Teenagers may not agree with you on some things, but talking about prom, they will unreservedly concur that it is the most important night in their lives. What this means is that prom is given priority and preparations are usually made in advance for a perfect evening. Both ladies and gentlemen spend hours styling their hair and deciding on the type of clothing to wear.
One o
f the most critical decisions they have to make is on how to get to the prom. This is where the issue of hiring a limo service comes in because everyone wants to make a statement. And, as parents, we want them to arrive safely and on time.
Rightfully so, limo services have grown in popularity all over the United States and also in other parts of the world. Limo companies charge prices which vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, the nature of demand, and the number of people to be transported in the limo. Before hiring a New Orleans limo company, it’s important to weigh each of these factors against a budget.
Demand – How many people want a limo during this timeframe?
New Orleans limos are generally in higher demand over the weekends. Coincidentally, proms are organized mostly on weekends, and this typicallymeans a slightly higher cost for those you decide to hire. While you are not likely to have control over the prom season and strong “in demand” factor, you can rent your prom limo in advance as this may qualify you for a discount or a much lower price.
When renting, ask for the minimal rental time, which typically stretches from 4 to 6 hours. If possible, ask the service provider to split the time so that you can have the limo service say two hours before the prom and again two hours after the prom.
Type of Limo
The type of limo you choose for your prom will be a key determinant of the price charged. If you are renting a regular stretch limo, you will most likely pay much less than when renting a hummer limo. The same goes for choosing to rent a limo shuttle versus a luxury limousine. Depending on the total number of people you are planning to go with to the prom, you may prefer hiring one type to the other. For instance, a limo shuttle which costs, on average, about $170 per hour can carry about 24 people. SUVs are charged at an approximate cost of $75 per hour, and they usually have a maximum occupancy of 4. The most expensive and classic limo is the Vintage Rolls Royce and its average market rate per hour is at least $200 in most markets. With a little planning along with some forethought, you can definitely save everyone some money as long as everyone is flexible and willing to agree on the vehicle.
Distance – How far is your prom?
If you are planning to pick up a few people on your way to the prom or traveling a far distance, you should inquire with your New Orleans limo service provider as to the cost because you may be charged extra for longer travel times and gas expenses.
Depending on the number of people to be transported, the cost per person may also change. Be cautious when filling a limo because when they state the maximum number of individuals, most limo companies mean average or average-sized people closely sitting together. You may, therefore, want to subtract one or two people for comfort and to prevent cost overshooting the budget.
Common Limo Fees
Apart from the per hour hiring cost, some fees may be charged such as driver tip, administrative, overtime, service fees, tolls, stoppage, outside of range, and fuel. On average, companies charge around 20% service fee. In addition to these fees, in some cases, you will be expected to pay a fuel fee which is usually around 5 to 10%. For destinations that require a toll, you may be charged a fee of about $15 to $30 per stop. For the overtime, expect to pay anything between 50 and 100% over and above the hourly rate. Before agreeing to the contract for service, ensure you know exactly what is expected up front and that there are no hidden fees. This will allow you to factor everything into your decision-making process. So when get limousine prices for your prom, be sure to ask all the right questions to avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions When Hiring New Orleans Limo Services for Prom
Here are some questions worth asking when considering hiring prom limo services. Some of these include:
- What Level of Service Should I Expect?
When you choose a prom limo, you will be assigned a courteous driver who is fully trained and experienced not just in driving but also in ethics and professionalism. The limo that will pick you up from your doorstep will be clean, modern and stylish. Also, it will be stocked with sodas, water, and complimentary ice. - How Do I Make a Limo Reservation?
To complete the prom limo rental process, a parent or guardian will sign a contract agreeing to terms of the limo rental. In less than 5 minutes, the limo company should email you the contract so that you can fill it and email or fax it back. - Do I Pay Upfront for the Service?
Most limo companies will charge you a small deposit when booking the service and the rest of the charges are payable when the driver arrives on your prom night.
Possibly, one of the most important aspects is to ensure you have a physical look at the limousines before booking so that you can make an objective decision. Prom is an important night for most high school students. It’s necessary that a parent, and student alike, are aware of the important aspects of choosing a local limo company for this memorable event. If you have additional questions or would like to get a quote for prom, please have your parent or guardian reach out to us at (504) 444-2795.
