The concept of arriving at your wedding in a fancy car is a dream that many brides and grooms have had since they were kids. For others, it’s a snap decision to make a special day even more luxe.
The best news? There are quite a few options — upscale sedans, limousines, limo buses, Rolls-Royces — to suit your needs, budget and dreams.
We caught up with preferred partner Bob Bieniek of First Class Rolls-Royce, a vintage vehicles expert. He shares space with First Class Luxury Limos, owned by John D’Amico. They have nearly four decades in the wedding transportation business, and Bieniek let us in on what’s hot.
Photo by Mark Louis Photography
What’s trending in wedding transportation?
In the Philadelphia metro area, we’ve noticed a big increase in vintage Rolls-Royce rentals. It’s an amazing way to take the ride to the church with the bride and her dad, a tradition that’s alive and well. After the ceremony, many couples are requesting a red carpet champagne toast with the Rolls-Royce in the background — a memorable photo moment! Then, off to the reception in style.
Are there any unique types of vehicles that are must-haves for a more trendy wedding?
Vintage Rolls-Royces are becoming more scarce as years go by, so we’re pretty excited to have a fleet. Our 1927 Rolls-Royce had the honor of transporting Grammy Award-winning singer Christina Aguilera, and our 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was once owned by the late, great world heavyweight boxing champ “Smokin’” Joe Frazier. We also have a 1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud! Not only is the ride superb, but pulling up in one of these cars leaves an impression. Pictures in and around these pristine automobiles are unmatched to any other vehicle you may end up renting for a wedding.
Photo by Jenna Noller Photography
Are couples typically providing transportation for their parents?
We see transportation for parents from time to time, sometimes depending on their age, and sometimes when the route from the hotel, to the church, to picture and then to the venue is more complicated. These can range from sedans, to limos, to a vintage car.
Are there certain modes of transportation that are really popular now and that you see moving into 2023?
When a couple rents a vintage vehicle, they often also rent a trolley or limo bus for their bridal party. Usually the Rolls-Royce takes the bride and dad to church, then the couple to the picture location. Many times, after pictures, the couple will choose to ride with the bridal party to the reception to enjoy the experience of both modes of transportation and to party it up with the bridal party! I see these trends continuing.
Photo by Mark Louis Photography
What are your top tips to those looking to hire wedding transportation?
If you want to arrive at your wedding in a vintage Rolls-Royce, then you need to keep in mind there are not many around — we have three. Because of that, we travel anywhere! For example, on a recent weekend we were in Wilmington, Delaware, Shrewsbury, New Jersey and Baltimore! For many of the long-distance rentals, we transport the car in an enclosed car hauler to keep it clean and ready to go once it arrives. So, my top tip for couples who want this is to book early! We have reservations two years out for wedding rentals just for that reason.
What can the couple and bridal party do in advance to make sure the day goes smoothly?
Event planners take a big load off of couples by managing all the details. We do the same by contacting them the week of their big day and going over their itinerary to make sure everything is perfect.
Anything else that you’d like to tell couples?
If you’re looking for seasoned event planners, then know that Robert Ryan Catering & Design is a class act! We’ve had the opportunity to work together for many years.
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Robert Ryan Catering and Design plans and executes over 400 events each year, boasts a five-star rating on WeddingWire and has received WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice/Bride’s Choice Award seven years in a row. Learn more about Robert Ryan Catering & Design and tour our venues. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for exclusive offers, up-to-date news and recipes from our executive chef.
Featured photo by Mark Louis Photography
