Transportation and Accommodations
Ride to Your Jewish Celebration
Getting there -- how important is
it? Very, one would think :)
Traditionally, Jewish brides and grooms
arrive to their wedding in separate cars and do not see each other until
the "Bedeken" before Chuppah ceremony. However, in any case, do
not leave transportation arrangement for the last minute.
(The
Bedeken ceremony - the Veiling of the Bride
- After the ketubah is signed, the groom may choose to
lower the veil over his brides face. This recalls the biblical nuptial
episode. Jacobs father-in-law Laban put his daughter, Leah, in
place of Jacobs chosen bride, Rachel. The deception was possible
because of the heavy veil brides wore. When the groom personally
veils the bride, its a kind of insurance policy against bridal
surprises.)
Order your transportation to get to the
synagogue or hall an hour ahead of time, so you have time for family
picture taking before the guests arrive.
Family or friends may drive you to the
ceremony or you may choose to use limousine services.
Limousine, Bus, Train,
Aircraft - your choice.
If you choose to take advantage
of a limousine service, check them out first.
-
If possible, inspect cars.
-
Make sure and hire a company that is
fully licensed and insured.
-
Reserve your date and time well in
advance.
-
Confirm your reservations a few days
before the wedding, bar mitzvah or for any other occasion you are
celebrating, to ensure your reservation is still on the computer.
-
Make sure that the drivers have the
right date, times, and location where you and your party are to be
picked up as well as clear directions to your destination.
-
If possible, give drivers a list of
their passengers
If your celebration is out of town but still
a drivable distance, you may wish to hire a bus for family and friends.
Accommodations for You
and Your Guests
If you are inviting guests from out of town, it is courteous to provide
them with information about hotels or motels in the area.
If your celebration is far away from home,
you may need to arrange accommodation for yourself as well as the whole
wedding or bar mitzvah party.
The assistance of a travel agent may be
invaluable, or you may choose to search for the proper lodging yourself.
Practical Advice - Tips and
Suggestions
Search
the
Jewish Celebrations DIRECTORY
for fine travel and accommodation service providers
If your celebration is taking place in a hotel reception hall,
request information about accommodation packages.
When booking for a large group (10 or more rooms) request a group
rate discount.
If group is large - inquire if the hotel might assist your party
with transportation from hotel to the celebration location.
When booking a large number of rooms, you may get a complimentary
honeymoon suite, or at least a substantial discount.
Don't hesitate to ask break in price. All hotel prices are
negotiable.
REVIEW CANCELLATION POLICY.
Have everything documented in WRITING.
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