A GRAND GETAWAY

You have transportation questions? Today’s Bride has the answers!

After months of details and planning, and hundreds of decisions, the last thing on the mind of the wedding-overwhelmed couple is one of the most important details: wedding transportation. Your chosen mode of transportation can help set the mood and make you feel at ease and comfortable. Indeed, this is one finishing touch that can leave both the happy couple and their guests with a memorable vision for years to come. Limo coaches, super stretch limousines, antique cars, horse drawn carriages, and even hot air balloons,  are all possibilities to consider.

In addition to planning a grand getaway for the two of you, you may also need to figure out a mode of transport for your family and attendants, and maybe even some of your out-of-town guests.

It is a good idea to start looking for transportation within one year of your wedding, and aim to reserve at least six months in advance. If your wedding falls during prom time or graduation season (late March to late June) you may find hiring a limousine service more difficult. Plan early for the best available services.

Whether you choose a limousine service, classic car, or a horse drawn carriage, your selection should be fun and exciting. And just like every other aspect of your wedding, selecting your getaway should complement and match your sense of style as a couple.

A chauffeured departure from your wedding is classic, fun, and obviously much more comfortable than jumping into the back of your  bridesmaid’s two door Volkswagen. So when you’re ready to shop for the ride of your life, keep these lessons in mind.

When deciding which vehicle will be best, you should personally view the options yourself.

Instead of just inspecting the outside of the vehicle, make sure you have a look inside to see the overall upkeep of the interior as well. You will find that professional wedding cars are usually well prepared for the occasion and are kept in excellent condition. If you see a car you like, copy down the license or serial number to make sure that exact one will turn up on your wedding day.

Ensure there is enough room for your wedding gown’s train or full skirt. Wedding cars are often generously sized so access is as easy as possible in your dress and headpiece.

As you're reviewing cars, you should also consider who will be riding in them. Usually the maid-of-honor and best man ride with the bride and groom in the first vehicle, while the remainder of the bridal party follows in a second car. Make sure that there is enough room for everyone, to keep clothing wrinkle-free.

If size is a determining factor, consider renting the increasingly popular limo SUV, or a " limo bus" for the ultimate in luxury and comfort. These vehicles generally include plenty of extras, including restrooms, facing seats, and the freedom to move around with ease.

If you decide upon a convertible or carriage, ensure it has good protection against inclement weather. If you choose something convertible the roof will probably be kept closed until you are almost at the venue. You don’t want all that careful hair styling to go to waste.

When you decide to hire a professional ensure they are registered with the Department of Transportation and have all the required insurance. Look for the " livery sticker" issued by the State of Ohio on both the front and rear license plates -- this proves that the company's insurance has been approved.  If you are looking into renting a party bus, check for a PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) sticker on the outside for this same purpose.

Although it might not seem like a big deal, it's a good idea to know the owner of the vehicle you're renting. If the transportation company you're dealing with doesn't have the car you're looking for, they'll often " borrow" a car from another vendor (paying them a rental fee).

Although this may be an acceptable practice, here's where it gets sticky -- since you're one more middleman away from the wedding car of your dreams, you leave the door open for lateness or, even worse, a no-show. If you have your heart set on a particular car, you'll be better off finding a vendor that actually owns the one you've got in mind.

It's also vital to know who your driver will be. Will he or she be from the original limousine service you contracted with, or from the other business? Be sure your contract clearly states which company's limousine is being used and driven by whom. You may also want to find out how your driver will be dressed to make sure it is suitable for your wedding.

If the professional wedding vehicle hire service you select is reputable you will find that the driver is experienced at delivering the bridal party on time and with minimal nerves (and in some cases, with a little champagne!). Today’s Bride Magazine provides an ideal starting point for reputable transport professionals. Call a few places to get a sense of variety and price.