Getting to the Ceremony

Many places on Nantucket have limited parking especially near the various churches in town, it may be necessary to arrange transportation not only for the couple, but also for attendants, parents, and possibly guests.

The bride's attendants' attire must be considered when choosing transportation. Those old fashioned cars are nice - but make sure there's enough room inside for a long train or veil. Convertibles are fun, but are you going down Milestone Rd.? Your hairstyle could be blown away. Are you haveing your wedding on a beach? That horse and buggy won't make it!

When choosing a transporation company, check references and arrange transaction details long before the wedding. For example, how is the final cost determined: by time, party size, or mileage? Are tips included? What insurance is available to cover breakdowns or delays? Many limousine companies offer discounts for renting multiple vehicles or for using the same service for a bachelor or bachelorette party as well as the wedding. Finally, be sure to inspect the actual vehicle before the wedding to verify its condition and suitability.

Wedding Transportation Options
The most classic wedding transportation is the standard black or white limousine. Limos come in a variety of sizes, seating from six to over twenty people, making them a practical choice for most wedding parties. Larger sport utility or truck models seat more people and offer a unique alternative to the classic limousine. Many limos are also available in gray or navy, adding individuality to the vehicle.

Rental vehicles are not restricted to limousines. There are several companies on-island that offer vintage vehicles. While these antique cars are attractive, they seat fewer passengers and are typically suitable only for the bride and groom.

Many weddings charter one of the island's many tour busses to transport the entire wedding party, parents, and grandparents between the ceremony and reception sites. While not the most romantic option, these high-capacity vehicles offer practical convenience and allow everyone to revel in the festivities alongside the happy couple. For a small wedding, it may be possible to transport all guests via rented vehicles, sparing everyone the chore of navigating our cobblestoned streets.

If the wedding and reception sites are close together, it may be possible for the wedding party to walk between them, perhaps stopping along the route for different photographs. Be sure to have an alternate plan in case of inclement weather, however, and do not overestimate how far the bride and her attendants are willing to walk in long gowns and fancy shoes.

A horse-drawn carriage is a romantic option for wedding transportation. Before hiring a carriage, inspect the vehicle to ensure that it has sufficient room to accommodate the bride's attire, and arrange alternate transport in case of poor weather. If the drive between sites is quite lengthy, a carriage may take too long. Also investigate if either the ceremony or reception site has animal restrictions that prohibit horses in the vicinity. These concerns must also be noted if the couple decides to ride horseback.

There are many other unique options for wedding transportation. A tandem bicycle, motorcycle, or even a boat can be used to transport the happy couple from the ceremony to the reception. As with more common choices, however, each type of transportation has pros and cons depending on the season, style of dress, length of trip, and site restrictions. With more unusual options, it is wise to arrange a practice run to become familiar with the trip and work out necessary changes before the big day to prevent delays, clothing mishaps, or accidents.

Adapted from an article by Melissa Mayntz in Happy Living Magazine

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