7 Tips That Will Help You Rent The Perfect Limousine

At one time or another, every woman has dreamed of being a celebrity. Strolling down the red carpet in glamorous designer gowns and sky-high Manolo Blahnik stilettos, draped in glittering jewels, traveling everywhere by limousine, and perhaps best of all, being wined and dined by handsome Hollywood hunks.

While it is fairly unlikely that you will ever get to wear millions of dollars' worth of emeralds and diamonds, one aspect of celebrity life that actually is attainable is riding in a limo! If you are looking to rent a limo for a special occasion, read on for seven tips to doing it in style!

Not Just for Weddings Anymore
Of course, there are certain occasions that call for renting a limousine. Traditionally, these include weddings, proms, birthday or anniversary parties, bachelor or bachelorette shindigs, or other special events when you and your friends dress to the nines and paint the town red.

But you don't have to restrict renting a limo to those few occasions. Why not get a group together and rent a limo to attend a sporting event, go club-hopping, or even just have a super fun girls' night out?

Riding in a limo is a special occasion unto itself. It's so much fun, as a matter of fact, that once you start the mobile party, you might not want to get out of the limo when you arrive at your destination!

What Kind of Limo Do You Want?
A limo is a limo, right? Wrong! There is actually a wide variety of different limousines you can rent, depending on your desires, the number of people in your party, and the occasion.

Classic sedan limos and stretch limos usually accommodate 8-10 people, while SUV limos -- Escalades, Hummers, and even Monster Ram limos -- can fit up to two dozen riders. 

While many limos are black or white, you can book some cars with even flashier paint jobs. Hot pink Escalade  limo anyone?

Know What's Included in the Cost.
What do you pay for when you rent a limo? The car's cachet, of course. And its chauffeur. But when you book the limo, you will also be asked about the pickup location and the destination(s). That's because we want you to have the best possible night out in the limo.  Leaving the driving and traffic to us is the most important.  Most companies include everything in the price, i.e. fuel, tolls, mileage, and unlimited stops. 

Another consideration is the tip for the driver. Sometimes it's rolled into the final cost, and other times it's up to you to take care of the gratuity. It will save a lot of awkwardness and embarrassment to make sure you know how the tip will be handled!

Are Limos BYOB?
It's hard to imagine taking a limo ride without popping a bottle or two of champagne. Lots of people cite the ability to party without having to worry about a designated driver as one of the main reasons to rent a limo. But will you need to provide your own refreshments?

Ask if the limo is "iced" -- that's the industry term. And caveat rider: some limos will come stocked with bottles of bargain-bin bubbly, but they'll charge you exorbitant fees for them. It's a little like the hotel minibar scenario.

Be sure to check this aspect of the limo rental early in the planning stages. 

Lights, Music, Action
In addition to the wet bar and glassware, most limousines also boast elaborate entertainment systems. We're talking surround sound, flat screen TVs with DVD players, gaming consoles, and even karaoke machines. Some even have a dance floor!

Are you the type who always commandeers the aux cord? Put together a great party playlist ahead of time, so you're not stuck twirling the dial to find a bangin' song while everyone else whoops it up!

You can also expect luxury details like leather seats, LED lighting, crystal chandeliers, inlaid wood cabinetry, mirrored ceilings, and other decorative touches to make you feel like a true A-lister.

Deposit and Booking
As you might expect, the most popular nights for limos are Friday and Saturday. And between proms, graduations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and weddings, June is the busiest month of the year. If you know you'll need a limo for a specific date, book it well in advance. That way, you will be sure that you have the ride of your dreams.

Reputable limo fleets will require a deposit when you book your ride. Usually, it's been 20% and 50% of the total cost. However, beware of any service that asks you to pay the entire total up front. 

Just taking a limo ride for the hell of it, or flexible about when you celebrate? Ask the company about their off-season or midweek rates. There's a good chance you can get a great deal if you want to go cruisin' on a Tuesday or in the wintertime. 

Don't Get Scammed
As with any industry, there are plenty of crooked limo operators out there. Make sure to check for licensure, registration, proof of insurance, and other credentials. You can always check with the Better Business Bureau, or solicit references from a particular company you're considering going with.

Don't be hesitant about requesting a tour, either. Any limo service worth its salt will let you check out the cars for yourself. You will be able to see how spacious it is, try out the seats and the sound system, and of course, find out if the interior is as impressively appointed as the exterior.

Ready to Rent a Limo?
Everyone should have the opportunity to rent a limo and ride in a limousine at least once in their life! Whether you use a limo ride to make your special night extra ​memorable, or as the event in and of itself, why not treat yourself and your friends to the glitz and glamour of a stylish ride?

Check out our fleet, read what our customers have to say, or give us a call if you have any questions. Heaven On Wheels awaits!