Limousine 411

One of the  best things you can do for yourself on your wedding day is to hire an ultimate town car from orlando limo services to transport you and other members of the wedding to the event. This is especially important if the ceremony and reception are at different locations or if you are leaving the reception site immediately after the festivities. Although it may seem like an easy task, there are some points to consider before hiring just anyone to carry you to and fro.

Talk to any limousine professional and they can tell you horror stories including (but not  limited to) drunken passengers, unrealistic expectations and last minute bookings. The key word is professional. I always urge couples to  check references and in this case it is super-important to ‘have a look under the hood’.

1) Book Early. Proms, Homecoming, Quinceanera, Communions, have all become events that garner the service of a limo. Be particularly careful in April, May and June when most proms are held because these events book up to a year in advance. The Exotic cars book faster.

2) Size Matters. If you have an extra large party with extra large gals and an extra large gown, (a group where everything is on a grand scale) book a larger vehicle. A luxury SUV such as the Hummer, Expedition or Range Rover may be your best bet.You might even consider a party bus.

3) Outsourcing is bad. Some companies book their limos from other companies. Yes, it’s true. They advertise various cars and vehicles, then book through another company. Not only are you paying double, you are not getting the best service since you have no contact with the actual company that is contracted. Do some research, ask questions and make sure your company is not involved with this shady practice.

4) You get what you pay for. A reputable limousine company has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in their fleet. The cars are cleaner, newer, better maintained. The drivers are licensed,  trained, reliable and professional. A slooppy, unprofessional driver can ruin your event so can a broken down car.

5) Classic Cars, Trolleys, etc. If you are sold on making your appearance and/or exit in a specific classic car, make sure the car is fully restored and in perect working condition including heat and air. Trolleys are adorable, vintage looking vehicles but can be loaded with dirt and hot as hell in the summer months. A reputable company will make sure this is not the case for you.

The best way to make your limousine decision is to see the vehicles in person and meet with the vendor face-to-face. Pictures on the internet can be deceiving . Make sure they are clean, ask what amenities are included, make sure that there is a back up plan in case there is a problem and ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS get everything in writing.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

April Showers bring…..PROM!

 Prom today is not Prom of yesterday and anyone who has children, nieces or nephews will tell you that Prom is serious business.

Prom has become so big that even asking someone to go , whether you have been dating for two years or have never spent five minutes alone with your dream date has become a festival of one-upmanship.

Thirty years ago, when you asked ( or got asked) to go to the prom it seemed like a big deal. It also seemed like all the boy had to do was get up enough nerve to ask.  Now, through carefully orchestrated events, songs, youtube videos and signs;  invitees are hard pressed to find the most creative way to pose their question.  This has become a competition of sorts, to see who can be the most creative. A boy can’t just ask a girl; it has to be over-the-top. A pop-up screen on a computer at school or a dessert ordered in a restaurant that comes with a chocolate sauce message, for example. Think of a typical marriage proposal, and that’s what it’s like. One young man even made the news trying to place a large sign in a public place “Will you go to Prom with me?” He was arrested, subsequently released and the prom invitation made the evening news. He wins.

After the invitation is accepted, the real work lies ahead.  The couples’ outfit is carefully co-ordinated. If at all possible, every detail of the couples’ outfit must be an exact match. That requires a lot of work. The tie and cummerbund must match the ladies’ gown exactly. The boutonniere and corsage must also be an exact match. I think you get the idea.

Back then, asking your parents to borrow the ‘nice’  car for the big date was harder than securing the date itself. Over 80% of prom-goers in 2011 will handle this by hiring a limo. Prom is huge for Limousine companies and they have the staff to handle it. This is by far the best trend in proms. It takes a little worry away from the parents (a little).  A reputable limo company will handle every detail and pamper your prince and princess as if they were royalty.  Also make sure there is no alcohol involved. This is a major Faux Pas and most companies frown on underage drinking. According to Prom magazine, a white stretch limo of any kind is still the car of choice. The Hummer and Escalade seem to have an edge on the others.

Photo-booths are a great way to get more candid pictures at the prom and are being used in addition to the official prom photo. You can pose and act up with a variety of  friends in the privacy of the booth. The photo-booth is not your personal dressing room so leave all of your clothes on and no funny business… don’t make me come in there!

Prom Themes are as spectacular as you could imagine. The theme is no longer based on the theme song but more on style trends. Dancing with the Stars, Masquerade, Shanghai Nights, Moroccan Mystique and   some proms have even adopted their own “Red Carpet” some of which are even streaming live for parents and family to watch at home. Very clever.

 Which brings us to the prom dress. The pinnacle of your high school career. Your reputation is at stake here so this cannot be taken lightly. This is how you will be remembered for years to come. Short is hot, long is fine, and anything in between from a handkerchief hem to a spiraling mermaid skirt. Truly anything goes and less is definitely not more. In order to find the perfect prom dress, shop til you drop is probably my only advice. And although I doubt if many will be willing to spring for it, there is a $14,000 ‘Prom’ gown available by Dress Goddess with $13,000 worth of real diamonds sewn in the bodice. Available in sizes 00 to 12. For the more cost conscious, bridal salons have loads of gowns that are either specifically for Prom or can be used for  Prom. If  the budget is really tight ask to try on sample gowns.

It doesn’t end with the gown. Remember ladies, you will have to schedule hair and nail appointments in advance and your lipstick must be carefully co-ordinated! Don’t forget that jewelry, shoes, and all other accessories must be in compliance with the current prom standard at your school or you might possibly suffer the wrath of the “Mean Girls”.

If you are headed to Prom this year the most critical thing to remember is this:   make it a night to remember and BE SAFE!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago