Image Credit: Aria Photography

The Great

Escape

When making your grand entrance and exit on your wedding day, your getaway mobile should reflect your sense of style as a couple. Now is a better time than ever to take a ride in the car of your dreams, a chartered helicopter or in the most lavish of boats. In this guide, Simi West takes you through the classic, the understated and the slightly more obscure forms of transport you should consider to relocate you and your bridal party from the ceremony to the reception, and for your ultimate wedding getaway ride.

Image Credit: Aria Photography

Be My Guest

Once you have finalised the details of your ceremony and reception, it’s time to organise transport for yourself, your bridal party, and possibly your guests. This is a lovely gesture if your wedding location is more remote, or if you have interstate or international guests who don’t have access to a car. The general rule is that if your wedding is between thirty minutes to an hour away, it might be worth considering transport options for your guests so they aren’t inconvenienced with long drives and expensive rideshare trips. For elderly attendees and guests with special needs, be sure to find out first if they require transport. For example, an elderly grandparent might not feel comfortable with driving a long distance, especially on a day where alcohol is supplied.

To adhere to your budget, it’s best to organise a package deal if you also have an after party planned or to simply transport guests from the ceremony to the reception. There will be many entrances and exits on your big day where your chosen mode of transport has the power to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

Enter Bridal Party

Ultimately, you can transport your bridal party in any way you choose. You don’t have to abide by tradition. However, if you do choose to travel by car, read on to discover how best to delegate which vehicle your bridal party will use to travel to and from your ceremony.

Prior to booking, the first step is to know your budget and the size of your bridal party, so you can map out how many cars you require for the day. For a more intimate wedding, three cars is usually enough. Traditionally, the first car transports the bride and her parents, the second 

for the bridesmaids and the third for the groom and his groomsmen, who usually arrive about twenty minutes before the ceremony begins. These days, more couples are also opting to book a fourth car to transport the groom’s parents. The couple usually exits the ceremony first and the vehicle can then be utilised as a wonderful backdrop for photographs.

Modes Of Attraction

Now is the time to book the Rolls Royce, the Jaguar or the limousine you’ve always wanted to ride in. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make a loud statement, perhaps a Vespa or a tandem bike is more to your liking. If you’re donning a white dress or suit, be sure to take the location into consideration, as mud and grass stains will be hard to get out of your fabulous wedding outfit.

Another lavish idea is to travel from the ceremony to the reception via a chartered helicopter. With room for three to six people, you’ll be able to marvel at the views with your partner and close family or friends by air. Keep in mind that certain venues might not have the space or clearance for a helicopter to land, as the landowner’s permission is always required, so do your research prior to booking. Helicopters are not as expensive as you might think – the cost is similar to hiring a limousine, and as an added bonus, it takes far less time to get to your destination.

Party For More Than One

either a stretch or an SUV limousine. If you prefer a casual send off, party buses are excellent for after parties. Guest shuttles or charter buses are perfect for transporting up to sixty passengers, if your wedding is in a more secluded location, like a winery or a farm.

If travelling by car or by air isn’t your style, consider travelling by water. Group boat transfers can be arranged, which accommodate for large groups of a few hundred guests. If you just want a small boat that will cater for your bridal party, or simply you and your partner, this is a perfect option. Boats not only make superb photo opportunities, but allow you and your guests to relax prior to the main event. Ultimately, it is clear from this list of transport options that there really is a mode of transport available for any occasion, for as little or as many guests as you like.

Lift Off

When booking your mode of transport, check that your provider will supply refreshments and decorate the vehicle for the occasion. Hiring professional chauffeurs, drivers or pilots is also important, so you can rest easy knowing you are in safe hands, while ensuring you will receive the best possible service. Whether you opt for a classic wedding car, a party bus, a helicopter or any other mode of transport – it doesn’t really matter how you get there, or how you leave, as long as you choose a ride that best reflects you and your partner. The most important thing is that you enjoy yourself and you can relax knowing that at the end of the day, your getaway vehicle is ready for your journey into the sunset.