While it is essential for a couple to have a bridal car (be it a lavish stretched hummer or a white sedan borrowed from one of the principal sponsors), you should also provide a transportation for the guests if you’re having an out-of-town wedding. Of course, you wouldn’t want your guests to have a hard time finding the church and the reception, would you?
Also, you can also do a favor for your guests when you provide a ride for them. It is not just for their convenience but for your peace of mind as well.
You are assured that they will be attending your wedding ceremony and the reception without being late, especially your bridal entourage. Who would want a wedding without the maid of honor? They don’t need to worry about transportation because it will be awkward for the bridesmaid donned in her gown with complete make-up and accessories to ride a tricycle in order to get to your venue.
How to determine your Wedding Transporta-tion
When we talk about wedding transportation, it doesn’t only mean the bridal car. While it is not essential, providing transportation for your wedding guests should also be considered to avoid delays and possible reasons for them not to attend your wedding.
Factors in Choosing Wedding Transportation Now that you realized that your guests may need transportation for your out-of-town wedding, hold your horses because we need to consider some factors before you start scouting for possible rental companies.
Budget
The first thing you have to ask yourself before even thinking of renting a van for your guests is, “Do I have the money for it?”
Of course you want everything to be as convenient as possible for you and your guests, but you have to check your budget first. If you don’t have the money to rent a vehicle then don’t push it. You can have other alternatives for this one like carpooling,
asking someone to sponsor it, or maybe some of your friends and relatives can lend you their passenger jeepney enough to fill in 20 people.
Make sure that you’ll arrange everything before the wedding starts, especially if you have decided on carpooling.
Wedding Location
You have already prepared everything for the wedding of your dreams somewhere in Tagaytay -- the ceremony at the beautiful Caleruega Church and the reception at the Tagaytay Highlands. The ceremony went well and you’re elated because at that moment you are now one with your partner.
You rode together in the 1952 R Type Bentley to the reception. Upon arriving, you heard your guests talking about how they had a hard time getting to the reception from the church, and how your best friend almost got lost on the way because she wasn’t familiar with the place. The wedding location is an essential factor in deciding to either get transportation for most of your guests or not, because having a reception that’s unfamiliar to them and are not accessible through public transportation can create problems because you’ll be thinking about how your guests can reach the place without getting lost.
Picking the Right Bridal Car for You
Picking the right transportation for your wedding is like choosing which flight to book for an important business trip. You have to think of options which will answer questions like, “
Would it get me there on time?”, “Wouldn’t I be late for the event if I choose this flight?” And, “Would I feel comfortable?” You have to ensure comfort and convenience not just for you but also for everyone.
Here are a few steps to help you decide which bridal car is right for you.
Choose one that suits your style 1.
As a bride-to-be you have this instinct that tells you that everything should be ‘perfect’
for you on your wedding day -- from the caterer down of your choice to the last details. Use this for picking out the bridal car that you want, be it a luxury coach, a vintage Rolls Royce or your dad’s old white car.
If you’re the bride who’s always loved fairy tales and fairy godmothers then you may want to ride a carriage. If you’re the traditional bride who loves classic styles, then a 1952 R Type Bentley might be the car for you. Modern brides may prefer luxury vehicles and sports cars, and for the unconventional bride who loves to be unique and one-of-a-kind then you might want to try out the Vespa scooter or a pair of rollerblades.
Choose one that really suits you and your partner’s personality, especially if you have the option to do so.
Do your research 2.
Research is one of the most powerful tools in finding something, and a resourceful and noble bride does her research to ensure that she’d be getting the best for her special day even if she didn’t spend that much money for it.
And researching doesn’t just mean sitting down on a couch with your laptop and rigorously browsing online all day, looking for the right bridal car. It includes personally asking your friends if they can recommend a good company that lends bridal cars. Who knows? One of your friends might actually have that vintage-looking Beetle Stretch sitting at his garage that you fell in love with a few years back.
Be smart 3.
Choosing a bridal car, or planning to borrow one, isn’t as critical as choosing the right style of wedding dress. You don’t have to stress yourself over it. Be practical about it.
Ask yourself, “Do I really need that vintage R-Type Bentley that I’m willing to spend much more than I allotted for my bridal car budget? Or would my father’s sad excuse of a vehicle enough because it’s white and it can still run?”
You don’t have to be overly practical about things. Be smart enough to notice that even the car’s engine is loudly protesting about your decision, even your father wouldn’t like the idea of your stinginess. It doesn’t
mean that you would go for the vintage Bentley even if the distance from your house to the church and reception is just a few steps away! Try walking from your house to the church for a more adventurous and dramatic bridal march.
Let your groom handle it 4.
When we talk about bridal cars, your girl friends might have something to say about it, but do they really know what you’re talking about or are they just blabbering about their dream weddings?
Perhaps your partner has some suggestions?
Why not let him handle this thing? Besides, he knows more about makes and models than you do about make ups. Give him something to do, and he might really enjoy discussing this with the rental companies.
Arranging the Guests’ Transportation
Your guests also deserve the convenience you have with regards to their transportation especially if you’re having an out-of-town wedding that’s not easily accessible through public transportation.
Here are some things you can do to ease their worry on how to get to and fro your wedding.
Give them a good direction 1.
You may include a customized map and a detailed direction in your invitation so that you wouldn’t have to worry about special guests having a hard time to find your wedding reception venue.
Giving them a good direction is like doing them a favor, because you’re showing them that you truly care by going out of your way and giving them a detailed direction even if they knew that you easily get lost even in your own neighborhood.
Rent a vehicle for them 2.
When one of my best friends got married in Batangas last January, she eagerly urged us to go to the wedding and went as far as threatening us that she’d never speak to anyone who won’t come. She was accommodating and even asked her little brother to pick us up at the bus station, while already provided with detailed direction on how to reach their place. Plus she had constantly monitored our trip by texting us every hour just to check on us.
Come wedding day, she was so elated that everyone came, and we were happy too except when the whole thing was over and most of the guests (who were from their province) left for the second celebration at their house. We almost got left behind because she failed to arrange a ride for us.
We were cramped up in her uncle’s Fierra together with the equipments they brought to the reception.
You wouldn’t want this to happen, would you?
If you are not sure that most of your guests
will not have a ride to get to your wedding, then why not arrange one for them? Do this if the place is inaccessible to taxis and other public vehicles.
Carpooling 3.
If you don’t have the money to rent a ride for them then you can organize the carpool.
Ask your friends who among them who will bring a car and if they can squeeze in a couple more in going to the venue.
Your friends can talk about this all on their own, but show them that you want everything to work out and personally organize the carpool. It’s your chance at redeeming yourself for failing to arrange a vehicle for them.
Make arrangement with a taxi company 4.
If you’re planning to marry in a secluded area in the metro that is inaccessible to public vehicles, you can call a taxi company and ask for their service. Ask them if they can assign a few units in the area at the time of your wedding so that your guests won’t be worrying how to get one in such area.
Arranging the Guests’ Transportation
Your guests also deserve the convenience you have with regards to their transportation especially if you’re having an out-of-town wedding that’s not easily accessible through public transportation.
Here are some things you can do to ease their worry on how to get to and fro your wedding.
Give them a good direction 1.
You may include a customized map and a detailed direction in your invitation so that you wouldn’t have to worry about special guests having a hard time to find your wedding reception venue.
Giving them a good direction is like doing them a favor, because you’re showing them that you truly care by going out of your way and giving them a detailed direction even if they knew that you easily get lost even in your own neighborhood.
Rent a vehicle for them 2.
When one of my best friends got married in Batangas last January, she eagerly urged us to go to the wedding and went as far as threatening us that she’d never speak to anyone who won’t come. She was accommodating and even asked her little brother to pick us up at the bus
station, while already provided with detailed direction on how to reach their place. Plus she had constantly monitored our trip by texting us every hour just to check on us.
Come wedding day, she was so elated that everyone came, and we were happy too except when the whole thing was over and most of the guests (who were from their province) left for the second celebration at their house. We almost got left behind because she failed to arrange a ride for us. We were cramped up in her uncle’s Fierra together with the equipments they brought to the reception.
You wouldn’t want this to happen, would you?
If you are not sure that most of your guests will not have a ride to get to your wedding, then why not arrange one for them? Do this if the place is inaccessible to taxis and other public vehicles.
Carpooling 3.
If you don’t have the money to rent a ride for them then you can organize the carpool.
Ask your friends who among them who will bring a car and if they can squeeze in a couple more in going to the venue.
Your friends can talk about this all on their own, but show them that you want everything to work out and personally organize the carpool. It’s your chance at redeeming yourself for failing to arrange a vehicle for them.
Make arrangement with a taxi company 4.
If you’re planning to marry in a secluded area in the metro that is inaccessible to public vehicles, you can call a taxi company and ask for their service. Ask them if they can assign a few units in the area at the time of your wedding so that your guests won’t be worrying how to get one in such area.
For the Couple
Horse Drawn Carriage 1.
Horse drawn carriages are the ultimate romance vehicles popularized by fairytales, such as Cinderella, and the wedding of Princess Diana to Prince Charles in the early 80s.
Though it is associated with royalty, these horse-drawn carriages won’t be necessary if your ceremony and wedding reception venue are kilometers apart. I’m afraid that carriages aren’t allowed to run around Metro Manila except for places like Binondo and Intramuros.
It’s perfect for a Victorian-themed wedding, and if you really want a themed wedding through and through, these carriages are lavishly decorated turning your childhood fairytale princess fantasies into reality. This is perfect if you’re planning your wedding ceremony and reception in close proximity (within one special events venue), or if your wedding will be held in Intramuros.
Two venues in the Metro offer a horse drawn carriage as an alternative to the bridal car—these are Fernbrook Gardens in Alabang, and Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City.
Vintage Cars 2.
Vintage cars were made in the early 20th century for the wealthy, as an alternative to the horse drawn carriage which paved way to modern society.
These cars are unnecessarily expensive and are hard to find especially in Metro Manila.
It wouldn’t be ideal for long travels and the rainy months because these cars are old and just restored. They may not stand those circumstances.
Vintage cars exude sophistication and glamour. It is well-liked because of their class and elegance, perfect for the classic bride. And because classic is always in, vintage cars will make your event timeless and it looks good on photos, too.
Town Cars 3.
The Town Car that we know today isn’t the historic vehicle that has a unique body design (front seats were top down, while the back seat is covered). The Lincoln Town Car, which was designed by Ford’s upscale brand, is a luxury car build for the elite members of the society. It has a stretched body, much like a limousine but shorter, and has all the comfort and luxury inside.
The Lincoln Town Car famously became the Bridal Car for Filipinos because of our fondness of traditions and the classic style. This is evident in most Bridal Car companies, because most of their available units are town cars.
These are famous because they’re
comfortable and chic without stashing too much out of your budget, and it is even included in bridal packages offered by your caterer.
Limousine 4.
Limousines have been branded as the ultimate posh vehicle as it is often used for red carpet events and transporting celebrities in style on the best events in town.
Perfect for the posh-loving bride --be in style and celebrity-like, alighting from a Limo to the church. Most models do have audio players and some have stocked bars and mini refrigerators stocked with wine or a bubbly champagne.
FILIPINA BRIDESONALITIES
What are your options in wedding transportation?
As I’ve stated earlier, wedding transportation doesn’t just include the bridal car. If you choose to provide vehicles for your wedding guests, there are options, depending on your budget and the location.
The following are your different options for wedding transportation.
To save up on the cost, you can let your best girl friends ride with you going to the church and enjoy a pre-wedding toast to get rid of pre-wedding jitters.
Sporting Cars 5.
Sporting cars are famous for their sleek style and modern features and are considered as favorite rides of Hollywood celebrities.
These include supercars from BMW, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, Lamborghini and the like.
This is fast becoming the modern woman’s choice for a unique bridal car. This will make you classy and elegant in a non-too-girly kind of way.
It is expensive and hard to find in the country. While some cars are loanable, if you’re looking for a specific sporting car then you might want to give a little extra time in finding this, unless you’ll buy it for your wedding.
Bridal SUV 6.
Sports Utility Vehicles, commonly known as SUVs, are light trucks geared for on- and off-road terrains. Some of the common SUVs in the country are models such as Nissan Patrol, Toyota’s Land Cruiser, Ford’s Everest, the Pajero, a Jeep Wrangler, the Range Rover, and the Hummer.
These SUVs are recently introduced as an alternative to the Town Car as a bridal car for couples who want to be unique. These cars are perfect for couples who want an alternative to the common sedans and limousines.
While the Nissan, Toyota, Ford and Mitsubishi brand SUVs are common and not that expensive, luxury SUVs such as the Hummer, Jeep Wrangler and Range Rover would cost you a little more than the usual rental fee.
Borrowed Vehicles 7.
White cars are the traditional vehicle used as a bridal car. In provinces and couples who have a lot lesser budget, a white car
borrowed from a relative or one of the principal sponsors is the way to go, be it a sedan or an SUV.
You would want to borrow a car from a relative or friend if you want to save up on rental costs, and this way you can have the car without having to worry if you’re way over the rental hours.
This is usually convenient because you also won’t have to worry about how the car will get to your house without getting lost on the way, especially if it’s hard to find, and it’s easier to contact the owner in case of an emergency.
Other Options 8.
To be unique, soon-to-wed couples are looking out to other options such as using a Vespa scooter, mountain bikes, a skateboard, and even a gondola!
Well, wanting to go for a Vespa scooter or a mountain bike instead of a town car is a lot extraordinary especially if it has a big significance in your relationship, like, you
Well, wanting to go for a Vespa scooter or a mountain bike instead of a town car is a lot extraordinary especially if it has a big significance in your relationship, like, you