d
We've
been in business since 1988 and we are also the only local transportation broker in area.
Our
Classic Style mid-90s limo has become a most popular wedding during 2010 and
2011.
Most
likely you already checked out everything for your wedding day. However,
keep your mind
__________________________________
Ten Passenger White Super Stretched Lincoln
Late Model style Limos
We also
have a "Classic Style" mid-90s white super stretched Limo
1963 Rolls Royce Austin-Bentley Princess - last
model Rolls & Bentley built together. Refunds
In the Capital Region Area, 10% of limos are still the boxy squared models.
Approx. 45% are the
___________________ -
NOTES:
Wedding Planning Hints
by Maria Lanides
2. Guest List is 1st step.
Think in terms of eight to a table - starting with family groups...... and
list your 8 names to a table
3. After guest list
complete.........then talk budget - and type of reception. You may either
have to cut # of guests or change type of
5. Cakes & Cookies: 200
guests - order cake for 160 .......... because a "cookie and
dessert" table is very popular and guests only
6. Combining salad - fruit cocktail or
shrimp ready on table for guests .......with stations around the room
offering assorted other
10.
Most important - Listen to all ideas/advice. If you want - let some go
through one ear and out the other and just say
Wedding Day
Transportation
-
by
Maria Lanides
Transportation on
a wedding day started with using someone’s car ”that was nicer looking” than
your own. The bride and her father usually rode in “that nicer looking car”
to the ceremony and the bride and groom rode in “that nice looking car” to the
reception.
In 1989, usually
only the bride and the bridesmaids were transported to the ceremony and maybe
50% of the time the bride also arranged for the bridesmaids to be transported to
the reception. Approximately 25% of the grooms and their groomsmen were
transported to the ceremony and to the reception. Since most of the time the
groomsmen drove their own cars to the ceremony - they happily drove the
bridesmaids to the reception.
In 2006
- Brides started to be more careful with spending for their wedding day. The
weakening economy influenced brides to seek other means of transportation for
their wedding day. Brides began to realize that members of their bridal
party were their friends and family, and the brides no longer felt they had to
try to impress them with the most expensive and newest vehicles. Many started
to order older vehicles because they were less cost.
Brides and their
bridal parties ride in all sorts of vehicles to the ceremony…. large and small,
old and new. Not only do the bride and groom get transported to the ceremony
and reception… but the entire bridal party is also transported to the ceremony
and to the reception. Ten passenger Limos are still the favorite means of
transportation because one limo can be sent for the groom and groomsmen and one
limo can be sent for the bride and bridesmaids. The more expense larger
vehicles (Excursions and Hummers, etc.) have enough room in one vehicle to
transport everyone in the bridal party to the reception were popular as well.
Quite often, a sedan or an older classic car transports the bride to the
ceremony and the bride and groom to the reception to lessen cost of
transportation.
Starting
in 2007
Most wedding
planning books state that it is the groom’s responsibility to arrange for
wedding day transportation. It is best for bride and groom-to-be to sit down
with the parents and discuss who will be covering which expenses. My
experience has been that the bride and her parents arrange transportation most
of the time!
Thoughts to
ponder:
2.) Arrange in
advance for someone in the bridal party to be responsible for checking for
items that might be left inside limo and trunk when they exit vehicle at
ceremony as well as upon arrival at reception location. Assigning someone to
take care of this matter will certainly avoid stress for the bride on her
wedding day.
3.) It is best
to have an envelope ready at 1st pick up location for each driver. Upon
arrival at the reception, family and bridal party are ready to celebrate and no
one is thinking about the driver's tip. It is best to distribute all tip
envelopes on arrival so that you don't forget. When group arrives at
reception...no one is thinking about the driver's tip....and .it gets very
awkward for driver when tip isn't offered.
4.) Certain
situations are often referred to as "limo horror stories". These "horror"
stories are exaggerated and expanded many times over. When someone tells me
about a horror story....I expect names, dates and locations - otherwise I don't
listen. Mot times this information is unavailable and that is why they are
called "stories". Transportation company representatives and all other
suppliers to the wedding day want everything to go right for the bride on her
wedding day.
6.) Arrival
time should not be same as Leave time. Always best to state a separate
arrival time and a separate leave time rather than a pick up time for
weddings. Vehicles can not arrive and leave at the same time. It takes time
to get everyone in to a limo. To save money....most families cut this time
too short and don't want limo to arrive too early. However, it is best to
schedule at least 15-20 minutes between arrival and leave time at both bride
and groom's pick up location which can avoid late problems.
7.) Weather and
accidents can affect the timeliness of your scheduled limo: The driver,
dispatcher and owner all feel bad and are upset when a vehicle is delayed.
Again, the driver, dispatcher and owner did not arrange for a heavy downpour or
an accident just so your limo would be late. A transportation company can
go weeks and weeks without one even minor problem. When something
does occur, please stay calm and try not to
attack, threaten or scream at your driver, dispatcher or transportation
company owner. All companies try to resolve problems as soon as possible.
8.) Limos are
vehicles just like your own vehicle: Limo companies do as much preventative
maintenance as possible - but parts can break down at any time just as can
happen with your own vehicle. Often there is enough time to make a repair and
still be on time. Whenever possible, limo companies try to substitute another
vehicle when something happens to your scheduled limo. In this less than
perfect world, it is just not economically feasible to always have an extra
vehicle just sitting around…..for the very few times a breakdown happens. A
driver can go for 8 weeks to weddings and night out customers without being late
and then something happens to make him 10 minutes late for one wedding.
Please - stay
calm so you enjoy your day. If Ac doesn't work, or a driver is
late....it won't ruin your day
Again, most
important is to try to stay calm. Every limo company dispatcher, owner and all
drivers feel extremely terrible when a breakdown happens or something unforeseen
causes vehicle to be late. Limos are machines and machines do have
breakdowns. Most limo companies maintain a 4-6% margin of error. No matter
what the margin of error.....when a problem occurs……..you can either look at the
bottom side….that limo was late or that a breakdown occurred. Or you can look
at the top side - which is... limo was late or a mechanical breakdown
occurred….but problem didn’t cause physical harm to anyone in your group.
10.)
Limo companies do
not give a cash refund when vehicle is accepted and used….but usually will offer
a few hours of free service to acknowledge they understand client’s frustration
because circumstances beyond their control caused your reserved vehicle to be
late – or caused your reserved vehicle not to show up at all.
11.)
Refunds:
Most
transportation companies do not offer a cash refunds after vehicle accepted and
used. Refunds,
if any - are determined by dividing service in to three
parts: a.) Getting to ceremony. b.) Time at ceremony . c.) Getting to
reception. If a company misses arriving in time to transfer you to
ceremony....usually there is a 1/3 cash refund due. If vehicle takes you to
ceremony and is at ceremony and somehow the limo overheated and won't start to
get you to reception....then there usually is a 1/3 cash refund due because we
missed trip to reception. This type of situation is an example of what is
beyond our control and deserves a cash refund for that portion of service that
was not received. .
All service:
After vehicle accepted & used for any portion of contract. - Refunds, if and
when reasons are justified, are only given in form of service credits.
A bride should not hold a limo company liable for
delays/service interruptions or damages caused by acts of God, authorities of
law, inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, accidents or breakdowns or
any other condition beyond its control.
However, when a problem
occurs and client reserved/paid for vehicle that didn’t arrive as requested and
no other substitute vehicles is available from same transportation company…. It
stands to reason that a cash refund would be due.
12.) Whether
free service is donated to a fund raising group or if a client receives free
service because a problem occurred on their wedding day, recipients of the free
service more often than not pay for gas and minimum tips to driver.
Wedding Limos and other
important information.
Where
has time gone? It seems as if we blinked our eyes and now realize 24 years have passed.
We've lasted in the limo business
longer than almost all others in the area.
TIME FLIES BY..............Couples from 20- 21
years ago now call us to request prom limos for their children!
This limo costs less than most other limos and is very well-maintained.
Couples have told us the Classic Style Limo holds its own next to late model limos
and it's a great way
to reduce wedding day expenses.
Wedding Day Transportation and Wedding Hints
articles written by Maria Lanides are included below photos
and on www.PocketWeddingGuide.com.
open for new & fun ideas. A Touch of Class
"Boutique Style" Wedding Shows were 1st to offer all
the newest Wedding Day trends! Go to
our sister site -
www.PocketWeddingGuide.com
for wedding planning
ideas and advice on Building a Marriage.
________________________________________
Notes:
1. On same site check out Wedding Planning Hint
# 12 "Lady-in-Waiting"
Scores of brides-to-be
and a few grooms have
emailed us to say their eyes filled with tears after reading this
story.
2. COUPLES SHOULD BE ON TIME FOR THEIR WEDDING!
Remember, it is rude to the guests
when either bride or groom is late for their wedding.
Also, experts say:
Most likely brides risk having a 10 month pregnancy if they are late for
the wedding!
Please - be on time - because
we wouldn't wish a 10 month pregnancy on anyone!
3. For a glimpse back to remember your prom night - - click Prom Info on home page
to read short story on
"An Almost Magical Prom Night"
4. Weddings that start
before 3pm offer most amount of time for couples families-guests to enjoy
the day!
5. Weddings on a prom night. Best to schedule
ceremony no later than 2:30pm. Limited availability
for various supplies on prom
nights. Expect higher transportation costs if arrival at reception after
4:30pm on a
prom night. Proms start
3rd week of April thru 2nd week of June.
Brides often reserve the huge 7 psg + driver VANs & SUVs and possibly a full size
sedan in place of limos to make
sure
they have affordable wedding transportation on a prom night.
Cost for 2 SUVs usually less than 14 psg. SUV.
6. A
Touch of Class Limos has maintained a "no-bump" policy
for 24 years. Twelve out of 24 years, we were
mentioned on TV
or in print describing how we rescued
wedding couples and prom students who were bumped for longer more lucrative
orders!
Twenty-four years of
experience tells us
most Capital Region Limo Companies are reputable. However, if you are told
something
happened to your vehicle(s) .....ASK WHERE LIMO IS ....SO SOMEONE CAN CHECK IF TRULY
disabled.
Limos are machines and even
though preventative maintenance schedules are followed....on rare
occasions....something can
go wrong. Also,
when one thing goes wrong.....the "domino" effect takes over.
Best to stay calm.
Steps to take to reserve limo:
1. Include as much information as possible on quote
form.
We will reply with a written quote via email to you.
Please highlight and copy your
responses before you hit send. A few carriers won't allow send button
to work.
If submit button fails - you can paste your
responses to an email and send to: atoc@nycap.rr.com .
2. After you receive our quote... we may exchange 2 -4 emails before you decide
on a vehicle.
EMAIL US to let us know you want
to reserve a vehicle. Follow up with signed contract.
3. Always best to email questions.
4. Please be patient with us on the phone, the information you give us will affect the most important day of your life.
5. After you send email to reserve wedding limo(s) a $100
-$150 deposit may be required. All deposits are non-
refundable.
All balances are due one month
prior to your wedding day. Include date of wedding on
all checks.
Checks accepted one month prior to service date.
6. No cash refund if less than
eight (8) weeks notice is given to cancel vehicle. No Refund
after vehicle accepted and
used for any portion of agreed upon service.
Refunds, if
& when
justified, only given in form of service credits.
When there is a problem - paperwork is placed into a follow up
file for approximately 2 weeks so we can address problem
after
newlyweds return from honeymoon.
____________________________________________
A Touch of Class offers an assortment of limos
and bus/coaches
for small and large groups for in-town and out-of-town
events.
6 - 25 - 46 and 54 passenger vehicles:
1.) Limo-Bus offers seating in the round. However,
for all coaches are popular for weddings!
2.) Bus/coaches - 2 x 2 seating - Affordable cost for
transporting Bridal Party & guests on wedding day.
Great rates for sporting events, shopping in NYC//Boston or to go to a Casino.
Any coach can become a spectacular
Party
Bus Experience when you combine family, friends and music with a
special occasion!
When you add colorful balloons you
create a "festive" Party-Bus experience.
Many groups bring along a few portable LEX or Strobe Lights!
ALL WEDDING RATES quoted are
always 2-3 HR PKGS
if you want to reserve longer times.....state time requested in your email.
We can process over time on your credit card.
are available.
available at a much lower cost than late model limos.
Use of Classic Style Limo helps reduce wedding
day expenses.
Classic Style Limos is nicer maintained than many late model limos and
was
most popular limo again for 2011 weddings & proms.
Usually takes Mother, Father & Bride to Ceremony, and Bride and Groom to Reception.
Will know by October 1 if 1963 Austin-Bentley Princess will be
on road for 2012 summer weddings.
Vehicle has the Rolls Insignia on hood because it was the last
model Rolls and Bentley made together.
For Information: email atoc@nycap.rr.com
No cash refund if less than
8 weeks notice
is given to cancel vehicle. $100-
$150
processing fee charged on
all wedding cancellations. After vehicle accepted & used for
any portion of wedding transportation
-
there are no refunds.
Refunds, if and when
justified, are only given in form of service credits.
When there is a problem - paperwork is placed into a follow up
file for approximately 2 weeks so we can address problem
after newlyweds return from honeymoon.
Thank you for not giving us all sorts of threats
when something mechanically goes wrong. We practice
preventative maintenance but still unexpected problems
can occur with machines...and vehicles are machines!
mid 90's and approx 45% are the early to mid 2000 models.
Hopefully
our
retro style (low cost) limoswill be on road by end of October 2011.
Retro limo great for "over the hill"
B-days and
bachelor parties.
Check out our sister site: www. PocketWeddingGuide.com for
wedding day ideas.
1.
Time of ceremony is most
important. Selecting a 1, 2 or 3pm ceremony time is best for
most seasons. An early
ceremony time allows you to have most of day/evening to celebrate!
Discuss ceremony time with Bridal/Wedding
Consultant. Prom
Season: best to schedule wedding 2 or 2:30pm latest. You can still have a
"candlelight" dinner
with a 2 pm ceremony. Keep in mind
- there is much more time "to party" at
reception &"after" with early ceremony time.
Limit planning
discussions to no more than 15 - 20 minutes to avoid arguments!
on one sheet of paper. Your floor
plan is almost done as you are doing your guest list!
reception to fit your budget.
Parents on both side have a guest list. Quite often - couples also have their own guest
list. If it becomes necessary
to cut number of guests.......be fair and
delete names equally on all lists and don't expect
all
the cuts to come
from parents' lists.
4.
Reception Location: You can find quality of
service/food the same in many locations. Cost and names
may be different and
in most cases - that is it! Be cost
effective in your wedding choices. Once
the money goes out of your pocket - it is gone! Go
easy with amount of hors d'oeuvres - or guests won't
finish their main meal!
want a small piece of cake so they can also
sample the other desserts! A small chocolate "bon-bon" table is fast
becoming
popular for receptions and bridal showers!
items has also become most popular.
A combination "station and sit down" dinner is less cost than an entire
sit down dinner!
7. Avoid large
centerpieces that block guest's view across the table.
During dinner - keep music low so guests can carry on
conversations!
8. Destination
Weddings: Discuss in advance with parents. If parents want you
to have a traditional wedding - they are only
thinking that it will be easier and less
expensive for the family /friends to attend.
Many couples
schedule a renewal of
vows on their 1st Anniversary
and plan a "Destination
Celebration".
Invite friends and family to come along.
Cost is less than
planning a Destination Wedding and the event becomes a planned fun vacation
for everyone who can attend.
9. Time of
arrival at reception: Weddings usually require 2-1/2 hours from ceremony time to arrival at
reception time. This
means that with a 2 pm ceremony most brides
will arrive at their reception by 4 pm. During Prom Season, expect to receive
much higher vehicle prices - if
arrival at reception is after 4 pm.
"thank you".
Remember - whatever you want to do is OK
for your wedding day but please remember
that your wedding day is a day to share
with family and friends.
It is always best to keep in mind to include a few
of your parents' wishes for
your wedding day.
5.) Transportation companies work with people, machines, traffic and weather.
All companies endeavor to be on time for all pick ups - but machines are
machines...and as such...even with preventable maintenance....limos do have
breakdowns. Weather conditions also affect timeliness.
During warm weather - On occasion problems occur with AC in large vehicles. Manufacturers put the
same size AC unit in a 10 passenger limo as is in your own sedan. If AC
doesn't work properly - most importantly - stay calm and driver will have
you at ceremony or reception as soon as possible.
In warm
weather.......offer water to all passengers before time to leave bride or groom
pick up location. Passengers will feel cooler whether AC works or
not. Limos/Coaches are machines and no matter how much
preventative maintenance a company does........we know there will be AC problems
in the warm months.
Be determined not to let anything bother you on your wedding day - and
you'll set a pattern to follow for years to come!
Keep
everything in perspective. It does no good to crucify the driver, dispatcher and company
owner if AC doesn't work or if your driver is late. None of them want a breakdown to occur and
yelling at the driver, calling the office and yelling at the dispatcher and
owner do not help the situation. Even though drivers, dispatchers and owners
can understand and empathize with the bride and her family’s frustration when a
problem arises……..the frustration does not justify an attack on any one of them
or on all of them.
As an owner - I am crushed when something goes wrong. We all work
diligently to have everything go right......until Murphy's law takes over.
Understandably most parents and brides don't allow enough time prior to leaving
pick up location because they don't want their quoted wedding cost to go
up. Understandably most drivers - because the last 15 pick ups
went as scheduled........don't anticipate a delay.
Ideally an extra 20 minutes should be allowed to accommodate delays - but
that isn't always feasible.
9,) Extra
Vehicle available: If and when a problem does occur……and transportation
company is not able to locate a replacement vehicle – it is a good idea to have
extra vehicles at the pick up location…….. to transport group to ceremony so
that bride can arrive as close to “on time” as possible…..with the least amount
of stress. Most of the time…..when a problem with the limo occurs……if it can’t
be fixed in time to use to transfer bride to ceremony……. usually the problem is
rectified soon after ………and the limo gets to the ceremony location – so that
when newlyweds come out…….the limo can take the group to the reception..
Limos were the "thing" for all weddings 20 years ago.
Transportation trends have evolved and today
couples planning their wedding request an assortment of limos, wedding coach/buses, SUV limos and sedans to transport brides,
grooms, parents and wedding party to ceremony and reception. Wedding Coach/buses
have an advantage because passengers do not have to climb over other
passengers to get to their seat. Yes, over the past 20 years -
transportation has come a long way!