If you’re planning a wedding, you know that there are a million different things to plan and organize. That can be overwhelming for even the calmest bride and groom, but you’ve got this; hang in there. One thing you may not have yet considered is your wedding shuttle service. You know you’ll need one to help your guests get from place to place, but a plain old bus or van seems so boring, and it really doesn’t capture your style.
If you are looking for ways to make your wedding shuttle fun and elegant for your guests, read on. We have brainstormed seven unique ideas for your wedding shuttle service that will make something as mundane as transportation a memorable and incredible part of your big day.
Why You Need a Wedding Shuttle Service
There are many reasons that hiring a wedding shuttle service for your wedding is a good idea.
First of all, you want your guests to feel comfortable and to enjoy themselves. Some of your guests will opt to drive their own cars no matter what you do, but many will appreciate the inclusion of a wedding shuttle in the festivities.
If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, a shuttle can help them move from the hotel to the ceremony to the reception with ease. You won’t have to worry about anyone getting lost, and they will have nothing to worry about either. They just have to board the shuttle and then they will be magically whisked away to the next location.
Most weddings include some or a lot of imbibing and you want your guests to be safe and feel carefree. When you hire a wedding shuttle service, no one has to worry about who must take the wheel. The company you hire will take care of it all.
Finally, a shuttle will give your guests a chance to get to know one another. The shuttle atmosphere is bright and upbeat and it will encourage people to make connections with their fellow guests. This will help to make the day feel even more celebratory.
Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Shuttle
Most people who hire a wedding shuttle service for wedding guests don’t think much about it. They simply call a company, give them a schedule, and move their guests from place to place. However, there are many things you can do to make this part of your wedding day extra special for your attendees.
1. Match Your Transportation to Your Event
When it comes to choosing wedding transportation, don’t just pick the first wedding shuttle service that comes along. You want the very best for your guests while getting the most bang for your buck.
If your wedding is high-end and classy, you’ll want transportation to match. A luxurious, comfortable coach bus will be more appropriate than an airport-shuttle style bus or a school bus.
For weddings on the smaller side, a fleet of luxury cars or stretch limos might be an impressive choice.
Consider the theme and location of your event when choosing a shuttle service as well. If the wedding shuttle service cost isn’t an issue, you can be very creative in this realm.
A country-themed wedding in a barn with a reception down the road might suggest a horse-drawn wagon for guest transport. Transport by boat may work well for a seaside ceremony, or your guests might enjoy a ride on a cable car for a wedding in San Francisco. The possibilities are endless.
2. Plan Shuttle Entertainment
For many of your guests, the wedding officially begins when they board the wedding transportation from the hotel. The vibe should be festive right away. Create a playlist so the music on the shuttle matches the happy couple’s likes and personality, or consider creating a video to welcome your guests to your big event.
3. Invite Your Guests to Play Games
You can enlist a friend who will ride the shuttle to take the entertainment a step further. If the ride from the hotel to the ceremony is long, a few games may be in order.
For one example, a bride and groom might create a trivia game about their relationship and guests who get the most answers correct can win a fun prize. Bus karaoke can also be a big hit for the right group of guests.
4. Decorate the Shuttle
Again, the shuttle is where the party begins, so make it look that way. Most shuttle companies will allow one or two people to board the shuttle a little earlier than the rest of the group to decorate the inside.
Hang balloons and streamers in your wedding’s theme colors. If you imprinted napkins, candies, koozies or other items for your guests, make sure you stock the bus with these.
5. Give Your Photographer a Ride
Most couples don’t include their photographer in the shuttle experience, but you absolutely should. The shuttle is a great place to see everyone looking their best and to capture the excitement they are feeling about your event.
The pictures your photographer will take on your wedding shuttle will be special and will be photos you will enjoy for years to come.
6. Don’t Forget the Details
Most of all, you want to make sure that your guests are comfortable on your shuttle. They should be arriving at the ceremony, and later the reception, feeling great and ready to celebrate. We always suggest visiting your transportation provider’s operation and viewing their fleet in person.
If your wedding is happening during warm weather months, you’ll want to make sure the bus is air-conditioned properly. On the other hand, if you’re getting married during cooler weather, you might want to put some blankets on board the bus to make sure everyone is warm and cozy on their trip back to the hotel at the end of the night. WARNING: Trolleys and converted school or transit buses aren’t always known for their reliable temperature control.
Great Transportation Equals a Great Wedding
The wedding shuttle service you hire will help you to set the tone for a wonderful day or night. It’s a detail that many couples gloss over when it comes to wedding planning, but it shouldn’t be.
Riding on a shuttle that is fun and memorable to and from your wedding is something your guests will always remember and appreciate.
If you’re looking for an excellent, top-notch wedding shuttle service provider that goes above and beyond, please give us a call today. We can’t wait to make your special day the best it can be.