Booking a wedding car: a simple 7-step checklist
By Modenlink Travel team · · 3 minute read
List every journey first, book early for popular dates, choose a car with room for the dress and add breathing space to each timing. Agree the date, times, addresses, car, how long it is yours, the full price and the cancellation terms in writing, and give the details to someone on the day.
The wedding car is in more photos than almost anything else on the day, and it has an important job: getting the right people to the right place on time. Here is a practical checklist to help you choose and book it without last-minute worries.
1. Decide who needs transport
Start with a list. Most couples book a car for the bride or the couple, but many also need transport for bridesmaids, parents, the groom and best man, or guests between the ceremony and the reception. Writing down every journey, with times and addresses, shows quickly whether you need one car, two, or a minibus for guests.
2. Book early
Popular dates, especially summer Saturdays and bank holiday weekends, fill up early. Once you have your venue and date, start looking at cars. Booking early also gives you time to see the vehicle and agree the details calmly.
3. Choose the right car for your style and your dress
Think about the look you want in the photos, but also about practical things: a full dress needs space to get in and out gracefully, and a tall headdress needs headroom. Ask about the car's colour, interior and how many passengers it takes comfortably, not just how many seats it has.
4. Plan the timings with some breathing space
Work out each journey and add a margin. Allow for traffic, for photos before you set off, and for the moments when everyone is running five minutes late. Ask how long the car is booked for and whether the driver can wait at the ceremony to take you on to the reception.
5. Agree the details in writing
- The date, every pickup time and every address.
- The vehicle, its colour and any decoration, such as ribbons.
- How long the car is yours, and what happens if the day runs late.
- The full price, and the cancellation terms.
6. Share it with someone on the day
On the day itself you will have other things on your mind. Give the booking details and the driver's contact number to a bridesmaid, usher or parent, so they can deal with any questions.
7. Think about guests too
If your ceremony and reception are in different places, or the venue is out of town, transport for guests helps everyone arrive together and means nobody has to worry about driving home. A minibus or coach is often the simplest answer for larger groups.
Look at our wedding cars and tell us about your day. We will help you plan the timings and come back to you with a price.