Choosing a wedding car hire firm

With all the planning in place, a good wedding car hire company will help you relax and enjoy the luxury of being looked after on your special day. All you need to do then is arrive cool, calm and collected—you'll have plenty of other things to occupy your thoughts!

The right wedding car hire firm is the one that can provide a vehicle to suit the style of your wedding—which may mean a vintage or classic car, a luxury sports car—or a double-decker bus.

Wedding car hire isn't just for the bride. You may also need transport for the groom, best man, bridesmaids, both sets of parents and any number of guests.

To avoid disappointment, start thinking about contacting wedding car hire companies about a year before the big day or as early as possible. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your booking.

Most wedding car hire firms will charge a set rate for the time they are required, but will charge extra if that time is exceeded.

Do you just want transport from home to the venue? Or do you need your wedding car hire firm to whisk you to another location for photographs, and then to and from the reception as well? It's your call.

Make sure you do your research. Ask for testimonials and client feedback from your chosen wedding car hire company. Read the conditions of hire carefully.

The car provided by the wedding car hire company should be clean and well maintained. Take a look at one beforehand to check for yourself.

Ensure that your chauffeur, male or female, has got the necessary experience and find out what they will be wearing.

What are the added extras on offer? Air conditioning is great for summer weddings, but some wedding car hire companies also offer luxury interiors and fittings, champagne, and even a scattering of rose petals.

Make sure your vehicle has easy access to the venue and can park nearby. Brides may not appreciate having to walk across a muddy lawn in white heels!

The month before the ceremony, confirm your booking with the wedding car hire firm, including timings and locations. Any last-minute changes may cost you extra.