With over 15 years of experience and 2,500 successful weddings, I'd like to share a few thoughts about hiring a limousine for a wedding.

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Reservations
Book as early as possible, particularly if you are looking for a specialty vehicle.   Rolls-Royce vehicles may be booked up to a year in advance for some popular dates.

Portal To Portal Charges
Some companies charge from the time the vehicle leaves their garage to its return.   Ask when your time starts.

Check References
According to the National Limousine Association, on the whole, the limousine industry has a high degree of turnover.  On average, twenty-five percent of companies go out of business each year!  Translation: the company you book in April may not be around in October.  If you look at a five year old yellow pages directory you'll find very few of those same companies in business today.  The companies in business for fifteen years or more can be counted on a single hand.  You'll be safest dealing with an experienced company that has a track record.

Reassignments
Many companies reassign contracts -- i.e. the company your book with may subcontract your wedding to some other company.  That's not necessarily bad, but the type of vehicle and level of service you expected may not always be delivered by the subcontractors.   When you book with Alabaster's your reservation will never be reassigned. 

Spring Evening Weddings
High school proms are scheduled on most Friday and Saturday nights during an eight week period from mid-April to Mid-June.  On evenings when multiple proms are scheduled, every limousine in Washington will be booked, so make your reservation early.   Many companies will have a six hour minimum on prom evenings.  Unfortunately, some companies over-book and then take the most lucrative booking.  It's not uncommon to find that the limousine you thought you had reserved is no longer available.   Reserve early and deal only with dependable, experienced companies with established reputations. 

Getting To The Church On Time
Don't expect to wait in the limo until all your guests enter the church -- unfortunately most guests are not timely and some will be arriving as late as 20 minutes after the ceremony begins.  You'll be more comfortable, immediately exiting the limo and going directly to a waiting room in the church, or if that's not an option, delay the limousine departure from the home and enter the church upon your arrival.

Pictures
Whether it's grandma fixing her hair or trying to find the missing groomsmen, pictures will always take longer than expected.  Schedule extra time for pictures.

Capacity
Stretches come in various sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 passenger limousines are most common.   They barely accommodate that number of persons and no more.  A six passenger limousine can accommodate six people, not seven.

Directions
If you are preparing directions for your guests, please send a copy to your limousine company.

Alcoholic Beverages
The use of alcoholic beverages is not legal in most locations.  This is particularly true for proms, where state inspectors frequently stop and search limousines for contraband alcohol. 

Vehicle Operating Authority
Most states stringently enforce limousine licensing.  In many places, the vehicle can be stopped and immediately impounded if not in compliance. Make sure your limousine company is licensed and insured.