Most couples need 1-2 limos for their wedding day. One limo works for small weddings with 4-6 people in the wedding party. Two limos are better for bigger weddings with 8-12 people or when you want separate rides for the bride’s and groom’s parties.
This guide will help you figure out the perfect number of limos for your special day. We’ll cover wedding party sizes, limo types, costs, and smart planning tips that make your day run smooth.
What Affects How Many Limos You Need
Your Wedding Party Size
The size of your wedding party is the biggest factor. Here’s what you need to know:
Small Wedding Parties (2-4 people): One standard limo fits perfectly. Most couples with just a maid of honor and best man choose this option.
Medium Wedding Parties (5-8 people): You can squeeze into one large limo, but two smaller ones often work better. Typically, 2-3 limousines are needed to accommodate everyone involved comfortably for medium-sized weddings.
Large Wedding Parties (9+ people): Two or more limos are a must. The average number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is around four or five, but some couples have much bigger parties.
Where Your Wedding Happens
Your wedding locations make a big difference:
Same Location Weddings: You need fewer limos when your ceremony and reception happen at the same place. Just one limo often works for getting there and leaving.
Different Locations: When your ceremony and reception are separate, you need more planning. Keep travel time between the ceremony and reception sites to 30 minutes or less to keep guests happy.
Multiple Stops: Some couples want to stop for photos at different spots. This needs more time and sometimes extra limos.
Your Wedding Style
Think about what kind of wedding vibe you want:
Formal Weddings: Bigger, fancier weddings often need more limos. Guests expect elegant transportation.
Casual Weddings: Smaller, relaxed weddings might only need one limo for the couple.
Destination Weddings: When guests travel from far away, providing transportation becomes more important.
How Many People Fit in Different Limos
Standard Limo Sizes
6-8 Passenger Limos: Perfect for small wedding parties. These are the most common choice.
10-12 Passenger Limos: Good for medium-sized groups. Such vehicles can seat anywhere from six to 20 people, depending on the size.
14-20 Passenger Limos: Great for big wedding parties or when you want everyone together.
Party Bus Options
14-28 Passenger Party Buses: 14 Passenger capacity party buses work well for bigger groups who want to celebrate together.
30+ Passenger Buses: Perfect for shuttling guests between venues or from hotels.
SUV Limos
SUV limos hold 8-14 people and offer more room than regular limos. They’re perfect for:
- Brides with big dresses
- Wedding parties with tall people
- Groups that want more space to move around
Different Wedding Scenarios
Small Intimate Weddings (Under 50 Guests)
One Limo Solution: Most small weddings need just one limo. Pick a 6-10 passenger limo that fits your immediate wedding party.
Who Rides: Usually the bride, groom, and closest family or friends.
Cost Savings: Couples who hosted weddings with 50 or fewer guests spent $583 on transportation on average.
Medium Weddings (50-100 Guests)
Two Limo Strategy: On average, our couples opt for about 1-2 limos to ensure everything runs smoothly for medium-sized weddings.
Split the Party: One limo for the bride and bridesmaids, another for the groom and groomsmen.
Family Considerations: You might need a third limo for immediate family members.
Large Weddings (100+ Guests)
Multiple Limo Planning: Big weddings often need 3-4 limos or more. Those with over 100 guests spent nearly $1,200 on transportation.
Guest Transportation: Consider shuttle services for guests traveling between venues.
VIP Treatment: Separate limos for different groups (wedding party, family, VIP guests).
Smart Ways to Save Money
Choose the Right Vehicle Type
Skip Fancy Features: Leave out the TV, full bar and sunroof to save money. Basic limos still look elegant.
Consider Color: Black and silver cars are usually cheaper than white ones during wedding season.
Size Matters: Don’t get a limo that’s too big. But also don’t get one that’s too small and needs multiple trips.
Book Smart
Same Venue Weddings: Host your ceremony and reception in the same place to cut transportation costs in half.
Off-Peak Times: Weekday or off-season weddings often get better limo rates.
Package Deals: Many limo companies offer wedding packages that cost less than hourly rates.
Share Transportation
Encourage Carpooling: The cheapest way to transport wedding guests is to have them carpool when possible.
Shuttle Services: One big shuttle bus often costs less than multiple limos for large groups.
Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline
Before the Ceremony
Getting Ready: Many couples get ready at different locations. Plan limo pickups that get everyone to the ceremony on time.
Photo Stops: Build in extra time if you want to stop for photos. If making two to three trips in one limo seems like it might stretch out the timeline, we usually suggest going for two limos.
Buffer Time: Always add 15-30 minutes for unexpected delays like traffic or last-minute touch-ups.
After the Ceremony
Reception Transport: If your reception is at a different place, your limo should be ready to go right after photos.
End of Night: Plan for transportation home or to your hotel. Many couples forget about this part.
Special Considerations
Photo Opportunities: Limos make great photo props. Plan time for pictures with your limo.
Guest Timing: Make sure guest transportation doesn’t leave anyone behind.
Wedding Transportation Costs
Transportation costs represent a significant portion of wedding budgets. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, transportation was the second largest household expenditure behind housing in 2022, accounting for 15% of average household spending. While this statistic covers all transportation costs, it shows how important transportation planning is for major life events like weddings.
Average Spending
According to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study, the average couple in the U.S. spends about $750 on their wedding-day transportation. But costs vary widely based on:
- Number of hours needed
- Type of vehicles
- Distance between venues
- Special requests or decorations
Hourly Rates
Standard Limos: Town car and wedding limo prices could range from $75 to $150 per hour.
Luxury Options: $200 to $300 for something fancier or larger, like a party bus.
Minimum Hours: Most companies require 3-4 hours minimum for weddings.
Extra Costs to Consider
Tips: A 15 to 20 percent tip is typically expected for your driver.
Decorations: Custom decorations, champagne, or special requests cost extra.
Tolls and Parking: Some companies charge extra for tolls and parking fees.
Choosing the Right Limo Company
What to Look For
Experience: Pick a company that specializes in weddings. They understand the importance of timing and details.
Fleet Options: Good companies offer different vehicle sizes and types.
Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials to ensure the company provides reliable service.
Questions to Ask
- What’s included in the package?
- How early should I book?
- What happens if the limo breaks down?
- Can I see the actual vehicle I’ll get?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Companies that won’t show you the actual vehicle
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- No insurance or proper licensing
- Poor communication or unprofessional behavior
Special Wedding Situations
Destination Weddings
Guest Transportation: If you are hosting a destination wedding, offering transportation options is extremely helpful to guests.
Local Knowledge: Choose a local limo company that knows the area well.
Multiple Days: Consider transportation for rehearsal dinners and other wedding events.
Weather Considerations
Backup Plans: Have a plan for bad weather that might affect outdoor ceremonies.
Comfort Features: Make sure your limo has good air conditioning or heating.
Dress Protection: Bigger limos protect wedding dresses from wind and rain.
Guest Accessibility
Special Needs: Some guests might need wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Elderly Guests: Moving from one location to another can be more of a challenge for older guests.
Large Groups: Families with small children might need extra space or car seats.
Making the Final Decision
Count Your People
Make a list of everyone who needs transportation:
- Bride and immediate family
- Groom and immediate family
- Wedding party members
- VIP guests or grandparents
- Out-of-town guests
Consider Your Budget
Priority List: Decide who gets limo service first. Usually it’s the couple, then wedding party, then family.
Package Deals: We recommend allocating at least two percent of your wedding budget for wedding limo service.
Think About Logistics
Pickup Locations: How many different places do you need pickups from?
Drop-off Points: Are you going to multiple venues?
Timeline: How much time do you need the limos?
Booking Tips for Success
When to Book
Early Bird Gets the Limo: Book at least 6–12 months in advance to get your first choice of vehicles.
Peak Season: Spring and summer weddings book up fastest.
Last Minute: If you’re booking late, be flexible on vehicle type and timing.
Contract Details
Get Everything in Writing: Your contract should include pickup times, locations, vehicle type, and total cost.
Cancellation Policy: Understand what happens if you need to cancel or change dates.
Payment Terms: Know when payments are due and what forms of payment they accept.
Alternative Transportation Ideas
When Limos Aren’t Right
Budget Constraints: Consider party buses or large SUVs as cheaper alternatives.
Casual Weddings: Sometimes a decorated car or vintage vehicle fits better.
Small Groups: Uber or taxi might work for very small wedding parties.
Creative Options
Vintage Cars: Classic cars add charm and often cost less than modern limos.
Party Buses: More fun for groups who want to celebrate during the ride.
Trolleys: Great for shuttling guests and add a unique touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planning Errors
Forgetting Return Trips: Don’t forget transportation at the end of the night.
Underestimating Time: Always add buffer time for photos and delays.
Wrong Vehicle Size: Choose a limo that fits your bridal party comfortably without being too cramped or too empty.
Booking Mistakes
Not Seeing the Vehicle: Always ask to see the actual limo you’ll get, not just photos.
Ignoring Reviews: Bad reviews often mean bad service on your wedding day.
Cheap Isn’t Always Better: Very low prices might mean poor service or hidden fees.
Final Thoughts
Planning your wedding transportation doesn’t have to be stressful. Most couples do perfectly fine with 1-2 limos, depending on their wedding party size and venue setup. The key is planning early, knowing your priorities, and choosing a reliable company.
Remember that your wedding transportation is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about arriving in style, staying comfortable, and making memories with your favorite people. Whether you choose one elegant limo for an intimate ride or multiple vehicles for a grand celebration, the right transportation plan will make your special day even more perfect.
The wedding industry is a significant part of the U.S. economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for meeting, convention, and event planners (which includes wedding planners) is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects the continued importance of professional wedding services, including transportation.Ready to book your Chicago wedding transportation? Start planning early, count your people, and choose a company that specializes in weddings. Your perfect wedding day transportation is just a phone call away.
