Hiring a party bus is all about having fun, while making your way to the main event. You want to live each moment, as you are rejoicing a memorable occasion of your life. Whether it’s your wedding, bachelorette party, work anniversary or an engagement, you would want everyone to remember it for a very long time. The joy of travelling together with your loved ones, while partying along the way is truly priceless. Given the fact that there is a party bus suited for all ages and abilities, there is no reason why you wouldn’t hire it for your entertainment needs. But before making a wrong service choice, make sure to consider these pointers, especially if you are hiring a party bus for the first time.
Do Thorough Research
In a liquid industry like this, there can be a number of companies offering various types of quotes. It’s not a smart choice to simply choose the cheapest one, or even the most expensive one for that matter. You need to carry out a careful research and base your decisions only after reading the fine prints and checking online feedbacks, to ensure the rental company is trustworthy and reasonably priced at the same time. In the best case, ‘word of mouth’ from your friends or relatives help a lot in making your decision easier.
Request Photos Of The Interiors
Most party bus websites show photos of extravagantly luxurious buses, only to disappoint you at the end. One should always inquire details about the vehicle he is willing to hire, since there are so many types and sizes. Request them to either send you a photo, or simply go the local centre to check out the bus yourself. This ensures there is no drama on the main day.
Have Everything Clear In Writing
Always double-check the price before giving a confirmation, so as to avoid any kind of late-night brawl with the authorities. The due price should include everything from booking fees to surcharge and gas to tax. Some crooked companies charge you extra fee at the end of the night, for absolutely nothing. Hence, it’s always advisable to have everything written in clear figures, so that there are no surprises.
Party Ride Distance And Price Range
You need to figure out the length and time period of your ride. Whether you want to take stops in between or go straight to the event. All this should be informed well in advance to the rental company. Make sure it’s a little extra than what you estimate. Depending upon the number of passengers and the time of travel, prices can vary.
Features On Offer
There are a few party buses which do not allowing smoking or drinking, while others do. It all depends on the kind of event and your requirements. If it’s a bachelorette party, you would surely want to have a booze, but avoid the same for a wedding event, where kids and elder people are travelling with you. There are also other features you need to take care of, including lighting systems, fish tanks, flat screen TVs, sound system, mini fridge and fibre optic lights. A super glam ride comes with plush seating and privacy, and you can find pretty much everything you request for, in a party bus.
Fetch Complete Details of the Audio System
No party is complete without music played on a quality sound system. You don’t want to spoil your day by coming to know that the bus only has a CD player, and all the efforts you put in crafting that playlist on your iPod or smartphone goes in vain. A well-equipped party bus will always have all sorts of electronic means, whether it’s a DVD player, iPod input, MP3 input or an aux cable. Never board a party bus that doesn’t give you such flexible options.
Availability Of A Restroom
For a long distance commute to and fro, it’s advisable to hire a party bus that houses a rest room. This is required when you are on an overnight journey, and some medical emergency arrives, especially when you are travelling with kids and elder people on board. It’s also wise to have a family doctor on the bus, god forbids if anything happens. You need to have a backup for everything little thing.
Maintenance Of Security Standards
You bear the responsibility of each and every person travelling with you, and hence, you should make sure the rental company maintains regular vehicle safety checks and meets minimum insurance requirements. There are different regulations for different states, when it comes to alcohol, safety and seating. Some party buses are nothing but a makeshift shuttle bus with the original seats removed and benches installed at the corners. If your party bus provider makes use of such a bus, ensure that it has enough seating space and no one is standing up while the bus is moving.
Be As Creative As Possible
Gone are the days when party buses were used only for stag parties and booze. Some crazy ideas include a Red carpet event with sham paparazzi or a kid’s day out on a special day. Plan a hen’s night with some bubbly and pedicures onboard, or bucks party with some dancing entertainment (make sure that happens at one of the stops). You don’t have to worry about being a driver or even making your way. With some creative perks on offer, party buses make your journey even more fun and entertaining.
The key element of any party bus is the driver who gives you a comfortable ride from the pick-up point to the destination. You should know him by his name and make sure he has a valid license for the particular state. It’s always a good gesture to pay him a customary tip, roughly 15-20% as a reward, which he truly deserves. It’s just like tipping a waiter after having a good service at a restaurant. And the most important thing is to be respectful to the driver, and treat him with all courtesy.