Your wedding day is one of the biggest and most important days of your life, and a time when your loved ones all come together to celebrate the love between you and your partner. But, how will you and your spouse-to-be get around on the big day that’s in keeping with the style and theme that such an occasion deserves?
It might not seem like it, but your wedding transport will play a big part in your celebrations. Depending on your schedule and venues, you may need to rely on transportation several times, such as to take you to the ceremony, to the venue for the reception, to a location for photographs, to your hotel at the end of the night and possibly even more.
So, you’ll want to ensure you have a stylish ride waiting for you to get you quickly and safely from A to B. But, how much does wedding transport cost?
In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding transport costs, including the average cost, what you might expect for your budget and what factors can affect how much you’ll spend.
In Canada, the average amount couples spend on wedding transportation is around $1,200, though this can vary greatly depending on several factors. These include the type of vehicle, the distance you’ll be traveling, and how long you’ll need the transportation for.
In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we found that Canadians typically spend an average of $30,000 on their weddings, with transportation often being a significant part of the costs. Naturally, a vintage Rolls-Royce or a horse-drawn carriage will cost more than a classic limo or even a stylish SUV rental – but there’s no “right” choice. The best option comes down to your theme, your personal style, and most importantly, your budget. How much you choose to spend on wedding transportation is entirely up to you and should reflect what works for your big day.
So, what can $1,200 get you? With this average budget for wedding transportation, you have plenty of stylish, creative, and even adventurous options to consider, whether by land, water — or even air!
Iconic VW Beetles and Camper Vans bring personality and charm to your big day. These retro vehicles make for unforgettable photos and a quirky entrance. Costs for classic VW rentals start around $600.
Rolls-Royce, Ford Model As, or other vintage cars deliver timeless elegance and class. You can find options starting at $500.
Want a truly unforgettable entrance? Arriving by helicopter is the height of luxury and adventure. Costs for helicopter charters start from around $750, depending on the location and distance.
A stretch limo screams luxury and offers plenty of space to bring along your bridal party. Packages start at $500.
For a flashy and high-powered arrival, consider a Lamborghini, Porsche, or another sports car. It’s a head-turning choice with rentals starting around $800.
Nothing says fairytale wedding like a horse-drawn carriage. It’s a stunningly romantic choice, and you’ll feel like royalty. Costs start around $700.
For transporting your wedding party in style, a charming vintage trolley or party bus adds a fun, memorable touch. Prices for rental start at $600.
If your venue is near a lake, river, or the ocean, why not make your grand entrance on a boat? Private charters start at around $400. For something truly unique, some companies even offer houseboats that double as a wedding venue!
If you’re hiring your vehicle through a vendor that specialises in wedding transport, then it’s highly likely that the cost will also include the cost of a chauffeur. However, this is something you’ll want to double check, as the last thing you want to do is drive yourself to your wedding, even if it is behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. You may find that the driver is happy to let you take some creative photos though – just don’t scratch the paintwork with your sequins.
You’ll also want to discuss with your chosen chauffeur the route they’ll take to get you from A to B on the big day. Where possible you may want to avoid congested streets and instead prefer to take scenic routes – but this can affect the cost.
If you’re on a budget, there are several factors to be aware of that can influence how much you’ll pay for wedding transport.
The price will vary depending on how long you need transportation. Traditionally, you would have the car take you to the ceremony and then for the photos with your new spouse, after which you would get driven to the reception venue and then the car would leave, which usually takes around three hours. However, some vendors will rent you the car for the entirety of your wedding day, allowing you to leave the reception in style.
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The distance and route your wedding car takes will also be taken into account. For example, some companies will give you the first 50 kilometers from their base free but will charge mileage accordingly after that. It can also make a difference if your venue is downtown or out in the middle of the countryside.
If you and your beloved require more than one car it will increase the overall cost. However, many car vendors will offer packages on these, factoring in a discount, so definitely discuss this with your vendor if you want multiple cars.
Guest Transport
Although by no means a necessity, many couples also choose to book transport for their guests, especially if the ceremony and reception are taking place at different venues. It helps keep everyone on time and means no one has to worry about driving and finding their way around.
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around between $500 and $1,500 for transportation that accommodates approximately 25 guests and includes up to three stops. Naturally, the cost will go up or down depending on the number of guests, stops, and distance. When planning your wedding, don’t forget to include whether or not you’ll be providing transportation for your guests on your wedding information sheet. This ensures everyone knows the plan and can make their travel arrangements accordingly!
In Canada, most wedding transportation vendors include decorative ribbons and bows for your vehicle as part of their service. If you’d prefer to add a personal touch, you can also purchase your own decorations, with prices starting around $7 for ribbons.
For those interested in personalized license plates, it’s a good idea to check with your transportation provider to ensure they allow modifications. Official personalized plates can vary in cost depending on your province, but decorative or novelty plates are also an option and can add a fun, custom element to your wedding car. Just be sure that any decorative plates don’t obstruct the official license plates to comply with local regulations.
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