The journey to ‘I do’
Your Ritchies Wedding Charter Guide
You’ve made a smart decision for the wedding day. Coordinating a large group is no small feat and a professional charter is the best way to keep the timeline on track.
By simplifying the travel logistics, you will help ensure the day flows and every guest arrives there and back, safely and on time.
Why charter?
Peace of mind.
- Having a modern, well-maintained coach with a professional driver at the wheel keeps everyone on schedule and limits parking problems and delays.
- Guests can relax and fully enjoy the celebration knowing they have a reliable ride at the ready.
Professional drivers: Our experienced drivers are focused entirely on getting everyone to their destination safely and efficiently.
Reduce stress: Wedding planning is complicated enough. Chartering one of our comfortable fleet your guests won’t need to worry about driving, parking or travel logistics.
- Our drivers are specialists in route management and timing. They can ensure everyone arrives promptly for the ceremony.
- Travelling by bus creates a fun, shared experience. Your guests will be able to talk together and start the celebration the moment they step onboard.
Planning the logistics
With peak wedding season in spring and summer, early booking is recommended.
If your venue is remote, and ceremony and reception are at different locations that will all factor into the planning. Successful wedding transportation hinges on accurate guest counting, smart route design, and precise timing.
- Use your final RSVP count, but plan with a small buffer. A few empty seats are far better than having to leave guests behind.
- If you have guests requiring specific accessibility accommodations let us know early, so we can assign the right vehicle.
- We offer a variety of vehicles, from mini buses to full-sized coaches.
Getting the timing right
The key to a smooth day is building in a little extra time.
- Arrival: we plan for the bus to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the time on the invitation. This gives guests plenty of time to find their seats well before the ceremony starts.
- Early leavers: it’s a good idea to schedule one “early bird” trip about 90 minutes before the night ends. This is perfect for guests who want to head home a little sooner.
- The last trip: the last bus should be timed for the very end of the reception to make sure everyone gets home safely.
Pickup Points & Communication
To keep things moving and avoid delays, we suggest using central hubs:
- Be strategic: instead of many pick up spots, choose one or two central hotels or a well-known area for pickups. This keeps the travel time short and the schedule tight.
- Clear instructions: make sure your guests know the exact pickup times. It’s best to be firm to keep the wedding on schedule. The bus won’t be able to wait for anyone running late.
Booking essentials
We know how much work goes into a wedding. Our goal is to be the most reliable part of your plan.
- Our own mechanics: we have our own workshops and expert teams who keep our fleet in top condition.
- Expert drivers: our drivers are professionals. They are highly trained in safety and know exactly how to handle group travel.
- Clear pricing: with a Ritchies group charter you won’t find any hidden fees. Confirming of your booking will show all costs, contingencies and our cancellation policy.
Ritchies recommends
For the best driver coordination, appoint a friend, relative or your wedding planner as the Transport Point Person. They can serve as the sole point of contact between the driver and the wedding party on the day.
- This person would be responsible for ensuring guests are ready to board on time and that the driver has access to the venue sites and is kept up to date with any important information.
Communication is the single most important factor for success. Key information we will need includes accurate dates and times, the final guest count, your complete itinerary and pick up/drop off addresses.
- Provide as much advance notice of any special requests as you can.
- Make sure you communicate with your wedding guests, so they know when or where to board their bus
- Keep hotels and other accommodation providers in the loop as well, particularly where parking allocations will be required.
Frequently asked questions
Are we allowed to bring food and drinks onto the bus?
Generally, non-alcoholic drinks and small, non-messy snacks are permitted, but please check with us directly at the time of booking.
Can we play our own music or create a party atmosphere?
Yes, many vehicles have sound systems that connect via bluetooth. We encourage you to create a fun atmosphere but ask that you respect the driver and local noise ordinances by keeping the volume at a reasonable level.
What happens if the reception runs late?
If your reception runs late, your transport point person should let the driver know as soon as possible as it may impact our operations for the bus or driver.
Do your buses cater to accessibility needs?
If you have guests requiring specific accommodation for accessibility let us know early so we can advise on options.
What kind of costs can I expect for a wedding charter?
Pricing for wedding transport varies depending on the number of guests, how many hours and different locations are involved. Please complete our Quote form and we will be able to give you much more useful firm quote rather than a rough estimate.
What is the policy on tips for the driver?
Gratuities are entirely at your discretion and is not included in the standard charter fee. A tip is a wonderful way to acknowledge exceptional service.
A greener option
Share some of that love, with the environment.
Chartering is one simple, effective way to make your wedding day more green.
- Every full coach that you charter takes dozens of individual cars off the road.
- This helps reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the communities where you celebrate.
