You’ve picked the venue, locked in the band, finalized the menu, but what about getting everyone there (and back)? For a lot of couples, wedding transportation services are one of those planning details that gets pushed to the bottom of the list — until it suddenly isn’t.
The truth? Thoughtful transportation can make a huge difference in your wedding day experience. Done well, it keeps guests relaxed, on time, and ready to celebrate. Done poorly — or overlooked entirely — it can create late arrivals, parking headaches, frustrated texts, and a less polished experience for everyone.
If you’re booking transportation for your wedding, here are the things couples often miss — and how to get it right from the start:
Booking Too Late
Great transportation companies (with modern fleets and experienced drivers) book up months in advance. If you leave it until your final month of planning, you’ll likely face fewer options, less flexibility, and sometimes, higher prices.
How to get it right: Start transportation planning as soon as your venues and guest list are set — ideally 4–6 months out (more for large or multi-day events).
Focusing Only on the Ride — Not the Guest Experience
It’s easy to think of shuttles as “just getting people from A to B.” But in reality, transportation is one of the first and last impressions of your wedding day.
What guests remember:
- Was it easy to know where and when to catch the shuttle?
- Did it run on time?
- Were they comfortable (or stuck standing outside waiting)?
- Was the ride smooth and friendly?
How to get it right:
Think of wedding transportation services as an extension of your hospitality. Communicate clearly, build in comfort, and choose a partner that makes service a priority — not just driving a route.
Underestimating Boston (or New England) Traffic
If your wedding is in or around Boston, the Cape, or any busy New England city, traffic can change everything — especially on weekends with concerts, marathons, or sports games.
One of the most common regrets couples share post-wedding? Not building enough buffers into shuttle times.
How to get it right: Work with a transportation company that knows local patterns. Add 15–20 minutes to each leg — especially for downtown venues, waterfront locations, or any weekend wedding.
Forgetting to Plan for Departures
Couples often focus heavily on arrival shuttles — and then forget to time departure runs after the reception.
But guests leave at different times:
- Older family members after dinner
- Friends headed to an after-party
- Guests with early flights or young kids
How to get it right: Schedule 2–3 shuttle runs at night, spaced 30–45 mins apart — so no one feels stuck or rushed.
Assuming “One Bus, One Loop” is Enough
For weddings with 100+ guests — or multiple hotels — it rarely works to run just one large shuttle.
Some guests get ready early, others later. Some like to be first in line for cocktail hour, while others prefer a relaxed arrival.
How to get it right: Plan a rolling or staggered shuttle schedule, with multiple pickups before the ceremony and multiple return options at night. This gives guests flexibility — and avoids bottlenecks.
Choosing on Price Alone
We get it: weddings are expensive. But when it comes to wedding transportation services, cheapest isn’t always best.
Cut-rate companies sometimes show up with older vehicles, no day-of support, or drivers unfamiliar with wedding flow. That can lead to:
- Late arrivals
- Confused guests
- Stress on your planner (or you!)
- Poor guest experience
How to get it right:
Choose a transportation partner who regularly handles weddings — not just basic charters. Ask about:
- Vehicle quality
- Driver experience
- Day-of dispatch and flexibility
- Familiarity with your venues
Final Thoughts: Transportation Is Part of Your Day
When you think about it, transportation is part of your wedding day. Guests experience it. It affects their mood and timing. It impacts how the whole flow of the event feels.
At Salter, we specialize in wedding transportation services — and we love helping couples create shuttle plans that feel seamless, thoughtful, and guest-friendly. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a full wedding weekend, we’ll help you get it right — so you can relax and enjoy your day.
If you’re ready to plan transportation that matches the day you’ve worked so hard to create, contact Salter today — we’d love to help.
