Tips On How To Hire A Limousine Service

With over 20 years of experience and more than 5,000 successful events, here are a few important tips you should consider when hiring a limousine.

Reservations
The majority of limousine operators require that you book the limousine for a minimum time. Consider extending your reservation in advance. Limousine companies cannot guarantee that your vehicle will be available past the agreed-upon time. Also, book as early as possible, particularly if you are looking for a specialty vehicle. Rolls-Royce vehicles may be booked up to a year in advance for some popular dates.

The Cheapest Is Rarely The Best
Remember the old adage, "You get what you pay for." According to the National Limousine Association's Consumer's Guide to Purchasing Professional Transportation: "If there is one thing consumers learn the hard way in the limousine business, it is that the inexpensive option is by all means not always the most reliable and efficient." Weddings are usually presented as a package price. Be sure that you are comparing "apples to apples". Ask for specifics about what is included. At Alabaster's, our price includes many things that are considered extra's by other companies. We understand that you will find some lower fares in our area, but you need to ask yourself whether or not the few dollars saved is worth the potential frustration from poor service. We charge a competitive fee, and in return, you will receive an extremely clean and reliable vehicle and top-notch professional service from one of our world-class chauffeurs.

Door to Door Charges
Some companies charge from the time the vehicle leaves their garage to its return. Ask when your time begins. (Note: our time starts when we pick you up, not when we leave our garage.)

Check References
According to the National Limousine Association, on the whole, the limousine industry has a high degree of turnover. About twenty-five percent of companies go out of business each year! Translation: the company you book in January may not be around in June. If you look at a five-year-old yellow pages directory, you'll find few of those same limousine companies in business today. The companies in business for fifteen years or more can be counted on a single hand. You'll be safest dealing with an experienced company that has a track record.

Reassignments
Many companies reassign contracts-i.e., the company you book with may subcontract your wedding to another company. That's not necessarily bad, but the type of vehicle and the subcontractor may not deliver level of service you expected. (Note: when you book with Alabaster's, your reservation will never be reassigned.)

Spring Evening Weddings
If you are planning a Spring wedding, remember that most high school proms are scheduled on either Friday or Saturday evenings during the eight-week period from mid-April to mid-June. Expect to pay higher rates during this period. Also, on evenings when multiple proms are scheduled, every limousine in Washington is booked. To avoid disappointment, make your reservation early. Many companies have a six-hour minimum on prom nights. Unfortunately, some companies over-book and then take the most lucrative booking. It is not uncommon to find that the limousine you thought you had reserved is no longer available. Reserve early and deal only with dependable, experience companies with established reputations.

Getting To The Church On Time
Don't expect to wait in the limo until all your guests enter the church. Unfortunately, most guests do not arrive on time, and some will be as late as twenty minutes after the ceremony starting time. You'll be more comfortable if you immediately exit the limo and go directly to the waiting room in the church. If that's not an option, delay the limousine departure from the home and enter the church upon your arrival.

Pictures
Whether it's grandma fixing her hair or trying to find a missing groomsman, pictures will always take longer than expected. Schedule extra time for photographs.

Vehicle Operating Authority
Most states stringently enforce limousine licensing. In many places the vehicle can be stopped and immediately impounded if not in compliance. Make sure your limousine company is licensed and insured.

Capacity
Stretch limos come in various sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 passenger limousines are most common. They can barely accommodate that number of people, and no more. Classic cars frequently seat only 2-3 passengers. A six-passenger limousine can accommodate six people, not seven. Remember to ask about seating capacity and stick with it.

Directions
If you are preparing directions for your guests, please send a copy to your limousine company.

Alcoholic Beverages
The use of alcoholic beverages is not legal in most locations. This is particularly true for proms, where state inspectors frequently stop and search limousines for contraband alcohol.

A Final Word about Classic Cars
My Bentley and Rolls Cloud Series are on the road today due to the outstanding popularity of this series. Their ease of upkeep is due to the fact that so many were built; acquiring parts for maintenance is not a difficult endeavor.