Transporting Guests After The Wedding Reception

Providing transportation for your wedding guests is a thoughtful gesture that can ensure their timely arrival and safe commute, especially if your wedding venue is in a remote location or far from their accommodation. While it is not mandatory, it can be a convenient option, depending on various factors. These include the distance between the ceremony and reception venues, the accessibility of the venue, and the availability of alternative transport options. If you're concerned about the cost, there are ways to save money, such as by offering discount codes for rental cars or rideshare services, or coordinating carpooling with local guests. Ultimately, the decision to provide transportation for your wedding guests depends on your specific circumstances and budget.

Guests can use taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft

If you're worried about how your guests will get to and from your wedding, there are many options to consider. One option is to let guests use taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. This is a convenient and affordable option, especially if your wedding is in an urban area or a place with reliable cell phone service.

If you're concerned about the cost for your guests, you can offer them discount codes for rideshare services. Uber and Lyft often allow you to create custom event codes that you can include in your invitations or on your wedding website. This way, you can contribute to your guests' transportation costs without having to pay for everyone's rides.

Using rideshare services can also be safer for guests who choose to drink at your wedding. They won't have to worry about driving home or leaving their cars overnight at the venue. However, keep in mind that rideshare services may be in high demand on your wedding day, especially if there are other events happening nearby. This could make it difficult for guests to get a ride when they need one.

Additionally, rideshare services may not be ideal if your wedding venue is in a rural area with limited cell phone service. In this case, providing transportation or arranging for a shuttle service may be more reliable options.

Overall, allowing guests to use taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be a convenient and affordable option for wedding transportation, especially if your venue is in an urban area with good cell phone service.

Guests can use a hotel shuttle service

To find a hotel that offers shuttle service, you can start by asking nearby hotels if they provide this service. Another option is to ask your wedding venue if any nearby hotels offer shuttle services to and from the venue. Many hotels provide free transportation if you book a block of rooms. This can be a win-win situation for both your guests and the hotel.

If you're blocking hotel rooms for your guests anyway, it makes sense to ask for free transportation as well. You can call hotels near your wedding venue or fill out a group booking request form online. In the comments section, specify that preference will be given to hotels that can provide complimentary shuttle service to the wedding reception.

Hotels typically charge for shuttle services in one of three ways: a sliding scale based on the number of rooms blocked, a flat hourly fee, or an a la carte option where you're charged for each trip the shuttle makes. The sliding scale and flat hourly fee options tend to be the most cost-effective, while the a la carte option can quickly become expensive.

When booking a hotel shuttle service, be sure to confirm the details in writing, including the date, time, locations for pickup and drop-off, type of vehicle, and the number of vehicles rented.

Using a hotel shuttle service can be a convenient and cost-effective way to provide transportation for your wedding guests, especially if you're able to secure complimentary shuttle services by booking a block of hotel rooms. This option can add a nice touch to your wedding and ensure your guests arrive safely and on time.

Guests can drive their own vehicles

If your guests are driving their own vehicles to your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, your venue may have trouble accommodating a large number of cars, so it's a good idea to let your guests know in advance if parking is limited. This is especially important if your venue is in a rural area or has unreliable cell service, as guests may struggle to arrange alternative transportation on the day.

Another consideration is that guests may want to drink at your wedding, which could make driving home difficult. You could suggest that guests carpool or use a designated driver, or you could provide a discount code for a rideshare service. This would also help to ensure that guests don't have to worry about finding cash for a cab.

If your wedding is in an urban area, it may be easier for guests to drive themselves, as they can use ridesharing apps or taxis. However, if your wedding is in a remote location, it may be more convenient for guests if you provide transportation. This is especially true if guests are travelling from out of town and may not have access to a car.

Ultimately, the decision to provide transportation for your guests will depend on your wedding budget and the specific needs of your guest list. If you're unsure, you could include information about transportation options on your wedding website, and guests can always reach out if they have any questions or concerns.

Provide a chartered wedding transportation service, like a car, limousine, shuttle or party bus

Providing transportation for your wedding guests is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the ceremony on time and can easily get to the reception or after-party, especially if it's held at a separate location. Here are some tips for providing a chartered wedding transportation service, such as a car, limousine, shuttle, or party bus:

Types of Chartered Transportation

Chartered transportation companies can offer a variety of vehicles, including cars, limousines, shuttles, and party buses. Stretch limos, for example, can add a touch of pizzazz to your wedding day and usually accommodate 12-14 guests. Party buses can be a fun option, often featuring on-board discos and dancing poles. Shuttle buses are also useful for transporting guests between venues and can hold 14-28 passengers, while charter buses can accommodate up to 56 guests.

When to Provide Chartered Transportation

If your ceremony and reception venues are more than 30 minutes apart, it is considerate to provide transportation for your guests to avoid inconveniencing them with rideshare charges or long drives. Chartered transportation is also helpful for destination weddings or weddings in locations with limited access to taxis or rideshare options. Additionally, if you have guests with special needs or disabilities, providing transportation can ensure their comfort and convenience.

Booking and Budgeting

It is recommended to book your wedding transportation early, especially if you require specific vehicles or have a large guest list. When budgeting, consider the type of transport, the number of vehicles, the time required, and any additional costs such as tipping, gas, and mileage. The average cost of wedding transportation can range from $700 to $1,200, depending on the type of vehicle and the duration of the rental. To save costs, consider negotiating with the venue or hotel, as they may offer incentives like shuttle services for booked rooms.

Logistics and Communication

When booking transportation, factor in extra travel time to account for potential delays. Choose spacious vehicles to ensure comfort, and consider leaving a few seats open. Provide the transportation company with a call sheet that includes guest names, pick-up and drop-off addresses, and times. Communicate the transportation plan to your guests through your wedding website or invitation suite, including pick-up and drop-off locations and times.

Guests can carpool with other guests

If you're looking to make your wedding more environmentally friendly, or simply want to help guests travelling from out of town, encouraging them to carpool is a great option. Here are some ways to facilitate carpooling for your guests:

Use a Google Doc or spreadsheet

Create a shared spreadsheet or Google Doc where guests can input their own information, such as their name, email, phone number, estimated arrival time, and the number of people in their party. This will allow guests to connect with each other and coordinate their travel plans.

Set up a Facebook group

If many of your guests are on Facebook, you can create an event or group for the wedding where guests can connect and organise carpools. This is especially helpful if you have guests who don't know each other but live near one another.

Use your wedding website

If you have a wedding website, you can include a section dedicated to carpooling. This could be as simple as a forum where guests can post their arrival information and contact details, or you could use it to facilitate carpooling by including a map with guests' locations.

Offer incentives

You can encourage carpooling by offering incentives, such as a prize for the driver who carpools with the most guests. For example, you could offer gas cards as a reward.

Provide contact information

Make it easy for guests to connect with each other by sharing emails and contact numbers, especially for those coming from out of town.

Be proactive

It's important to be proactive when suggesting carpooling. Include the suggestion as part of your invitations, and follow up with guests to encourage them to participate.

By implementing these strategies, you can make carpooling a convenient and attractive option for your wedding guests. Not only will it help reduce travel costs and logistics, but it's also a more environmentally friendly approach to transportation.

Frequently asked questions