For larger wedding parties or for those that want a little extra elbow room, a party bus or a luxury coach is a great way to travel from the ceremony to the reception. These boast all the amenities and style of a luxury limousine, but with more room to spare; they seat up to 10 people very comfortably. For even bigger parties, a passenger coach or a party bus can seat anywhere from 21 to 49 people. This can be a great way to let a few special guests and family members come along for the ride. Or, if you have a very small wedding and the ceremony and reception are separated by a long distance, a party bus can also be a fun way to get all the guests in on the party right away.

Passenger and luxury coach companies require a minimum number of hours. The size and type of coach will determine the hourly rate. Depending on the size of your party, it may make sense to hire two coaches — maybe a luxury coach for the bride, groom, and attendants, and a passenger coach for the guests. This provides guests with a little more flexibility, too.

A fun and photo-ready alternative to a limo or a passenger coach is a trolley if it’s available in your area. Trolleys generally can accommodate between 20 and 35 people, so they’re great for larger parties and for adding on some family members or friends into the mix. With their antique look and old-world charm, they’ll lend a lovely, elegant touch to this wedding day detail. Since most have outdoor decks, these are especially fun in small towns, so you can take a peek outside and watch onlookers’ wave at the newlyweds. Plus, there’s no transportation alternative that looks as great in photos!

If there is a day to splurge on this iconic luxury vehicle, your wedding is certainly the day. Unlike some other forms of transportation, a limo can be booked for an entire day, so you could get a high-class ride to pick you up at the house, deliver you to the ceremony, reception, and even to the airport to jet off on your honeymoon. Most companies have a one or two hour minimum for their services, so think about what the most cost-effective way would be to keep the limo around. If you want a car for both going to and leaving from the ceremony, it might be more affordable to hire two separate cars, rather than pay for the vehicle to sit there during a long reception.

There are quite a few options for limos. A formal limousine seats four people, and sometimes a bride and groom will travel to the ceremony alone. Or, if you’d like to include the wedding party, stretch limos can allow for six to 10. For larger parties and a flashier mode of transport, sport utility models like the Hummer and Explorer are popular and unique both inside and out. The larger models are often posh, with flashy lights and decorative interiors.

Limos, party buses and trolleys are fabulous, traditional options, but some couples might opt for something more personal or creative. A horse-drawn carriage is a romantic, vintage option especially if you can decorate it with your wedding colors or pull up to your waving guests.

Vintage cars are also great photo ops and add a touch of timeless class. Cars such as an antique Rolls Royce or a ’69 Mustang are fun and something you don’t get to ride in every day.

Or, as with everything else in the wedding, transportation could be an opportunity to add a truly personal touch. Maybe you met at a Harley rally — rev up your twin Hogs! Perhaps you’re both avid golfers — drive off in a golf cart! Or maybe you share a love of biking — don’t be afraid to wheel over on a tandem. Personality is what makes weddings memorable, so if it’s possible to reflect your own style in your wedding transportation, go for it!

• Customize your playlist! Ask how the sound system works in your limo or party bus and come prepared to pump up the jams.
• Pack liquid refreshments that won’t leave a mark, such as sparkling water. Wine or coffee can discolor your gown. For after the ceremony, you can go with champagne or mimosas, but be careful not to overindulge.
• If you go for pictures between the ceremony and reception, champagne glasses can help make a cute picture.
• Be mindful of the time. Though cruising around can be fun, you don’t want to keep your guests waiting!
• Have a point person. Weddings are busy, chaotic days, so it’s wise to have someone closely associated with the wedding party, such as the best man or a family member, designated to coordinate with the chauffeur to make sure everything is on schedule.

Make sure to confirm transportation booking and verify pick-up and departure times well in advance of your wedding dates. And don’t be afraid to ask for a test drive! In a written contract, look for these things:

• Name and contact information for you and the company (including cell phone!)
• Date, time and address of all pick-up and drop-off locations
• Type and number of vehicles rented, and amenities supplied with each
• Exact hours of vehicle rental
• Total cost, including gas, mileage, tip, and overtime fees
• Deposit amount, balance, due date, and cancellation policy
• Signatures, including yours, and the company’s representative