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The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Coach Hire

Published 31st Jan 2024

Picture this, you've got the dress, the suits, chosen the perfect venue, and everything is set for your big day. But wait, have you thought about how everyone's getting from A to B?

That's where hiring a coach comes in handy! Coach hire is the perfect choice when deciding on transport for your wedding, beyond the practicality, the right coach can add a touch of elegance to the overall experience, for both the couple and their guests.

At SMC Coach Hire, we understand that you may have some question marks surrounding wedding coach hire. From calculating costs to choosing a coach that matches your wedding vibe, we’ve got the scoop to make your wedding coach hire experience perfect and stress free. So, read on as we address all the burning questions surrounding hiring a coach for your wedding day. 

What are my vehicle options when hiring a coach for a wedding?

When hiring a coach for your wedding, you have various vehicle options depending on your preferences, budget and the number of guests you need to transport.

If you are looking for a cost friendly transportation option which provides no-fuss, then a standard coach is the perfect vehicle for you. This is the most popular option we offer, and features may include but are not limited to, fabric/leather seats, air conditioning, passenger lighting, legroom seats and a media player. This simple and straightforward option is perfect for couple who want reliable transport, a beautiful wedding and more cash left over for the honeymoon!

On the other end of the scale, for those seeking a truly special experience on their wedding day, our luxury coaches are tailored to exceed expectations. Features on our luxury vehicles may include but are not limited to, leather trim seats, extra legroom, toilets, tinted windows, onboard refreshments, Wi-Fi and reclining seats.

Choosing a luxury vehicle will give guests a truly special transportation experience that will enhance your wedding day a whole, especially for a once in a lifetime celebration. If members of your party have accessibility requirements, make sure to ask us about hiring an accessible vehicle. Features on these vehicles may include full automated wheelchair lifts, wider access inside the vehicle and hydraulic suspension.

To explore our vehicle options in more detail, click HERE.


What is the typical cost of hiring a coach for a wedding, and what does the fee include?

The price of hiring a coach for a wedding can vary depending on several factors. Considerations such as number of passengers, distance, time of day and type of vehicle all contribute to the overall cost of coach hire, so these are things you need to consider before deciding on a budget.

At SMC Coach Hire, we offer extremely competitive rates for our wedding packages and we’re always willing to negotiate a price to ensure you can stay within your overall wedding budget.

How many people can fit on a coach, and is it suitable for our guest list?

First things first, It’s essential to understand that coaches come in various sizes, accommodating different passenger capacities which will depend from model to model.

We can offer vehicles ranging from 8 to 75 seaters. Our coaches typically accommodate around 49 to 53 passengers, while larger coaches can seat up to 75 passengers. If your guest list is smaller, then a minibus may be better suited. Minibuses typically seat around 10 to 20 wedding guests and provide a cozy and cost-effective option for smaller wedding parties.

If your guest list is exceptionally large, there is always the option of travelling in multiple vehicles. Although there isn’t a limit on the number of vehicles you can hire, they are subject to availability. Submit your enquiry with the total passenger numbers, and we’ll let you know what we can do.

To determine the most suitable option for your wedding transportation, it’s important to understand the exact number of guests you are looking to transport. From there, submit your enquiry with us and one of our booking experts will help you hand pick the perfect vehicles for your group size that not only caters to your specific group size but also guarantees a cost-effective solution. 

Can we customise the coach with decorations to match our wedding theme?

Yes, it’s possible to decorate your vehicle with decorations that match your wedding theme. This is all dependant on the driver and their vehicle. While some drivers are all for the idea of a fully decked-out coach, others may have caution to prevent any potential damage to their vehicles. In fact, some drivers even have premade decorations specifically for their vehicles, which saves you the hassle of buying decorations yourself.

Many couples choose to decorate their vehicle to match their chosen wedding theme. This way, your transport of the day becomes an integral part of the overall wedding theme. Decorations such as ribbons, flowers, seat covers are perfect decoration examples, but of course this all depends on the driver.

When making your initial enquiry, make sure to include details about the decorations you want to customise the coach with. A member of our dedicated team will then try their best to find a vehicle and driver that will suit your needs.

How far in advance should I book a coach for my wedding?

It is advisable to book a coach for your wedding at least 6 months in advance. This timeframe gives your coach provider the best chance of finding a vehicle that suits your travel requirements, which is important if you are looking for a luxury vehicle that includes unique features. Of course, booking early not only ensures vehicle availability but it also provides you with a wider range of options, allowing you to pick out the perfect vehicle that compliments your dream day.

The 6-month mark is the absolute minimum when booking your coach, however, we can accommodate bookings up to the day before the trip itself, based on availability. It is highly recommended to allow more time. By doing so, you significantly improve your chances of finding availability on the dates you desire. Plus, with an extended lead time, you'll enhance the likelihood of finding your dream vehicle that perfectly aligns with your wedding vision and preferences.

It's also important to keep in mind that the price of a coach can vary from year to year. So make sure to book your transport within a year of when your wedding is because we can't generally provide quotes over a year in advance due to the fluctuation in coach prices.

Can we arrange multiple pick-up and drop-off points for our guests?

Absolutely, when it comes to pick-up and drop-off points, every wedding is unique, and the logistics may vary. We happily accommodate multiple points based on your specific requirements. Whether your guests are staying at different hotels, arriving from various locations, or departing to different destinations after the celebration.

All you need to do is state your pickup and drop off locations when you enquire and a transport plan will be customised, that aligns with the needs of your guests. Our goal is to make the journey as convenient and tailored to your wedding day as possible. 

What is the booking process when hiring a coach for a wedding?

With SMC Coach Hire it’s simple to book coach and minibus hire for your wedding. All you need to do is fill out one of enquiry forms by clicking HERE, alternatively, enquire by emailing enquiries@smccoachhire.com or phoning 0333 200 7221. When submitting your enquiry, be sure to provide the number of guests requiring transport, state your wedding travel requirements (e.g. decorations or an onboard toilet) and specify that the purpose of your trip is a wedding.

Shortly after, an expert from our bookings team will receive your enquiry and process your booking request. From there, your personalised wedding journey will be made, you will receive a quote via email as well as a call from a member of our sales team who will discuss your booking and vehicle options. Our team aim to deliver a quote to you within 2-3 hours of submitting your enquiry. Once a decision is made and you are ready to book, all you need to do is let our team know. They will send you over a link to make the deposit payment online, or you can choose to pay by bank transfer.

With that done, you can kick back, relax, and fully focus on your wedding knowing that your transport needs are in capable hands.

What is the cancellation policy when hiring a coach for a wedding, and how can I make a change to my enquiry?

In the event of a cancellation, the outcome depends on the notice period that’s provided. At SMC Coach Hire we strictly adhere to our terms and conditions in the event of any cancelation. You can find our terms and conditions by clicking HERE. Nevertheless, we’ll do our best to adjust to your needs and make things as flexible as possible.

If any changes to your plans affect your wedding transportation, don't worry, you can make changes to your enquiry by calling your account manager using the details provided on your ‘enquiry received’ email or your quotation. Of course, changes to your journey details could result in a price change.

How do we communicate with the coach driver on the wedding day, and is there a point of contact?

As your wedding day approaches, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating communication with your coach driver.

When you book with SMC Coach Hire, you will be sent your assigned drivers contact number the day before your wedding, meaning you can rest assured knowing that you’ve got a direct point of contact. Whether it’s a query you may have, or a last-minute detail, you can simply give your driver a call. This direct point of contact offers a straightforward way to get things sorted, allowing you and your partner to fully enjoy and focus on celebrating your wedding day.

Additionally, our office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, providing you with a dedicated point of contact during regular business hours. If you have any questions, require assistance, or wish to confirm details, our dedicated team is on hand ready to ensure your wedding transportation runs smoothly.

Our wedding needs to be perfect, how can we trust in coach hire?

We understand that your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, so everything needs to be perfect. Here are some reasons why you should trust coach hire as your wedding transport solution.

At SMC Coach Hire, our Trustpilot rating speaks volumes – an impressive 4.7 out of 5, a clear sign that happy couples are delighted with our service. Our complaint rate is also less than 1%, underlining our commitment to always ensuring customer satisfaction and happiness.

As industry leaders, we have an extensive network of operators around the country. This means that in the case of a cancellation, we can call on operators to see if they can step in and carry fulfil your journey.

Choosing SMC Coach Hire is more than just transportation, it’s about giving you peace of mind on your wedding day. Trust us to make your wedding transportation stress-free, adding that extra touch of perfection to your special day.

What are the benefits of wedding coach hire?

Wedding coach hire presents a variety of benefits, making it the perfect transportation choice for this once in a lifetime occasion.

One of the major benefits is the ability to transport a large number of guests from A to B. The spacious interiors of coaches can comfortably accommodate lots of passengers, fostering a sense of togetherness and ensuring that everyone arrives at the venue simultaneously. This not only elevates the overall wedding day experience but also eliminates the potential logistical challenges associated with coordinating individual modes of transportation for each guest.

From a financial standpoint, weddings in general are expensive, however wedding coach hire can be cost effective transport solution that can help you save a few pennies. Using one or two coaches for transportation will work out a lot cheaper than organising other methods of transport such as taxis or multiple private hire cars.

Wedding coach hire is an extremely convenient transport solution, especially if your ceremony and wedding are in different locations. Guests don’t have to stress about figuring out directions or finding somewhere to park because experienced drivers can handle everything making the transportation smooth and stress-free. Having a professional driver also adds an extra layer of safety and reliability to the whole process.

Choosing a wedding coach isn't just about getting from place to place; it adds a special touch to the vibe and style of the event. Picking a coach that matches the wedding theme creates a unique and unforgettable experience for the couple and guests. Choosing a luxury vehicle allows you to elevate your wedding day, making the journey a memorable part of the day. Plus, if you're eco-conscious and want to reduce your carbon footprint, transporting a big group in a coach is a thoughtful choice.

Overall, choosing wedding coach hire lets couples fully enjoy their special day without worrying about transportation logistics. It's a practical solution that combines efficiency, comfort, and style. 

Get in touch

If you are looking to book coach or minibus hire for your wedding, look no further than SMC Coach Hire. We understand the importance of your special day, and our professional team is committed to providing your dream wedding transportation. Enquire HERE and receive your free personalised quote today.

At SMC Coach Hire, we also offer coach and minibus hire for Stag & Hen Parties, find out more HERE.