The white limo is an iconic wedding car. This ride is typically a white Cadillac or Lincoln Town Car stretched out in all its glory; riding in a brand-new white limo is an event in and of itself. (Riding in a rusty 1997 limo isn't quite as luxurious). However, if you're a groom looking for an easy way to transport between six and eight members of your wedding party, a limousine is a no-brainer for comfort and cleanliness. Here's everything a groom will need to know about renting a limousine for wedding day.

Number 1 Lesson: Book your wedding limo well in advance

Book your white wedding imousine well in advance, particularly if you're getting married during peak wedding season. As you can imagine, you will be competing with every other glorious bride and groom (as well as prom king and queen) for Saturday limo rentals during this period. (Did you know that some 44,000 couples get married every single weekend during the year in the United States? - So yeah - book early.)

The cost of a wedding limo rental

The typical wedding limousine rental price varies depending on where you are renting, and when you'll need that long car. Most limousine rental companies have wedding rates, and most will have inflated the price to account for wedding season demand. Here's what you can expect to pay:

A four hour minimum (Don't revolt yet - you'll need four hours)

Approximately $100 per hour, plus gratuity

All in all, expect to pay between $400-$600 for a Saturday wedding limo in peak wedding season, no matter where you are.

If you want to save some money, get married on a cold Wednesday morning in February. You'll have no problem finding an inexpensive limo then!

How not to cut wedding limousine rental costs

It's generally a bad idea to haggle too much over the price of a limousine rental, largely because while you may shave the price down a couple of dollars, you might be bargaining for an older model of limousine. Trust GroomGroove.com on this one - saving $100 in order to roll in the limousine rental companies' 1997 model isn't going to be nearly as luxurious as riding in their most up-to-date model. Be certain you know exactly what you're bargaining for.

The smart groom

It's an exceedingly good idea to arrange a Saturday morning tour of the limousine rental company's garage to see the limousine you will be riding in on wedding day. While many companies post pictures of their limousine fleet on their company website, it'll give you a bit more peace of mind to actually see your car.

Black limousines are cheaper

Black limousines are generally less expensive to rent than their white counterparts, largely because these bad boys are more associated with late night clubbing, or (less fun) mourning. Your wedding, despite your cold feet, is not a funeral. Still, there's no shame in busting out with a black limo on wedding day if you decorate it well.

Champagne in the wedding limo

You may want to ask your black-capped driver to put some champagne on ice for after the wedding ceremony. Your bride isn't going to want champagne before the wedding ceremony. (On the other hand, the bride may want a stiff drink.)

Questions to ask your limousine rental company

Do they have commercial livery insurance and proper permits? (You want to avoid non-licensed gypsy limos that advertise on the Internet or Yellow Pages. With a gypsy limo, you'll be bargaining for an old car, with dubious safety.)

Do they have references? Can you call them?

Have they ever been late?

Have they ever broken down or had a flat tire?

What happens in that situation? How do they help my bride avoid freaking out?

What model, year and color is the limo?

Is Champagne provided, or can we supply our own?

What is the limo driver's cell number?

These questions are all a form of insurance for you. Above all, make sure you know what you are paying and for what price.