Planning a wedding in Rhode Island is no small feat, and transportation is often pushed aside until it’s too late. From getting the couple, the wedding party, and the guests where they need to be to sending off the newlyweds with a grand exit, transportation is more important than you may think. With the right timeline, local couples can feel confident that they will have a smooth, stylish, and stress-free ride.
Nobody knows how much goes into planning a wedding like a bride and groom who are in the thick of it. Since bringing every detail together can be quite overwhelming, something as simple as transportation can get overlooked. Yet, it plays a significant role in the event.
Whether you require transportation as a couple, for the whole wedding party, or all the guests, it simply cannot be left for the last minute. Thoughtfully booking everything in advance means your special day will flow freely.
Here are 10 wedding transportation tips for Rhode Island couples.
1. Book Your Ride Early
If you think you are booking early enough, there is a good chance that you are already too late. The local area is a hot spot for weddings, especially from May through October. And nearly everyone is going to need transportation in some form.
The sooner you secure your autos, the better. Not only will you have more choices, but you will also have more time to iron out the details. Just how early is early? Book your transportation 6 to 9 months in advance.
Getting everything set can allow you plenty of time to focus on other wedding details, but don’t book your transportation and then forget it. Take the time to confirm the details again before your big day, since one small miscommunication or misunderstanding can throw everything off. A week or two before your wedding, reconfirm the details, including the pickup times, addresses, and so forth. Providing the vendor with a physical copy of this information may give you extra peace of mind.
2. Consider the Guest Experience
Transportation for weddings does not necessarily mean getting the bride and groom from point A to point B. Sometimes it means getting the entire guest list from the ceremony to the reception, especially in areas where traffic and parking can be tricky. Not to mention, it can enhance the experience for those who aren’t familiar with the area.
Investing in guest transportation, such as a shuttle bus, means that your guests can relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about how to get to the destination or where they are going to park.
3. What About the Wedding Party?
Your wedding party plays a large part in your big day, so keep them by your side by providing transportation. There is always that one person who is terrible with directions or typically late. To avoid any mishaps, choose to have your wedding party picked up and dropped off at the venue. This can ensure that your wedding day will commence without delay.
You can rent a van or small party bus to create a shared experience for the wedding party, and add to the fun with a champagne toast. This may even be more cost-effective than hiring multiple drivers to transport your crew.
4. Spend Time on the Details
One wrong turn or unspoken instruction could turn your wedding day into a chaotic mess. It does not matter how small the state of Rhode Island is; when you are moving between multiple locations, stops can be missed, addresses could be wrong, and traffic may cause major delays.
Since you don’t want anyone or anything left behind, create detailed plans for the driver. Be sure to provide times and addresses, including a buffer for traffic tie-ups. The more specific you are, the greater confidence you can have that it will all go smoothly.
5. Set the Vibe for the Ride
Your wedding is going to be one of the days you will remember for the rest of your life. So, why would your transportation be ordinary? You get to control the vibe for your ride. It can match the tone of your celebration, say a vintage convertible or trolley for a beachside wedding in Newport. Or, perhaps a stretch limo for an elegant soiree in Providence.
In addition to just getting there, you can also utilize it as a prop for photo ops. There are many different stylized ways to make this an intentional part of your wedding album. Discuss it over with your photographer so that you can be sure to allow for picture time in the itinerary.
6. Parking in Rhode Island
With all the excitement of planning a wedding, no one really thinks much about the parking. But, they should. In The Ocean State, not having a solid parking plan can cause problems on your big day.
Historic venues, narrow streets, and limited parking areas mean finding a place for your 400 guests to park can be tough. Will there be a place for your limo to wait? Could a reserved parking lot and valet service make everything easier?
Getting a head start on all of this with your transportation vendor can ensure that everything flows seamlessly.
7. Always Have a Plan B
Throughout New England, the weather can be beautiful one minute and awful the next. If you put all your focus on a convertible ride in a vintage car along the shoreline, you may regret your choices if the clouds roll in.
You want your day to be perfect. Discuss your options with your transportation company. Maybe it means choosing a different vehicle as a backup or creating an alternative timeline. The more experienced your vendor, the greater the chance you will have peace of mind no matter what Mother Nature brings.
8. Know Your Transportation Company
You never want to choose just any transportation vendor in Rhode Island for your wedding. That is like allowing a stranger to create a day that means so very much to you without even knowing who you are.
Take the time to ensure that your transportation company is licensed, insured, and has well-maintained vehicles. It’s perfectly ok to ask about viewing the automobiles in person before booking.
Your vendor should be professional, reliable, and highly reviewed. You also want to make sure that they are familiar with the areas and have experience with weddings. Take the time to ask for references, read reviews, and get to know them. Or, take advantage of platforms like the REEL Vendor Network, where the vetting is done for you.
9. Delegate a Transportation Person
We don’t have to tell you just how packed your wedding day is going to be. You will want to show up ready to meet the love of your life and share your promises, as everything has led up to this day. And, still, you are likely going to have butterflies and jitters. The last thing you want to focus on is a vehicle.
Delegate someone you trust as the transportation person. They will be aware of all the details and ensure that any issues are handled appropriately, without involving you. Just be sure your vendor knows who this person is in advance.
10. Make a Memorable Exit
At the end of a magical wedding day, it is time to say goodbye to all of your guests and make your grand exit. Do you have an idea of what this will look like? It may mean dashing hand-in-hand beneath a canopy of sparklers or laughing as birdseed rains down like confetti. We could walk together through a wall of bubbles and cheers from friends and family. Whatever it entails, make it special as it leads you to your getaway transportation.
Close out the night in style by making an iconic statement that will leave a lasting impression. Always coordinate with your photographer and the transportation company to create something spectacular.
What kind of car will you escape in? Will there be a limo? A party bus? A classic or vintage car? An elegant black car? The choice is yours. Make it your mic-drop moment.
Remember Every Mile of Your Wedding Day
Wedding planning comes with a long list of tasks to accomplish, but never underestimate the value of planned transportation. When a timeline is in place to get you where you need to be when you need to be there, you can relax. Your wedding party and guests will be grateful, too. It’s like adding that one tiny missing piece to a puzzle that brings the entire experience together.
At REEL Vendor Network, we help couples like you connect with the best Rhode Island vendors, including transportation. After all, trusted professionals will ensure your day runs smoothly and on time.
If you are ready to start planning the ride of a lifetime for your wedding, browse our transportation vendors. Their level of dedication to you will make your day memorable from the first hello until the last goodbye.