It’s probably safe to say that you’re not looking to book Peter and Jordan’s Barbie pink horse drawn carriage, what with our culture being super superstitious, the omens on that one can’t be good.

That said if you’ve got your heart set on your groom turning up on a white horse or you want to ride like Arabian royalty in a Bentley then we’ve got the angles covered on what you need to do to find that all important ride.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

It’s important you have a rough idea of the kind of transport you imagine yourself arriving at the wedding venue in. Think about what type of venue you have and the possible kinds of access you’re going to need. It’s no good dreaming of turning up at your local Gurdwara on the High Street in a helicopter; finding parking would be a nightmare. That said if you have a country estate venue then double checking that you can land a chopper on their grounds shouldn’t be a problem.

There are popular modes of transport and unusual ones, here’s a list of options for you to consider:

• Classic car
• Limo
• Sports car
• Horse drawn carriage
• Helicopter
• Dholi

WHERE TO LOOK

Anyone worth their salt will either be advertising in directories in magazines, online or local papers. Calling a few will give you a guideline on the range of prices and services.

Recommendations as ever are also vital; ask family, friends and even other service providers for your Big Day. Your photographer, caterer, even make-up artist might be affiliated with a hire company and you might get a referral discount.
If you’re strapped for cash and know a member of the family who has a particularly nifty ride, it might be time to start buttering up that uncle you haven’t spoken to in years. Cringe worthy as it may be but Asians love fancy cars and you’ll love not having to pay hire fees.

RULES OF BOOKING

If you’re uncle’s rolls doesn’t co-ordinate with your wedding theme, then ensure you go to view your potential booking. After all if you’re shelling out some serious hard candy to impress the family, you don’t want to turn up in a pimp my ride candidate.

If you can get it ask for a brief test ride. If you decide you would prefer to be chauffer driven, then enquire about their uniform, charges and timings.

Try not to book the first person you find. Yes we know its brain exploding tedium calling around, getting quotes etc but unless you really love the one you’ve found (ride…not bride/groom) then its best to get dialling for the best quote and service.

Once you have made the deal, you’ll need to do the paperwork. Please please please double and triple check that you have the right time and date on that booking form.

You’ll be asked to place a deposit, which can range from 20% to 50%, with the rest due before the wedding or on the day of the wedding. If that’s the case appoint a party member the responsibility of paying the company.

TOP TIPS

• Even if you have booked waaaaay in advance, it’s essential that you confirm the date, time etc closer to your wedding day.
• Remember to plan how many cars you will need on the day, as there will be other members of the family expecting a lift to the venue.
• Keep your outfit away from the tyres, obvious we know, but so many brides end up giving the vehicle a shine with their very expensive lengha’s. Also ladies make sure your entire outfit is in the car before you shut the door.
• Practice the elegance of getting in and out of the vehicle. Wide legs will not translate well onto film.
• If you have a theme make sure you co-ordinate it with the vehicle décor. Generally you can get a choice of colours of ribbons or push the boat out and get a floral arrangement made.
• If you’re arriving in a congested area, then factor in traffic to your journey time, yes we all know that it’s the brides prerogative to be late, but gentleman that doesn’t extend to you. Unfair but totally necessary to save embarrassment.
• If you’re planning on an open top arrival, then check the weather, if you’re booking months in advance and don’t trust the met office, then carefully consider the reliability of our totally unreliable weather.
• If you decide on using a family member to drive you to the venue, reception, honeymoon, it’s vital that it’s someone you can trust to not get boozed up. Remember it’s a celebration and if you have alcohol, then people will be drinking. Just make sure your ride knows they won’t be one of them.

Finally if you still can’t get Peter and Jordan’s Barbie pink carriage out of your head, then we have one final piece advise – your mother will kill you.