Your East Midlands Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 30)

TRANSPORT 67  that newer cars are more reliable. “Vintage motors require greater care and an intimate knowledge of their workings but professionally maintained ones are just as trustworthy. A horse and carriage is stunning for a summer wedding but they only have a range of around four to five miles so bear that in mind when making your decision,” says Tom. You want to arrive in style and comfort! A floor- skimming supercar over the potholes of North Derbyshire won’t make for a comfortable ride. You need to look and feel nice and a travel-sick bride’s not currently in fashion. – Anna THE SMALL PRINT Be sure to get a contract and read it thoroughly. “Check for things such as décor options, timings and agreed mileage. Good providers will only do one wedding per car per day too so they shouldn’t be in a rush to leave,” says Tom. “Most importantly, check how you stand if the vehicle breaks down before it reaches you or worse still on the way to the ceremony,” adds Mike. “Many reputable suppliers carryout regular maintenance on fleet and have back-up options so you wouldn’t be left stranded if this happened.” “It’s also worth considering that by law, unless licenced, a company can’t sell you alcohol and shouldn’t give you a free bottle of bubbly as this is considered a benefit in kind so technically selling alcohol unlicensed,” says Anna. Any type of transport can suffer a mechanical failure and horses can go lame so always ensure that your provider has alternative arrangements to get you there. – Tom GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH “Some companies, us included, will offer other services as well as transport. We provide a sweet shop and a photo booth with discounted combo prices when two services are booked,” says Anna. Other reductions are often provided. “Many suppliers will offer a discount on a second or third car booking or even for some professions. Don’t be afraid to ask, you’ve got nothing to lose!” says Tom. “Make sure the vehicle company will stay around until you’ve had your photos taken. Sometimes a short drive around for the bride and groom is nice especially if your service and reception’s it the same venue. This gives the happy couple a few minutes to themselves. Most car companies should provide this if requested,” Mike says. Mid-week weddings tend to be more cost effective than weekend nuptials. Your hire company should be the same in respect of price too! - Mike CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Anna Davidson, vintagecamperhire.co.uk Ben Vallance, vallancescoachesltd.com Mike Neilson, vanillamoonweddings.co.uk Tom Larkin, vintage-wedding-cars.co.uk vallancescoachesltd.com vanillamoonweddings.co.uk