Planning your wedding day is an exciting experience. But did you know that a 2014 survey revealed that the average wedding in Sydney costs around $70,000? That’s right – seventy thousand dollars!
There’s no doubt that Sydneysiders are in for a hefty wedding bill. In fact, this figure is almost twice the amount of the average Australian wedding, which comes in at $36,200.
To lower your overall wedding bill, there are many strategies you can use to cut costs without skimping on quality. Take for example the cost of hiring a wedding limousine.
By following these 5 simple strategies, you can save money on your wedding limo rental and still enjoy the luxurious style and comfort this service has to offer.
1. Plan ahead
When most people think of a wedding limousine, they think of the typical white limousine. This is a great addition to a wedding as white matches the traditional color of the wedding dress and the overall white theme. However, limo companies often offer many more options than a standard white limousine in their fleet of vehicles.
Luxury sedans, vintage classic cars, exotic sports cars, and the popular Hummer are just some of the other rental car alternatives that limo companies offer. All with your own driver so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. So what does all this have to do with planning ahead?
Think about it. The longer you wait before making your reservation, the better the chances that other people will book limousines on your wedding date. As other people make reservations, what you will find is that they end up choosing all the lowest priced vehicles first. So when you finally make your reservation, you end up with fewer vehicle options available to choose from, and these vehicles are often the most expensive models in your fleet.
Sure you can get a more impressive vehicle, but you will pay the price. And if you had been satisfied with the lowest-cost vehicle, you missed your chance because you waited too long to make your reservation.
So the key point with this strategy is to plan ahead. You’ll get more choice of limo vehicles available and can save money by reserving a lower priced wedding car rental.
2. Ask about special offers
Limousine companies often have discounts and special offers to increase your bookings. The offer could be at various times of the year or some other random occasion when they have a special offer.
Now here’s the funny thing. Sometimes a limousine company’s website may not be up to date and sometimes the phone operators forget to mention their current offers or specials.
So whenever you talk to a limo company, ask them if they have any current sales or special offers. This alone could save you hundreds of dollars by choosing a company with a special offer over one without.
3. Combine your reservations for more savings
Even if your limo company says they don’t have any current specials, if you have a large order, they will most likely negotiate with you to secure your reservation.
For example, your wedding day may require more than one limousine. You may need one for the bride and groom, one for the groomsmen, and a third for the bridal party. You may also be considering hiring a limo for dollar night and chicken night. In no time, a simple reservation for a limo for the wedding day can become 3 reservations with multiple cars in all reservations.
You now have some leverage to negotiate a lower cost on all reservations. Combining reservations is a surefire way to save money on limo reservations and the same goes for repeat business.
4. Request a collection point
Having the limo drive and pick up multiple passengers all over Sydney is an easy way to reduce limo rental costs. Instead, arrange for all limo passengers to meet at a central location and have the chauffeur meet you at a location for pickup.
This is an easy way to reduce overall limo rental costs. Not to mention, the exciting limo ride will start immediately. You won’t have to waste time getting everyone together before the party really starts.
5. Reserve the “right” time
Your limo bill will become a product of location, distance traveled, and time spent. However, what most people don’t realize is that exceeding the agreed time results in high penalty rates. This can really add to the overall costs of the wedding limo.
When reserving your limo for your wedding day, it is safer to reserve the limo for a little longer than required. Even paying for an extra hour or two can save you money in the long run.
For example, it is quite common for an unforeseen incident to occur that can delay your wedding day and cause your limo reservation to be delayed by as little as 30 minutes. The overtime penalty rates associated with such an event can be devastatingly high and this is common among most limo companies.
To save money with this strategy, make sure you know the penalty rates before you book. Then, to be on the safe side, set aside a little more time than required. If the day you realize you are getting ahead of yourself, you can always use the extra time by going on an extended drive and enjoying your limo experience.
Cutting wedding day costs is within your reach. Use these 5 simple strategies to reduce your wedding limousine rental costs without compromising quality. Above all, have fun and remember that this is a day that you will remember for the rest of your lives. In fact, it signifies the beginning of your new life together. In general, be sure to treat the planning of this day with the respect and dedication it deserves. I wish you the best with your plans for your wedding day and your new life together.