Wedding Day Transportation: Getting Your Guests Where They Need to Go (Without Complications)

Organising your wedding can be rather complicated in terms of logistics. You simply don't realise how much work is involved until you get the process underway. Transportation for your guests is something that might seem relatively simple to arrange, but this is somewhat deceptive. Any transportation needs on the day can run like clockwork, but only when a certain amount of preparation has been completed. So what can you do to make sure that all your guests get where they need to go?

From the Ceremony to the Reception

Consider the distance from the location of your wedding ceremony to where you will hold your reception. Unless they happen to be the same place, you will need a wedding charter service. There are several things to think about when renting a bus for this purpose.

1. When the wedding invitations are sent out, stipulate that your guest's RSVP should also state whether they will need a seat on the bus.

2. Once you have an idea of numbers, you will know what size bus you will need to rent.

3. Compile a list of everyone who will be using the bus, and give it to a trusted and obliging friend or family member. This creates a roll call of sorts, ensuring that nobody is left behind.

4. Do any guests have a disability that affects their mobility? If they are unable to climb the steps to the bus, an alternative form of transportation will be needed for them. A wheelchair/mobility aid–accessible taxi will be perfectly suitable, but this needs to be booked well in advance to ensure availability.

Getting to the Ceremony

When it comes to getting to the ceremony in the first place, local friends and family will probably be able to make their own arrangements. For out-of-town guests, ask the locals for assistance. Perhaps someone has space in their car and can help to transport someone to the ceremony. You should also check local public transport connections if the ceremony venue happens to be conveniently accessible by bus, train or tram. Confirm the timetables for any appropriate public transport and send a link for the service's timetable and ticketing site (or smartphone app) to any guests who might need it.

In Case of Emergency

In case of emergency (as in anyone running significantly late or being left behind), a backup plan can be extremely helpful. This can be as simple as having the contact details for a local taxi service, being able to arrange a carshare service if the guest in question is not able to do so themselves or even having an idea if any other guests tend to refrain from drinking alcohol (and so are able to quickly drive to pick someone up if the need should arise).

Getting all your guests where they need to go on your big day doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, the only real way it can become complicated is if you forget to make the necessary plans!