How much for car in wedding ???

I've had a couple of people approach me over the last couple of years about using my car in their wedding - basically transporting the bride and groom between events. I've gladly done this for emmediate friends for different life events, but not for casual acquaintances. The last offered to pay $200 for about 2 hours of my time, so it got me thinking I might be able to make some coin on the side.

I know there's insurance issues to consider, but was wondering if anyone else does this, and what kind of issues they've had, and what kind of dmoney they make.

Thanks much !!!!

 

We ask $150 -200 and we haven't scared anyone away yet !!! As president of our local car club I get calls for cars fro weddings,proms,etc.
usually we charge a lot less for proms or do it for free if we know the kids, but weddings take more time.

most people are looking for a big sedan but will settle for anything with a back seat if they like the car enough.
Me and most of my friends have coupes or roadsters or trucks, so we get left out, but our club VP has a '37 club cabriolet and he'll remove the passenger side front bucket so the couple can climb in the back if there is enough $$$ involved.

 

Check with your insurance. If you charge (as opposed to doing a friend a favor) you may be commercial and thus not covered if something were to happen.
Just sayin...

 

i just did this, this weekend, got 200 + 100 dollar tip for driving bride/groom from ceremony to reception in my bros chopped 53 chevy was about a half hour ride, stopped on the way at a park for pictures.

 

I thought about doing this occasionally too. I have to drive my cousin at her wedding in October, but no loot involved. Curious to see what some guys are making out there.

 

$200-250 hour is going rate on East Coast for a white colored vehicle. $150-200 for all the rest. If you are the scared silly type about "liability" have 'em sign as is agreement with pick-up time and end time. Record your time, etc. I usually say screw the liability stuff people are talking about. I've never had anyone not pay up. If they threaten to take me to their Uncle the Judge, it's gets worse for them. I say if you provide stellar service by showing up on time (or better show up a bit earlier---those bridezillas are unpredictable!), look dapper, smell good, have a clean driver's license,then you get paid. A tip is customary but some people are cheap bastards. In that case take the ca$h and trip the tough guy groom on the way in. Nothing like showing up with a shiner on your big day. If the newlyweds hesitate coughing up the ca$h upon demand, get rid of the bodies. ;P Just kidding...people take me way to seriously around here!

 

My wife does the wedding rentals some. She usually charges $250 for a 3 hour window. I am always given a portion of the $$ so I don't complain too much, it gives you a chance to buy those little things that you want but hate to spend the money at times.
On the other hand of it all, you have to stay on top of it or people will run all over your pretty little antique car. To them it is nothing more than a photo prop and they will crawl all over it. You also have to be careful or you will end up giving every family member that attents the wedding a ride. Not that there is anything wrong with taking a few people for rides but next thing you know you are taking someone to drop off their cable bill. (ok, that never really happened, but it made the point).

Some of the photos come out awesome and it amazes me at the different cars people request.

 

If you do this as a legitimate business, in addition to the insurance, I think you need a chauffeur's licence also. Not difficult or expensive to get though. Good luck with your endeavour.

 

I do like that it keeps my wife interested in cars thinking of what would make a good wedding rental.
She came through the house the other day and says "you know, I think we need a black mid fifties caddy".
I simply replied "I think your right".
She usually is.

 

I do it when asked. I try to size them up, with first impressions. around here, some one knows them.... IF THEY SEEM OK i do it for nothing!! one time we had enofe cars for the wedding party! It was a blast!!!! every one in a party mood ! we got invited to the party!!

 

I get between $200-$300, most of the time I get a sizable tip as well. I only do these things for people who are referred to me from friends or people I know a bit about. I have done several for free just because they were good friends.

 

I wouldn't use my own car in my own wedding.... I've heard to many beer and whip cream horror stories!!!

 

This is hillarious.. Before this economy, I had worked as a limousine chauffuer. It's usually 75 an hour, with a 3 hour minimum for the cars. The buses are more. They would include the tip in the payment most of the time. I've been tipped $1,150.00 before. I've been tipped three different times, on one run. I've heard more shit come out of drunk womens mouthes, I couldn't believe. They don't even consider, I'm in earshot of the things that are just falling out of their mouths. I've met more hollywood talent, (or lack there of) Sports pros.. An the Indians on the reservation casinos are definetly, the biggest tippers. They have no concept of the value of a dollar, 'anymore'. I need to use my cars, instead of working for someone else.. Good idea! They just can't drink back there, cos there's no partition. As far as a 'limo drivers license', you can transport 8 or 9 people with a class C license.

 

Times 2- If they want to give money, tell them to give it to your car club or local charity. For proms, the kids love it. Makes an impression that lasts forever. It never takes longer than an hour or so. This weekend my car will be in our local parade, my hometown bank wants me as part of there entry. The theme this year is Groovy Times. They thought my car is hippy looking and would work great. How could I say no.

 

Stick to family & friends and do it as a 'favor' accepting no compensation
If they want to tip you - fine

You are talking about the most important day in most womens' lives

Things can go wrong & you don't want to end up in court on the
receiving end of litigation involving 'emotional distress'


Jim

 

It cost us a couple hundred dollars each to use our cars for my daughters wedding.....

 

Beer and whip cream?!! Where??? Those I would do for free!!!

 

I've done it, walked away pretty happy with the money, but sad for the groom, at the time my car was pretty loud, in the 4 blocks I drove them she didn't stop bitching.

 

My Neighbour used my truck for some photos and the following Monday there was a case of Heiny's in the bed,

Nice gesture and I only had to move the truck 30 feet.

 

Do you guys let them tie stuff to the back of your car? I would imagine that that could scratch some paint... Any horror stories out there?

 

I was approached by a very nice couple just a month or so ago to chauffeur their daughter and her date to the prom. I'd never done that before, but it sounded like fun, so we talked at length and got to know each other before I accepted.

I set two rules: respect me and respect my car. We settled on $100, to which they added a $10 tip and they ended up buying me dinner at a nice restaurant while the kids were at the dance.




The kids were great and we all had a wonderful time. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 

Very interesting post, I think the prices mentioned seem very fair. Even the $-hundy for the prom with dinner and a nice tip is very cool. Plus it is great that this generation recognizes the value of a cool car. Rock on! ~Sololobo~

 

I had the same thing! she bitched about every thing! she was FUGLY!! poor guy............

 

That's an awesome reply reply Aaron!

 

Chauffeurs licenses, insurance...Madonna you guys.... it's called driving the bride to the wedding... right?

Here's how Italians sell cars/services:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7cwHsN-fCc


My new signature probably needs to be "they take me way to seriously around here!"

 

I don't let them tie anything and shaving cream would cause a good old fashioned Kentucky disagreement (punch in face)

we have a just married sign we put on the back and sometimes use a smaller one that goes over the license plate. I have been thinking of putting together a strand of old shoes to tie to the back bumper for fun. Usually everyone is really fun to work with. If your not in a good mood on your wedding day something is definately wrong.

 

Reminds me of an incident that happened to one of the guys around here. He had just finished restoring a '57 Chevy convertable when he was asked to use the car in a wedding. He drove the bride to the church, then the bride and groom to the reception. At the reception, the bride told her father that she wanted the car. The brides father asked how much to but the car. The guy said it it wasn't for sale. He had just finished it and hadn't enjoyed it yet. The father of the bride asked how much is the car worth. The guy thought and said about $75K. The father of the bride said, "I see how much you like your car! Lets make it $150K!!!!". Needless to say, he sold the car.

 

It's great to hear all the stories of people doing it for free. I went to my senior Prom in the back of a 37' Pontiac. It got more looks than any of the limos and was just as comfy! Dad was between cars, so his buddy let him use his. I had a re-pop duesenburg convertible for my own wedding and it was $300 for about 3 hrs. The guy was really great and the pictures were well worth it! I couldn't rent my own car, who wants to cram in the back of a chopped 31' sedan in their wedding dress!

 

Charging $$ for having my cars in a wedding never crossed my mind. My cars have been in maybe 5-10 weddings. Hmm...

 

As stated in previous replies, it is cool to drive for a favor, but if you are taking money from a stranger beware. Your standard insurance policy will not cover you in the event of something bad.