When should you book? Eight months out is recommended for an
antique specialty; three months for a regular limousine.
Where is the best place to look for a limousine? Ask your
photographer or other wedding service provider. Ask around to other
people who have rented limousines in the past and their experience
with a particular limousine company.
Pay by Credit Card. In
the unlikely event of a dispute, it will be easier to get a partial or
total refund.
Get a written contract with
everything specified. A short pencil is a thousand times more
valuable than a long memory.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE LIMOUSINE SERVICE:
How long have you been in business? How many
cars in your fleet? What percentage of business is wedding vs. airport
runs? BEWARE: A limo service heavy into airport runs may or
may not be on time for your wedding due to late flights etc.
Is my deposit refundable? BEWARE! If
they say "Yes", which means you can cancel on them at the last minute,
they can do likewise if a better paying job comes along on the day of
your wedding.
What is the total cost? Be sure gratuity,
tolls, taxes, travel time, standing time and holiday premiums are
included. What if you need overtime? That rate can be double the
normal rate even if the car is available. The driver may need to rush
to the airport to meet a flight for the next customer. It is important
to remember that a limousine may have to be somewhere immediately
following your reception. Its best to find out what happens if you
reception runs late and what is the associated costs to keep a
limousine waiting.
Will you do a "pickup" and "drop-off"?
BEWARE! If they say "yes", that means that they will try to do ten
jobs that evening instead of just yours. Best advice is rent a
limousine for the whole length of time you may need it to insure it is
at your disposal.
