Get me to church on time

Organising wedding transport can take the pressure off guests and the happy couple.

Multiple locations and a large number of out of town guests prompted Mallory Dawes and her husband Kinane to organise bus transport for guests attending their Wairarapa wedding.

“We said our wedding vows on a private, rural airstrip just north of Masterton which had the most spectacular views, then moved locations to have our wedding party at The Landing,” says Mallory.

“We were conscious many of our friends and family were from out of town and not familiar with our rural roads and could potentially get lost driving from one location to the next. So, we decided to make it easy for them and organise transport.”

“For us as a couple it was really important that we kept everyone together during the different parts of our day so that no-one got lost and so they could relax and enjoy the day.”

The couple, who run Supplejack Contracting, organised for two Tranzit Coachlines coasters, a comfortable smaller vehicle that accommodates up to 22 passengers, to transport guests to the ceremony site and then later, onto the wedding venue. While on the airstrip, the coasters unexpectedly came in handy, acting as a wind barrier and a dry area for guests to shelter, thanks to a passing shower.

The coasters, along with other buses, transported guests to their accommodation at the end of the evening, eliminating the whole drink/ driving issue. Mallory would recommend organising wedding transport to anyone. 

“For us it was important to be responsible hosts and to reduce the worry for our guests. If you break down the per person costs it is very manageable and makes the logistics side of things very easy,” she says.

“Also, it was easy to organise. Nigel at Tranzit knows the Wairarapa like the back of his hand so nothing was a problem … In fact, my husband and I caught the last bus home at the end of the night with everyone, before being dropped off at our accommodation. It was brilliant! “

Experienced wedding planner Paula Bevege says wedding transport is one of the most responsible things a host can organise for their guests.

“When working with clients, transport is standard in our run sheet,” says Paula. “Guests really appreciate it as it removes the worry and organisational hassle from their own arrangements.”

Paula says couples have greater flexibility when choosing beautiful venues especially those that maybe remote. Couples know their guests can arrive safely, in comfort and on time.

“We love welcoming guests off the bus at one of our venues – Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau Racecourse in Wairarapa. This is because the journey can be an icebreaker with families or old friends having a chance to reconnect on the bus and friends of the couple have an opportunity to meet before the wedding gets underway. In some cases, the bus ride home is a real party – extending the happy day.”

Tranzit Coachlines Wairarapa general manager Jenna Snelgrove’s top tips for couples planning their wedding are to research transport providers to ensure they’re partnering with a reputable company, such as Tranzit. And touching base early to confirm passenger numbers, times and pick up/drop off locations to ensure a smooth day.

Tranzit also offers a wide range of vehicles – from mini-vans to a 57-seat Coach.

“Whether you’re planning a quiet country retreat or a big family celebration, Tranzit has got you covered.” 

ADVERTISEMENT