Wedding Logistics and Transportation
Logistics are a major consideration when planning your wedding locations, and travel options...
How you arrive to your wedding is entirely up to you, however there are some questions you need to ask to make sure your transportation is not only available, but that it won't give you added stress on a day as special as this.
As photographers, we are the one expert couples hire for their wedding day that has to consider logistics as well as the assignment at hand. Therefore, we put a lot of energy and thought into making sure that the day flows smoothly. First and foremost you have to have realistic expections, and keep your travel to a minimum whenever possible because travel can quickly become one of the most stressful aspects of the wedding day. You can plan all you want to, but logistics always contain un-known variables such as traffic for example.
I can't count the number of times I have seen couples have to deal with an overly stressed out limo driver freaking out over timing. I've even seen a limo driver leave the couple at the park to go onto their next job, while I ended up driving them to the reception myself. While I am more than happy to act as limo driver when need be, a little preparation would have made this day perfect. Here are a few tips to consider...
1. Ask questions about timing, and how your transportation company does business...
_You need to know what will happen if "by chance" you need the driver to stay longer than originally planned. Most companies book more than one event or wedding back to back. But, if you go overtime due to traffic, what options do you have.
2. Cushion your timeline...
_Plan on more time than you expect for every aspect of the wedding day. Often it isn't traffic that is the issue. More times than not, it is the bride running late for the ceremony because hair & make-up took longer than expected. Remember, once behind schedule you have to make-up time somewhere.
3. Make sure your transportation company knows your timeline and agenda up front, and knows how to get to where you need to go.
_It's important to make your driver aware of your plans prior to the wedding day so that they can prepare the best routes and get you where you need to be in a timely fashion.
4. Have realistic expectations, and heed the advice of your professionals.
_I've had more portrait sessions cut short due to logistics than I care to mention. Take the advice of your professionals when it comes to logistics and timing. There are few things worse than being yelled at by a limo driver that time is up, when you have just arrived at a location for portraits. If you are taking portraits across town, especially in a location such as Manhattan, you must plan extra time.
5. Think about family and friends.
_While this is your wedding day, it is important to consider the impact and transportation factors of family and friends as well. If they are part of your bridal party, and in photographs, make sure they have printed directions, and knowledge of where to meet you. Yes, they can follow the limo, but with traffic lights, and busy streets, they can easily get lost in the shuffle.
Transporation doesn't have to be stressful if you think logistics through carefully. The challenges above happen more often than you think, but with a little pre-planning, and thought, your wedding day can flow incredibly smooth.
