In Melbourne, you are very lucky with the huge choice you have for wedding cars. Just about any variety of car and colour (or horse and carriage) you can imagine is available to you.
However there are some basic rules that you should follow to ensure that you both minimise the risk of something going horribly wrong on the day and of ensuring that you receive the level of service that you deserve.
Questions to ask about the wedding car service when choosing a transport operator:
- Can I see the cars before I book?
- Do you have two or three matching cars?
- Do you have a minimum booking?
- Are the cars licensed by the Victorian Taxi Directorate (there should be current year sticker affixed to the windscreen)
- How many passengers is each car licensed to carry?
- Do all of the cars have current RWC’s? (12 month expiry for SV licensed cars and 24 month expiry for RH licensed cars)
- Do all your drivers have Vic Roads Drivers Certificates?
- Will the cars I book be the one(s) that actually turn up on the day?
- What insurance cover do you have?
- Do you have a contingency plan for mechanical failure?
- Are the cars air-conditioned and heated?
- Do you provide a late night collection service?
- Can you provide me with references?
- Are you a member of the Wedding Car Association and bound by their Code of Ethics?
- How much is the deposit?
- What happens if I cancel?
- When is the balance due and how can I pay?
- What is your policy if we go over time?
- Do you have a surcharge if we are outside the metropolitan region and do you charge travel time getting to the first pick up ?
- What other services do you provide?
As with most decisions you make, there will always be a certain amount of risk involved. You can minimise this risk by asking yourself a few basic questions before making your choice:
- Do I feel comfortable with this operator and would I like them to be part of the biggest day of my life?
- Do the cars look like they are clean and well maintained?
- Does this business look reputable and will it still be here when my wedding comes around?
- If the answer to these questions is yes and you are satisfied with all of the responses you have been provided, then you should be able to trust your wedding to this operator.
Book your cars as early as you can to ensure you get the cars you want. Bookings are heavier during the September to April months and for the better operators, weekend time slots fill quickly.
In most cases, vehicles used to transport wedding parties are required to be licensed under the transport act 1983.
The Victorian Taxi Directorate is the responsible authority and can provide information and advice on licensing requirements and the license status of particular vehicles.
Contact phone number for the directorate is 03 9320 4376
