After about a year of planning for your wedding, you and your fiancé have most of the major components finalized…the catering, wedding flowers, decorations, guest favors, photography, etc.

One of the “finishing touches” in the wedding plan is transportation. How you arrive at the wedding and depart from the ceremony and reception is a large part of the wedding day celebration. Many couples choose to travel directly to the hotel after the wedding reception or to an airport to fly off to a distant resort. The best weddings involve creativity, unique style and planning on the part of the couple, and transportation is no exception.

Of all the types of wedding transportation available, a limousine service is one of the most popular and is a classic symbol of luxury. Most limousine services are very flexible and can offer a chauffeur for the entire day, or just an hour or two. The choice depends on what your wedding day involves. White limousines are the most formal type, and although the standard seating is 4-6, many can hold up to 12 people at a time. Of course, in addition to a limousine, other cars can also be used for the transporting of the wedding party or family members. Many traditions call for the bride to ride with the father to the church. Of course, the remaining parents and guests/attendants would follow. How you choose to create your wedding experience is up to you and your loved one. Here are some quick tips to help make your bridal experience with your loved one a romantic and memorable one.

Do some research on any prospective service to make sure it follows the correct guidelines, and always write a contract.

Inquire whether the service is part of the National Limousine Association (www.limo.org). More information about limousine service vehicle guidelines can be found there.

Are you able to decorate the vehicle? According to tradition, the groomsmen do the decorating. Of course, many wedding vehicle decorating involves the bridesmaids, brides, parents of the bride and others. Remember that good etiquette usually calls for a driver gratuity.