Things to consider when booking Bridal Cars & Vans in the Philippines

Use this interview-style checklist to confidently vet a wedding transport supplier (bridal cars, groom’s car, entourage vans, guest shuttles). Mix and match the questions that fit your plan.

Availability, fit, and style

• Are you available on our exact date and time window?
• What vehicles are in your fleet that match our theme (modern luxury, vintage, SUV, van, coaster)?
• How many people can comfortably and legally sit in each vehicle?
• Can we view the actual unit before booking (in person or via recent photos/video)?
• How old are these units, and when were they last serviced? Any known quirks we should know?
• Do you own the vehicles or subcontract from other operators? Who handles breakdowns or replacements? Source: expert vendor-question lists recommend checking availability, fleet mix, capacity, ownership, and backup arrangements.

Vehicle condition & presentation

• Is exterior and interior detailing included (clean windows, spotless seats, scent-neutral cabin)?
• Can the interior accommodate a ball gown (armrests/fixtures that impede entry/exit)?
• Do windows open fully for photos and confetti send-offs? Any sunroof rules?
• What color options do you have? May we add a plate cover prop or temporary signage?

Chauffeur, self-drive, and insurance

• Is this chauffeur-driven only, or do you allow self-drive? If self-drive, what are age, license, and deposit requirements?
• What is the chauffeur’s attire (barong/suit/business formal)?
• Can we see your operator documents and vehicle insurance? What’s covered (passengers, third-party liability, incidents, cosmetic damage)?
• If self-drive is allowed, what’s the excess/deductible? Is personal accident insurance included?
• Do you provide a dispatcher/point person on the day, and driver contact details? Notes: Many PH services are chauffeur-driven; motor vehicles must carry CTPL insurance for LTO registration.

Safety & compliance (PH laws)

• Are seat belts working for all seats to comply with RA 8750 (Seat Belts Use Act)?
• If children will ride (flower girls/ring bearers), can your cars accommodate child-restraint systems required by RA 11229 (Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act)? Do you provide or allow compliant CRS? Legal basis: RA 8750 requires seat belts; RA 11229 mandates appropriate CRS for children.

Comfort & onboard amenities

• Is the air-conditioning strong (and recently serviced)?
• Do you provide bottled water/towels/tissue/umbrellas?
• Can we play music (AUX/Bluetooth/USB)? Are there privacy tints or curtains?
• Are food/drinks allowed? What are cleaning fees if there are spills? Couples commonly ask about comfort amenities and cabin rules.

Logistics, routes, and traffic realities

• What route do you recommend from prep → ceremony → reception? How much buffer will you add for Metro Manila traffic or provincial roads?
• Will number coding (UVVRP) affect us on our weekday? What’s your plan around the coding hours and window periods?
• Will you coordinate parking clearances, village/subdivision gate access, and venue loading rules?
• For vintage/low-clearance cars: can the vehicle handle rough or inclined roads at our locations? Reference: UVVRP is typically enforced 7–10 AM and 5–8 PM on weekdays across Metro Manila (with city-specific nuances and window hours).

Timing & service hours

• What is the standard inclusion (e.g., 4 hours for prep-church-reception)? When does the clock start?
• How do you charge overtime (hourly rate, half-hour grace period)?
• Can we split hours (e.g., early ceremony, long break, late send-off)? Many local packages include ~4 hours with options to extend.

Entourage vans & guest shuttles

• Do you offer vans/coasters for entourage or family? How many seats and trips per run?
• Can we book these with the bridal car so call time and dispatch are coordinated? Local tip: book a separate entourage van alongside the bridal car to avoid delays.

Costs, inclusions, and extras

• What exactly is included in the quote: driver, fuel, mileage, ribbons/flower bouquet, signage (“Bride,” “Just Married”), tolls, and parking?
• What’s excluded and billable (e.g., tolls/parking, out-of-town fees, hotel valet fees, village fees)?
• Are gratuities/tips included or discretionary?
• Are there surcharges for peak dates, very early call times, or late-night pickups?
• Do you offer bundled rates if we take multiple vehicles? Vendor checklists emphasize itemizing inclusions/exclusions and surcharges.

Booking terms, payments, and paperwork

• How much is the reservation fee/deposit? Is it deductible from the balance?
• What are your reschedule, change, and cancellation policies (including force majeure)?
• When are balances due, and what payment methods do you accept? Can you issue an OR (official receipt)?
• Can all verbal promises be written into the contract (decor rules, inclusions, backup plan, call times)? Always align terms in writing; standard practice per vendor-question guides.

Décor & styling rules

• What car décor is included (bouquet, ribbons, plate signs)? May we customize colors/flowers?
• Any restrictions on adhesives, magnets, suction cups, floral water, confetti, or stick-on decals?
• Do you allow our florist/stylist to install/remove décor? How long is allotted for setup/teardown?
• Are there fees for damage to paint/trim from décor? Vehicle-safe fastening methods typically favor suction cups, strings, or magnets; avoid strong tapes/wires that can damage paint.

Photo & video considerations

• Can we reposition the car for portraits (driveway, nearby landmark)?
• Do you provide a clean microfiber cloth for last-minute wipedowns (rain/spray)?
• Are engine-on idling and headlight use allowed for certain shots? Any venue rules you’ve encountered?

Backup & contingencies

• What’s the backup vehicle plan if a unit breaks down or a driver is late/sick?
• How quickly can a replacement arrive? Who decides when to deploy it?
• Do you carry basic tools (jumper cables, tire inflator) and a first-aid kit? Breakdown and chauffeur contingency planning are must-ask items.

Out-of-town or provincial events

• What are your out-of-town fees, maximum radius, and travel time assumptions?
• Will your driver do an advance ocular? Who covers driver meals and lodging if needed?
• Are there local truck bans, market days, or LGU events that could affect routes?

Special vehicle types (vintage, luxury, SUVs)

• For vintage units, what’s your maintenance routine and reliability track record?
• Are ingress/egress heights friendly for gowns (SUVs can be tall; sports cars can be low)?
• Do doors open wide enough for a cathedral-length veil? Any tips for safe entry/exit?

Day-of coordination

• What are the exact call times and staging points for each vehicle?
• Who confirms live ETAs and coordinates with our planner? Is there live tracking/dispatch?
• What’s the driver etiquette standard (parking assist, umbrella assist, door service)?

Quick “must-ask” cluster (copy/paste to your messages)

• Please confirm: inclusions (driver, fuel, décor), exclusions (tolls/parking), hours & overtime, and backup plan.
• Are kids riding? We’ll comply with RA 11229—can you accommodate a CRS?
• All passengers will use seat belts per RA 8750—are belts working on all seats?
• Weekday wedding: can you plan around Metro Manila number coding (UVVRP) windows?
• Can we see insurance (CTPL) and operator docs, and get driver contact details for our planner?