Your wedding day is one of the biggest and most important days of your life, and a time when your loved ones all come together to celebrate the love between you and your partner. But, how will you and your spouse-to-be get around on the big day that’s in keeping with the style and theme that such an occasion deserves?
It might not seem like it, but your wedding transport will play a big part in your celebrations. Depending on your schedule and venues, you may need to rely on transportation several times, such as to take you to the ceremony, to the venue for the reception, to a location for photographs, to your hotel at the end of the night and possibly even more.
So, you’ll want to ensure you have a stylish ride waiting for you to get you quickly and safely from A to B. But, how much does wedding transport cost?
In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding transport costs, including the average cost, what you might expect for your budget and what factors can affect how much you’ll spend.
In Australia, the average amount couples spend on wedding transportation is around $1,300, though this can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the type of vehicle, the distance you’ll be traveling, and how long you’ll require the transportation.
In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we found that Australians typically spend an average of $37,000 on their weddings, with transportation often being a notable part of the costs. Naturally, a vintage Rolls-Royce or a horse-drawn carriage will cost more than a classic limo or a stylish SUV rental – but there’s no “right” choice. The best option depends on your wedding theme, your personal style, and most importantly, your budget. How much you decide to spend on wedding transportation is entirely up to you and should reflect what works best for your special day.
So, what can $1,300 get you? With this average budget for wedding transportation, you have a variety of stylish, creative, and adventurous options to consider, whether by land, water — or even air!
Iconic VW Beetles and Kombis are a popular choice, adding personality and charm to your big day. These retro vehicles make for unforgettable photos and a quirky entrance. Costs for classic VW rentals start around $800.
Rolls-Royces, Ford Model As, and other vintage cars deliver timeless elegance and class. Rentals typically start at $600, depending on the provider and location.
Want a dramatic entrance? Arriving by helicopter is an unforgettable way to wow your guests. Helicopter charters start from around $1,000, depending on the distance and duration.
Nothing says luxury quite like a stretch limo, offering plenty of space for you and your bridal party. Packages for stretch limos start at $700 in most major cities.
For a high-powered, glamorous arrival, a Lamborghini, Porsche, or similar sports car makes a statement. Rentals start at approximately $900.
Channel your inner royalty with a horse-drawn carriage. It’s a romantic, fairytale option that typically starts at $800.
A vintage trolley or party bus is a fun, practical way to transport your wedding party. Rentals start at around $700 and are perfect for larger groups.
If your venue is near water, arriving by boat is a unique and scenic option. Private boat charters start at $500, with some houseboats even doubling as venues for an intimate wedding celebration.
If you’re hiring your vehicle through a vendor that specialises in wedding transport, then it’s highly likely that the cost will also include the cost of a chauffeur. However, this is something you’ll want to double check, as the last thing you want to do is drive yourself to your wedding, even if it is behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. You may find that the driver is happy to let you take some creative photos though – just don’t scratch the paintwork with your sequins.
You’ll also want to discuss with your chosen chauffeur the route they’ll take to get you from A to B on the big day. Where possible you may want to avoid congested streets and instead prefer to take scenic routes – but this can affect the cost.
If you’re on a budget, there are several factors to be aware of that can influence how much you’ll pay for wedding transport.
The price will vary depending on how long you need transportation. Traditionally, you would have the car take you to the ceremony and then for the photos with your new spouse, after which you would get driven to the reception venue and then the car would leave, which usually takes around three hours. However, some vendors will rent you the car for the entirety of your wedding day, allowing you to leave the reception in style.
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The distance and route your wedding car takes will also be taken into account. For example, some companies will give you the first 50 kilometres from their base free but will charge accordingly after that. It can also make a difference if your venue is downtown or out in the middle of the countryside.
If you and your beloved require more than one car it will increase the overall cost. However, many car vendors will offer packages on these, factoring in a discount, so definitely discuss this with your vendor if you want multiple cars.
Guest Transport
Although by no means a necessity, many couples also choose to book transport for their guests, especially if the ceremony and reception are taking place at different venues. It helps keep everyone on time and means no one has to worry about driving and finding their way around.
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay between $700 and $2,000 for transportation that accommodates approximately 25 guests and includes up to three stops. Naturally, the cost will adjust based on the number of guests, stops, and total distance traveled. When planning your wedding, don’t forget to mention whether or not you’ll be providing transportation for your guests on your wedding information sheet. This ensures everyone is informed and can make their travel arrangements accordingly!
Most wedding transportation vendors include decorative ribbons and bows for your vehicle as part of their service. If you’d like to add a personal touch, you can also purchase your own decorations, with prices for ribbons starting at around $10.
If you’re considering personalised license plates for your wedding vehicle, it’s essential to check with your transportation provider to confirm they allow modifications. Official personalised plates in Australia vary in cost depending on the state, but decorative or novelty plates are a popular alternative. These can add a unique and custom touch to your wedding car. Just ensure any decorative plates don’t obstruct the official license plates to stay compliant with local road regulations.
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