at your ceremony to the moment you ride off into happily ever after, this is going to be the best day of your life! Wedding transportation may not be as flashy as the cake, the dress, and the speeches, but it’ll be the first and last part of your day. Everything needs to be perfect!
Even when everyone is home safe, they’ll be left with no shortage of happy memories of the day. And with a wedding film to immortalize the day, you can relive those happy memories any time you want!
We believe you shouldn’t have to worry about missing any important moments from your perfect day. At Reverent Wedding Films, we capture the moments worth remembering (and sharing!) in stunning, cinematic quality. See for yourself some of the love stories we’ve captured over the years – then reach out if you have questions or want to book! We can’t wait to hear from you.
