For many brides, their wedding day is the best (and busiest) day of their lives. With schedules to stick to, guests to organise and the added pressure of looking beautiful it’s not surprising that certain aspects take a ‘back seat’. According to a survey on Canadian wedding trends, transportation to the wedding is one of the lowest costs averaging at around $570 – behind DJ’s/musicians for the reception, flowers and less than half of the cost of the wedding gown and bands.

But when you think about it, getting to the wedding on time is really one of the most important things about the day. And finding the balance between reliable, affordable, practical transport and a unique, memorable method of arriving in style is a challenge for any bride. Here are some transportation ideas for your big day.

Air Travel

What could be more glamorous than arriving at your wedding in your very own chartered helicopter or hot air balloon? This would be especially impressive if you were having an outdoor wedding and your guests could watch you descend from the skies. It might sound like something reserved typically for the rich and famous, but it’s not as unusual or as expensive as you may think. Many wedding venues have permission for aircrafts to land within their grounds and with typical helicopters seating up to six people you can take your bridesmaids along for the ride.

What could be more romantic than you and your new husband exiting your wedding in a hot air balloon, toasting your marriage as you sail through the skies?

Tip: Local air travel laws can apply when travelling by air and there will be restrictions about landing as you will need a certain amount of open space to land safely. Check this thoroughly with your wedding venue and charter company before booking.

Horse and Carriage

Arrive at your wedding in true fairytale fashion by opting for this classy, traditional mode of transport. At typical prices running between $500-1000 depending on the type of carriage, distance and length of service, a horse and carriage is certainly within the ‘average’ remit for transportation prices and offers a certain charm to the day. The only down side is that they can be very weather dependent unless you opt for a carriage with an extendable roof.

Tip: If you like the idea of a horse and carriage but would prefer something a little different and contemporary then there are a range of customised carriages in a variety of colours and styles – including replicas of the infamous Cinderella ball carriage. A cheaper and quirkier version of the horse and carriage (becoming increasingly popular with metropolitan weddings) is a pedicab – picture a bicycle where the horse would usually be! Or, alternatively, ditch the carriage and arrive on a finely dressed white horse – a popular mode of transport for Hindu weddings. If you plan to do this then be sure to get acquainted with the saddle in the weeks before your wedding.

Car or Motorcycle

Arriving by car is still the most common and convenient way to make your arrival. Whilst the popularity of vintage, classic wedding cars such as the Rolls Royce Phantom and Bentley S2 remains high, many couples are now thinking outside of the box when it comes to picking their cars. The selection of used vehicles available for weddings has grown significantly in recent years, with more and more couples looking to find the perfect car that fits their theme and budget. From classic sports cars to vintage Volkswagen buses, there’s something out there for everyone. The key is to pair your vehicle with the theme of the wedding – for a traditional, white wedding then you may still opt for a classic car or perhaps something chic and elegant like an stretch limo, but if you’re wedding is a quirkier affair then your car should reflect this. Many people now use vintage vehicles of another variety – think old VW beetles and even retro campervans. If you want to add a touch of style to the day then why not opt for a super sports car like a Lamborghini Gallardo – there’ll be no excuse for being late in one of those.

If you’re feeling brave then opt for a motorcycle arrival – the same rules apply when choosing the type of bike that you’d like to arrive on. If your dress is a reasonable size then you could even squeeze into a sidecar. Just watch the helmet on newly styled hair.

Tip: If you plan to hire a car then you should decide whether or not you’d like to also hire a driver or if someone in your wedding party will drive. If this is the case then you’ll need to ensure that any liability/insurance issues are covered upon hiring the vehicles.

By Boat

With more and more couples opting for a beach wedding in exotic locales, it would be a shame not to make the most of the stunning scenery by arriving on a high powered speedboat or luxurious yacht. Many stately wedding venues also include some sort of lake so a gondola or old fashioned rowing boat would also add an elegant, romantic effect.

Tip: If you’re someone who suffers from seasickness then arriving by boat (particularly on the ocean) might not combine well with your pre-wedding jitters. As a rule, speedboats tend to go too fast for you to notice the motion of the ocean too much but with that speed comes the inevitable damage to make up and up-do’s.

Party Bus

Why not start the celebration early by inviting up to 60 of you guests to travel with you to the venue on a party bus. These buses complete with disco lights, music and bars, have been popular since 2007 and are undoubtedly the best way to hold a mobile celebration. They have high ceilings, seating and a bathroom on board so there’ll be no worrying about the ladies crumpling their dresses.

Tip: If you plan to enjoy a few celebratory glasses of champagne on board then check that the bus company you hire from are licensed with the local authority to ensure that you receive the best quality service.