CWPR Fall 2016

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T R A N S P O R T A T I O N & P A R K I N G
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
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START IT UP
Limousine companies tend to get booked
quickly during the summer – peak wedding
season – and late spring – prom season.
Begin looking for a limo as much as six
months before these prime periods. If your
wedding takes place in the off-season (fall or
winter), look to book three or four months
out.
SIZE IT UP
The biggest factor in limo choice will be
the size of the wedding party and any
extra people who will be traveling in the
limo. A smaller group may get by in, say,
a stretched-out Lincoln limousine, while
a group of a dozen may need a converted-
SUV limo. Really large groups – 20-some
people – could even opt for a party bus limo.
With the type of ride that would best
accommodate you in mind, compare prices
among like vehicles at different vendors
in your area. Don’t make your decision on
price alone.
Like every driver on the road, the company
you go with should be licensed and insured
(including liability and medical insurance
for passengers). Look for companies with a
fleet of recent model-year vehicles, and seek
references from recent customers.
When getting a quote, be sure to get the
whole picture. The bulk of companies charge
by the hour and probably will have a three-
or four-hour minimum for a wedding,
depending on the day. Prices can range
anywhere from $250 to $500 for a stretch
limo up to $1,000 for a converted SUV.
Don’t forget to ask if the driver’s gratuity –
typically 20 percent – is included.
Depending on the time of year, it may be
possible to negotiate the hourly rate.
DRIVE DETAILS
Be sure to read the rental contract thoroughly
before signing. It should denote:
• Make, model and year of the vehicle
• Date of service
• Pick-up times and locations
• All costs involved, including deposit and
cancellation policies
• If you don’t have a physical contract, be
sure to keep a copy of the itinerary in your
e-mail
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