Shuttle Planning
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Shuttle Planning
Having shuttles for your guests is highly recommended at Rixey Manor. Here are some tips to plan it effectively:
Understand Shuttle Timing & Charges: Shuttle companies typically charge by the hour. Your time is counted from the first pickup to the final drop-off back at the hotel. It’s not just “drive time” – if a shuttle waits idle for an hour, that hour counts. Keep this in mind when scheduling, to avoid paying for unnecessary hours.
Where possible avoid having guests arrive too early - it shortens the morning and leads to and earlier hair and makeup start, as well as creates a less relaxed pre-ceremony atmosphere if the house is full of people.
Schedule Multiple Runs Thoughtfully: Most couples do two shuttle runs at the end of the night. We suggest scheduling the first shuttle departure 30 minutes after the dessert is served, and the second (last) shuttle about 15 minutes after the last dance. This staggers the departures. Alternatively, if you have two shuttles and want everyone gone around the same time, you can send both shuttles out about 15 minutes after music stops. Guests always take longer to gather their belongings and say farewells than expected, so that buffer prevents you from running into overtime charges. (We’ve seen folks get hit with an extra hour charge because the shuttle had to wait for stragglers – our schedule hack avoids that.)
Communicate the Schedule Clearly: Publish the shuttle schedule for your guests. Post it on your wedding website, include it in any welcome bag itineraries, and email it to the shuttle company a week prior to double-check it works on their end. A typical note might be: “Shuttles will depart Hotel X at 3:30 PM and 4:15 PM to bring guests to the Manor. Return shuttles at 8:45 PM and 10:00 PM back to Hotel.” Make sure guests staying elsewhere know where to park or which hotel to get to for pickup.
No Uber – Plan Rides! As noted, you can’t count on ride-shares out here in the countryside. Please let guests know Uber/Lyft won’t be available at the end of the night. If someone isn’t on the shuttle and shouldn’t drive, they’ll need a designated driver. We require that any guest who has been drinking must take a shuttle or be driven by a sober driver. It’s for everyone’s safety. We will absolutely help coordinate if someone gets stuck – but it’s better to plan ahead so no one is stranded or tempted to drive.
With smart scheduling and clear communication, your guests will appreciate a smooth, safe ride back to their hotels. And you can party stress-free knowing everyone will get home OK.