Shuttle alternative??

ral11

I was thinking of getting a shuttle for my guests that are staying at the hotel to the ceremony.  But since it is literally only a 4 minute drive I didn't think it warrants the price tag.  My fiancee suggested he get a friend of a friend to rent a van and transport people that way, and we would cover the rental and pay him a little something.  I was thinking if we went that route I could get a car magnet from VP so people would know that is how they would get to the ceremony.  Is this a good idea or not so much?

rswan412

I thought the same thing initially, and I ultimately decided to go professional. This was partially because I was nervous that the friend or person hired would become ill or something would happen, and I would have no back up. It was important to me that my guests staying at the hotel had an option to use transportation so they would not drink & drive- and I just didn't want ot risk it.

Also, would this friend be someone who wasn't invited to the wedding? If I knew you well enough that you would trust me to do this, I might feel a little offended "Sorry, you can't come to the wedding, but do you want to drive my guests?" might not come out well. Unless the driver is invited- in which case, he would just be transporting guests there and back, which I think would be better.

cdbishop

I agree with PP, what is the relationship of this friend.  Are you doing a small wedding with only famliy so no friends are invited?  I guess it would be awkward if you are having a big wedding and not inviting this person.  But if you can get through that and the person agrees, I think it is a good idea and a way to save some money, and hope they don't get sick.  The nice thing about using a company is they have back up drivers.  

I am in a similar situation where my hotel, church, and reception are all about 5-10 minutes from one another.  We decided because the ride was so short to rent a school bus to transport people as it is cheaper than a nicer bus.  If you don't mind the shuttle taking frequent trips, you can look for a company to rent a shuttle van from.  I know Kelley Transit has a 20 person mini bus.  I was quoted $650 for 10 hours (that may include their travel time to the location).

Premier Limo also has some vans http://www.premierlimo.net/fleet.html . 

There are several other company's that have 10-14 passenger vans as well.  Also, have you checked with your hotel, sometimes they will provide a shuttle. 

willin1310

Not sure if you are open to using a school bus but First Student only charges $65/hour.  Since you are so close to your venue that would be pretty cheap!

theholograms

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_shuttle-alternative?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:2ab8a3df-c088-4d3a-8873-27a8e0af6407Post:69f1226f-19f1-4027-be8c-3ab7b7d0b13b">Re: Shuttle alternative??</a>:
[QUOTE]Not sure if you are open to using a school bus but First Student only charges $65/hour.  Since you are so close to your venue that would be pretty cheap!
Posted by willin1310[/QUOTE]

<div>Have you used First Student? I've heard some iffy things about reliability from them.</div>

willin1310

I have not, but I have heard that each branch operates independently.  I am using First Student in West Hartford and have seen good reviews.

amymaysa

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_shuttle-alternative?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:2ab8a3df-c088-4d3a-8873-27a8e0af6407Post:57410e34-f6bc-4420-af36-0a3bb56d4b8a">Re: Shuttle alternative??</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Shuttle alternative?? : Have you used First Student? I've heard some iffy things about reliability from them.
Posted by 27Sunrise[/QUOTE]

A lot of people on these boards use them..haven't seen any bad reviews (but I could have missed some)

cdbishop

I am using the West Hartford branch of First Student also and have had good contact with them, quick responses, and good reviews. 

cmac3504

4 minute drive? Personally I would never go through the great lengths (and costs) to get transportation for such a short distance.  People are capable of driving or getting a ride, just as we have all done at other couples' weddings.  Providing transportation after the reception is a completely different story and something we're doing.. especially because it's over 20 minutes back to the hotels.