Choosing Your Supplier

Large versus small

Is a long standing argument that can still apply to today's wedding car industry. As tastes and expectations have dramatically changed over recent years it is not possible for even some of the largest wedding car companies to have vehicles to suit everyone's taste, so often it will be the company that has the desired vehicle that wins no matter what size it is.

The advantage of a large company is generally a wider selection of vehicles, a choice of size, style and colour. The possibility of matching pairs or trains and more back up should a problem occur i.e. the vehicle is substituted or replacement. You should also have a trained, uniformed, chauffeur on the day

A single operator may have just on car but often he will be an enthusiast who lovingly maintains, cleans and nurtures his car. He will most likely be your chauffeur on the day, so you will at least have spoken t him, if not met him, during the looking process. He is more likely to drive with greater care because wants you to be proud of his pride and joy. A small operator is also more likely to come under the VAT threshold so could also be cheaper.

Knowledge

Of the wedding industry is an essential part of your supplier's job. He should be able to answer all these questions, as well as your own.

• How long has he been supplying wedding cars?

• How many cars does he have?

• Are all the chauffeurs uniformed?

• What area does he cover?

• Do the drivers have knowledge of the area?

• How long do you have the car for?

• What time will the car arrive?

• Will the car do an extra trip?

• How much deposit is required?

• What happens if the ceremony runs late?

• What happens if the photographer takes to long over the photos?

• Will he incorporate a photo stop en route to the reception?

• Is the deposit refundable?

• When is the balance due?

• Is the car you book the one you will get?

• What happens in the event of a breakdown?

You will probably have a few more questions of your own; just make sure you are happy with the answers before you proceed.

Terms and Conditions

Will vary from supplier to supplier. However they will be fairly standard and usually work in the suppliers favour. They may be geared around a problem that the operator has had in the past. Some operators terms and conditions are only available on their website, so hopefully you wont bother to read them, or they may be located on the back of the booking form, so hopefully you wont bother either. If you have asked the right questions you'll be aware of a lot of the conditions already. Just be safe and read them anyway.