By Jennifer St. Pierre

Today’s couples have no shortage of vehicles to choose from in New Jersey when planning their arrival on the big day. Whether they want to arrive on horseback or in a stretch Hummer, there are an endless range of details to be considered, with the most important being make and model. Far too often, transportation rental companies are selected based solely on price and availability, which is a big mistake since this one element of your wedding can affect the tone of your entire day. 

Fancy Limos of Freehold (866-409-9961; www.fancylimos.com) has a garage full of everything from the traditional to the extravagant. “Our Rolls Royce and Bentley are both two-passenger,” says Nicole Thomas, reservationist with Fancy Limos. “We also offer a 2006 Rolls Royce Phantom and stretch Jaguar S-Type, Hummers, and Cadillac Escalades.”

And the options don’t end there. Once a vehicle has been chosen, selections in interior style and exterior design remain. The Great American Trolley Co. of North Cape May (800-487-6559; www.gatrolley.com) offers 12 trolleys available in three different colors, with seating for 18 to 31 passengers and with the option to be enclosed with glass windows or open.

Like many companies, Albert’s Transportation of Mt. Laurel (856-222-9600; www.albertstransportation.com) offer’s a comprehensive wedding package consisting of a tuxedoed and white-gloved chauffeur, refreshments, red-carpet service, and “just married: decorations and bows, with rates starting at $295 for three hours. “It’s a busy day for the bride, and we try to make it go as smooth as possible,” says Bob Schiavo, manager of Albert’s. “Whether it’s escorting the bridesmaids or assisting with the gown, we try to do our best to help in any way we can from the time we arrive at the house to the time we take them to the reception.”

But before making any decisions, Schiavo recommends examining the selected car in person. “It’s the most important day of your life,” says Schiavo. “The limousine may be the least expensive part of the whole day, but the couple spends three to four hours in it. So their comfort level with the company, the people they are dealing with, and the vehicle itself is extremely important.”