Shuttle for guests

pzavecz · March 2012

Most of our guest list will be coming from OOT and we have blocked hotels for them to stay at. 2 of them are really close to the wedding venue and a short cab ride away (like a mile or less) so I wasn't planning to provide a shuttle for those who chose to stay there. 1 of the other hotels I blocked is a little bit further out (about 6 miles) and I wanted to provide shuttle transportation for these guests since a cab would be more expensive and I didn't want them driving too far (even though 6 miles isn't really that far IMO) in an unfamiliar area. We are also providing an open bar so I really wanted people to enjoy that without having to worry about limiting themselves because they have to drive at the end of the night.

But, I got a quote for a trolley to shuttle my guests to and from this hotel (reviews online said it was affordable compared to other shuttle places or limos) and OMG...i was shocked! Because they have a minimum number of hours, the price is way more than I was planning to spend..like almost 3 times as much! Is it bad if I just didn't do a shuttle and leave it up to the guests on how to get to the wedding venue? I mean, they are adults after all so they should be able to figure it out themselves but I don't want to be rude or make them feel like an afterthought...but I really just don't think I can afford to provide them transportation to/from the venue. Thoughts?

rmo57536 · March 2012

I'd see how many people end up even booking at that hotel it may not even be an issue. Do you or any close family belong to a church where you're getting married? If so see if they have a large van that would accommodate your guest. Someone in the congregation might be willing to shuttle your guests for a much smaller fee than what a trolley/ bus company would charge. I know it's not as nice as a professional shuttle but it would be much easier on the budget.

DanaOcNy · March 2012

We will be having a good portion of guests staying over night in local hotels. I looked into shuttle service and was floored by the prices too! The venue is 10 minutes away, tops. For 2 trips to the venue in the beginning and 2 trips back to hotel at the end of the evening would have been $175 each trip! There is no way we can cover that, nor would I ever pay that much for shuttle. I think we are opting not to do shuttle at this time unless we find some place more reasonable.

jonesma204 · March 2012

I wouldnt worry too much about it. I also have lots of out of town guests and luckely the hotel provides a free shuttle. the hotel is only 4 blocks from the venue (also ceremony and reception at the same place). There is parking at my venue also. If there was not already a free shuttle provided, I wouldnt be renting one. As long as you give guests enough time (ie- save the date) they know they will be traveling for your wedding and therefore should be planning ahead (requesting off, saving up $) what have you. This is not to say it is wrong to do your best to accomodate guests- bc i am a huge advocate for that, but if a shuttle is not in your budget I dont think anyone would (should) be upset about that.

darlingc · March 2012

See if the hotel offers a shuttle. If we book 15 rooms at the hotel we get a free trip to the reception and back for our guests.

ktelizabeth86 · March 2012

I asked this same question a while back. We decided not to do transportation for guests. It's nice to do, if you can afford it. If you can't, I don't think it's a big deal. Your guests are adults.

I did put phone numbers on our wedding website for taxis, that way people have them already.

brainybrunette · March 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_october-2012-weddings_shuttle-for-guests?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:56b9bcef-1e34-456e-81f5-cfaa107456b2Discussion:db8a8958-79ed-4f7b-9216-295e796a7a77Post:cbf9d052-6b15-41e0-b9cd-7ea897a4ce12">Re: Shuttle for guests</a>:
[QUOTE]See if the hotel offers a shuttle. If we book 15 rooms at the hotel we get a free trip to the reception and back for our guests.
Posted by darlingc[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Yup, same here. If enough of the hotel block fills up, the hotel will provide shuttle transportation for us. Other than that, I'm not paying for shuttle service. I've listed a number of hotel options on our wedding webiste, 1 is in walking distance but the others you would have to drive to (or shuttle if the hotel provides it). The reception is open bar, but I think people will have to be responsible enough to know their limit (or stay at the hotel in walking distance). I'm going to make sure the my DOC has cab numbers with her, but she's so on top of everything that she probably has already thought of that LOL!

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missmckenzie2 · March 2012

I think it is a nice and thoughtful gesture is you can do but by no means is it something that you have to do. We are doing it because we also have a lot of OOT guests bt our hotels are not nearly as close to the reception. I don't think it is something the guests will expect so certainly do not blow the budget over it.

Also try a regular school bus company in th area if you are still looking, often the big yellow bus can be very affordable.

Shuttle for guests

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