HOW TO CHOOSE A LIMOUSINE SERVICE FOR YOUR WEDDING

Most brides will want transportation for the wedding party, out of town guests not familiar with Houston's streets and and especially romantic car just for the bride and groom.  These tips are provided to help you ask the right questions and make sure you have a positive experience on the most important day of your life.

1) When should you book?   Eight months out is recommended for an antique specialty; three months for a regular limousine.

2) Where is the best place to look for a limousine?  Ask your photographer or other wedding service provider.  Look at the website for the Limousine Association of Houston,  their members are committed to providing good service.  http://www.houstonlimos.org  Also check the website for the Bridal Extravaganza, http://www/bridalextravaganzashow.com.

3) Pay by Credit Card.  In the unlikely event of a dispute, it will be easier to get a partial or total refund.

4) Get a written contract with everything specified.  A short pencil is a thousand times more valuable than a long memory.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE LIMOUSINE SERVICE:

1) How long have you been in business?  How many cars in your fleet? What percentage of business is wedding vs. airport runs?  BEWARE:  A limo service heavy into airport runs may or may not be on time for your wedding due to late flights etc.

2) Which business associations do you belong to?  Examples:  Limousine Assoc. of Houston, Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lions Club, Rotary Club.  Their membership in these groups indicates their level of dedication to the transportation industry and the community in general.  If the answer is none; shop elsewhere.

3) Is my deposit refundable?  BEWARE! If they say "Yes", which means you can cancel on them at the last minute, they can do likewise if a better paying job comes along on the day of your wedding.

4) What is the total cost?  Be sure gratitudes, tolls, taxes, travel time, standing time and holiday premiums are included.  What if you need overtime?  That rate can be double the normal rate even if the car is available.  The driver may need to rush to the airport to meet a flight for the next customer.

5) Will you go out of town?  Rates are usually charged from when the limo leaves the office until it returns.  Also an out-of-city fee may be charged for going to The Woodlands, Galveston, etc.  Be sure the company understands where all you  need to go before  they quote a price.

6) Will you do a "pickup" and "dropoff"?  BEWARE! If they say "yes", that means that they will try to do ten jobs that evening instead of just yours.  If they show up at all, they may be 1-2 hours late.  Also if you are not ready to leave the minute they arrive, they may want a $200 Overtime fee or simply leave without you when you're not looking to go on the next "PUDO".  A reputable service can be determined  by those who have at least a four-hour minimum and stay with you the whole time parked outside in case you or your guests need an unexpected ride somewhere.  An antique limo on display is like your flower arrangements; it should be on prominent display the whole evening.  Be sure your limo doesn't drive off to do a side job with your purse, camera, and wedding presents in the trunk!

SUMMARY:  A limousine service that specializes in weddings (80% or more of their bookings, has four-hour minimums, is family-owned and operated, belongs to several professional organizations, is recommended by other wedding service providers and is a regular exhibitor at bridal shows is your best bet.  OUR MOST IMPORTANT TIP: In the limousine business, like any other, if the deal sounds too good to be true….well, you know the rest !!!