If you are looking for an ingenious way to make your event extra special, nothing comes close to a limo transport service! The sheer convenience, comfort and that extra luxury combined with a courteous service that uniquely stands out make renting a limo a veritable stroke of genius. However, if you plan to use a limo service for your event, planning is necessary since there is demand on high season. The one thing you should avoid is last minute planning. To be sure you will get the right limo service for your event, here are 11 helpful suggestions.
1. Determine How Long You’ll Need the Limo
To facilitate booking with the limo company, let them know the number of hours you’ll need the car. A difference of one hour can affect the booking schedule and deny you the chance of hiring your preferred limousine. If you are not sure how long you will need the car, you are better off adding an extra hour or two to the quote, just to be sure.
2. Take Note of High-Demand Seasons
Limo rental services are on high demand during festive seasons. To ensure limo availability for your event, book early. You are not the only one planning to celebrate in style. The height of the wedding season is the summer months of June and July, and limousines are busiest during this time. If you plan to hire a wedding limo service, book ahead by a couple of months to secure your dates.
A few weeks of advanced booking should be enough to secure a limo service during the low season. You might still get a limo within a week’s notice, but you may not have much choice in terms of limo choice. For instance, you shouldn’t be choosy about the model year, in-vehicle features and limo colour.
3. How Many People Will the Limo Carry?
Before planning starts, do a head count of those who will be using the limo. It is wise to allow some extra space just in case an important friend changes their mind and decides to come along. This could save you last minute disappointments. For instance, if your event is for ten people, get a limo for twelve. Last minute turn of events may bring more people on board than you had anticipated. Besides, even if there are no last-minute surprises, the extra space enhances the comfort of those onboard.
4. Get the Right Car for the Event
Your event type and desired vibe are key to choosing the type of car to use during an event. Specific cars are suited for particular events. A party bus or limousine may be your best choice when attending a sporting event or a wine tour. A stretch Hummer for a bachelor party may impress during a night out in town. A classic stretch limo or a town car may be your best bet for a wedding. To scale the ambience at your event a notch or two, you might want to get a limo featuring your event’s theme colour.
5. Share Details of Your Event with the Limo Operators
To help the limo company prepare the car for your occasion, give them details of your event and expectations. This helps them prepare the car accordingly. Share your vision for the event with the customer service executive for a guaranteed experience. Sharing your event’s details helps the customer service staff to suggest the best options for your event. It also helps them recommend specific deals that are favourable to your budget. For minors, parents or guardians are responsible for booking.
6. Amenities
Get all the info needed about amenities provided by your preferred limo service provider. There are various types of amenities depending on what your needs are, and the duration of limo hire. Bigger rental buses may focus on storing your belongings and keeping riders comfortable. A 12 to 20 Sitter limo may offer you bottled water, beverage glasses, and a quality stereo system. Establish the available plug-ins and ask about their compatibility with your smartphones. Plan for the music to be played for enhanced ambiance. Other in-car amenities include screens to keep riders busy and entertained.
7. Check on the Alcohol Policy
Are you allowed to take alcohol in the limo? Each limo company provides specific guidelines on the code of conduct during a ride. Specific guidelines are tailored to specific events and customers. Find out whether alcohol is permitted for your event type, the cost of taking liquor during your ride, and other options. In some cases, a glass of wine, ice water, and soft drinks are enough for your guests.
Where alcohol is allowed, stretch SUVs, party buses and the like have an on-car refrigerator and a drink station. You may have to bring your own alcohol and soft drinks. Glasses, water, and an ice point are usually provided. This way you get to choose the type of beverage you want. However, remember that only those over 21 years are allowed to take alcohol in the limo.
8. Check out the Fleet Ahead Time
Get a sense of what vehicles the limo service provider has before you make a reservation. Identify your choice car before proceeding with the booking.
9. Beware of the Reservations and Cancellations Policy
Find out what the policy is on possible cancellations and re-scheduling. The weather can affect your event, especially if it is an outdoor one. Know what the implications of last-minute changes are.
10. Confirm Pricing
Determine whether your pricing is a flat rate or hourly. This helps you budget with precision. Make sure other costs such as tax are declared to help you choose the best solution for your event. When in doubt, always ask.
11. Tipping the Driver
Tipping a limo driver is good etiquette. Find out if the tip is included in your bill or not. Your limo driver will definitely appreciate a good tip.
Securing a preferred limo for your event entails careful planning. Since you will be paying for the service, you might as well make sure the limo service you get meets the needs of your event. Plan early and be on top of things to avoid last minute pressures.