When considering a limo for your wedding, keep in mind an eight person stretch does not mean eight people in formal attire. You don't want to be piled into a car with bridesmaids sitting on top of each other and the groom's shoes tangled in your train. Be realistic about how many people will comfortably fit in your car choice. Unless you are splurging on a custom stretch Hummer, you might need to cut down on the limo guests.
Another consideration is the timing of your wedding. A spring wedding will put you in competition with prom attendees. Limos are the most expensive and are the hardest to reserve during this season. And while prices are at a premium, so are the contract requirements. The minimum number of hours you must rent the limo goes up as well as the price per hour. If you have a May or June wedding planned, book your limo early. A year in advance is not too soon.
If possible, personally see the car you are reserving. This may sound obvious, but many women see pictures of gleaming cars with happy brides drinking champagne and sign a contract on the spot. Make sure the cars are clean, inside and out. In larger cities like Spokane and Seattle, you will have several companies to choose from. In the more rural parts of Washington, your choices are going to be a lot more limited. Getting a personal look at how much space is available will also help you decide how many people can ride with you.
Get references from the limo company and check them. Calling three people who used a car service doesn't take much time and will save you a lot of disappointment on your wedding day. You can be sure another recent bride will let you know about a rude driver, surprise bill or a late arrival.
Get everything, from the type of limo to the time it should arrive and where, in writing. Unfortunately, the world is full of stories of unhappy brides standing on sidewalks waiting for a white stretch limo that fails to show up. If you want the limo to take you to the ceremony in Tacoma, then whisk you to the reception in Kent, be specific on exact times and make those times part of the contract. Yes, you will pay for the limo while you are not in it during the ceremony, but if it is waiting at the curb or in the parking lot, you won't be looking for your ride either. The industry norm is a minimum three hour rental. This minimum will change during peak seasons and will vary from company to company.
Renting a limo for your special day can be like icing on the cake. It is one of those details which adds to the elegance and festivity of your wedding. As long as you use the same common sense and attention to detail you used for picking your wedding cake or dress, you will be sure to find yourself treated like royalty.