The bride is ready, the church is full and the pastor is waiting. The bridal car is stuck in traffic at a junction twenty minutes away. In Accra or Lagos, this happens more often than couples expect.
Wedding transport is often left to the last minute, but in busy cities it can make or break the schedule. Plan it as carefully as the decor.
Who needs transport?
List everyone who must be moved: the bride and her escort, the groom and best man, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, both sets of parents, elderly relatives, the photographer if needed, and anyone carrying the cake or other items. Decide who drives themselves and who needs a car.
The bridal car
Many couples hire luxury or vintage cars for the bride and groom. Book early, confirm the exact car, and ask for the driver’s name and phone number. Check that the car is clean, air conditioned and has enough space for a large gown.
Drivers
Hire professional drivers or trusted friends who know the routes. Brief them on the schedule, the addresses and alternative routes. Give them a printed timetable and the coordinator’s number.
Timing and traffic
Check the route on the same day of the week and time a week or two before the wedding. Saturday mornings in Accra and Lagos can be heavy, especially near markets and churches with many weddings. Build in at least thirty minutes of buffer.
Convoys
Wedding convoys, with decorated cars and horns sounding, are part of the celebration. Keep the convoy together, avoid dangerous driving and obey traffic laws. Police escorts are sometimes hired for large weddings; follow the rules for booking them.
Buses for guests
If the ceremony and reception are far apart, or guests are travelling from out of town, consider hiring buses. It reduces parking problems and keeps guests together.
Parking
Ask the church and reception venue about parking. Assign ushers to guide cars. Reserve spaces for the couple and for elderly guests.
After the reception
Arrange transport for the couple at the end of the night, and for anyone who has been drinking. Do not let guests drive if they are not fit to.
Budget
Transport can be a significant cost. Compare prices, and remember fuel, driver fees and tips.
Guests remember the bride’s entrance. Few know how many phone calls it took to get the car to the church door on time.
