When everything clicks, prom night can be one of the most exquisite nights of a teenager’s life. With spring and summer proms right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start your planning.  Keep in mind that different schools often host Prom on the same night, which means that possibly thousands of kids will be competing for the same stretch limousines and prom gowns.  Follow these five steps to stay ahead of the game and make your prom night unforgettable.

Step 1: When it comes to Prom Apparel, Your Fashion Sense is Key

No matter what style you’re going for, everyone wants to look stunning at prom.  Generally, the 2009 fashion trends are embracing a higher hemline on women’s dresses and an eco-friendly color scheme for both genders (i.e. greens and browns are in this season).  Research the different prom tuxes and prom dresses coming out this season and see which pieces that you like.

Once you have an idea of what you want, head down to the formal wear store and see what they have available.  If they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, check and see if it’s carried at another store.  Oftentimes, it can be shipped from another store to your local branch free-of-charge.

Step 2: Plan Your Prom Photos-Pictures Last a Lifetime

Your high school will undoubtedly have a photographer to snap a photo of you and your date as you arrive.  However, if you want the moment captured with style, then make a splash by planning a photo shoot.  Before the dance, meet up with your friends at a place that’s memorable to you (i.e. a favorite park, the football field, etc.) and have a photographer take some shots of everyone in prom tuxes and dresses. To capture candid shots throughout the night, remember to bring a digital camera to the prom and the after-party.

Step 3: Find the Right Prom Limo Service

This is an absolute key factor to a wonderful prom night, as it removes any chance of teenage drinking and driving on prom night.  Alcohol is involved in nearly 23% of adolescent driver fatalities, and 54% of all teen motor-related deaths occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Whether it’s at prom or at the after-party, any alcohol in a teenager’s system is a danger to themselves and to other drivers.  With a stretch limo rented for you and your friends, you can assure that everyone will arrive safely and soundly throughout the night.

When you book a limo, keep in mind that it can be much more than just a stretch limousine ride to the prom.  Depending on how many friends you’d like to include, the limo itself can range from an intimate Cadillac limo to a decadent party limo.  A limo service shared by a group of teens can also be cost effective for parents since as many as six couples can plan a limo ride together. Simply tell the limo service how many passengers are expected, and they’ll tell you all the options that you have.

Step 4: The After-Party-Make the Night Last

The typical prom begins around 8:00 pm and will end somewhere between 11:00 and midnight.  In order to spend more time with your prom date and close friends, start planning in advance for an after-party.  The most common after-party is for everyone to reconvene at someone’s house; however, don’t be afraid to plan something new.  If all your friends are movie buffs, then look into catching a midnight show.  Of if you know you’ll be running on empty from all the dancing, perhaps a midnight snack would be more appropriate.  Regardless of where it is, an after-party is a wonderful way to wind down the evening with friends.

Step 5: Be Confident and Have Fun!

Remember:  Although it sounds like an overstatement, prom night is something that you’ll look back on throughout your life.  It’s a rite-of-passage in our America, which is all the more reason to make yours a special one.  This is your night to shine.  Enjoy this time and have fun!

Separate the Professional Wedding Limousine Services from the Boys

When it comes to getting to the church on time, your options are truly limitless.  Most couples prefer a white limo versus the classic black for their wedding; if you have a preference, be sure to check what’s available with every limo service that you contact.  Also, the term “limo” covers a variety of automobiles. If it’s a stretch limousine or a Cadillac limo that you’re looking for, then ask for that specific model on your wedding date.

Take a Headcount before You Book a Limo

Friends and family typically need to move to a few different locations throughout the big day.  A limo service is typically the easiest way to make sure that everyone arrives safely and soundly, as it avoids the pitfalls of parking costs, the possibility of an out-of-towner getting lost, and the dangers of drinking and driving.

Of course, if it’s a bigger wedding with extended family in tow, a single stretch limo may not be enough.  Take a count of how many bridesmaids and groomsmen will be traveling with you; depending on the count, you can decide what kind of wedding transportation that you need.  Stretch limousines and luxury sedans most commonly fit anywhere between 6 and 14 people, depending on the car itself.  Some fleets will have much larger options available such as VIP vans and buses, or perhaps even a trackless trolley.  These vehicles can fit anywhere between 20 and 50 people.

Checking up on the Luxury Car Rental or Limo Fleet

A professional wedding transportation service will have a plethora of options available to you on your wedding day.  Besides the typical white stretch limousine, they might also offer a hummer limousine, a Lincoln town car limo, a classic limousine or perhaps even an antiqu e car such as a Rolls Royce.

Even though you won’t be driving, you’ll still want to do some research to make sure the limo ride is problem-free.  Check with each of the limo services to make sure their cars are properly maintained and serviced.  Run a Google search and see what kinds of experiences other consumers have had with them.  If nothing appears in the search, then chances are they’ll provide the perfect wedding limo.

Get Creative with your Wedding Transportation

Always remember: this is your wedding.  You can get as creative and non-traditional as you like!  If you want to leave the reception on a motorcycle, then all it takes is a little planning.  If you want arrive in a Victorian-style horse and buggy, it’s available for you.  You’d be shocked at how affordable it is to rent a stretch limousine.  The point being, whatever your desire, there are wedding transportation and limo specialists that can make it happen.

Happy planning and may you be blessed on your special day!

by John Starke

Most executives and business professionals know travel services created with the corporate traveler in mind are essential.  Business travelers have specific needs that differ greatly from the general public.  Taking work on the road can be stressful, exhausting and even overwhelming when you land in an unfamiliar city. There are ways to make your business trip efficient, simple and hassle free, one of them is to hire a corporate limo service.

The Advantages of a Corporate Limo Service

1. Airport Transportation is Included
Professional limousine services often assist travelers with airport transportation. A corporate limo service will provide pick up and drive you comfortably to your first destination, as well as timely transport back for your departure flight.  You bags will be handled with care and while the limo driver worries about the road you can simply sit back and relax after your flight.  Listen to the radio, watch the news and enjoy some refreshments on the way to your hotel or meeting. A limo is a calm, quiet place to rejuvenate and prepare for doing business.

2. Professional Limo Drivers Provide Detailed Local Information
Are you looking for a great restaurant, entertainment or a store to purchase some personal items?  Do you need to take a client out on the town or buy a gift to present when you visit their office?  Let your corporate limo service take you anywhere you need to go.  Limo drivers often have excellent information about local dining, events, shopping and professional services. Simply communicate your needs clearly and let the limousine driver do his job while you do yours!

3. Drinks and Snacks Are Often Part of Limo Service
Limousine services often provide drinks and light snacks during your travels.  Do you have a long day of meetings in various parts of the city?  Don’t worry about finding time to eat.  Ask your limo service to pick up lunch and have it in the limousine waiting.  While you take care of business a corporate limo service will take care of you.

4. Space is Never an Issue in a Limousine
Limos are made to offer business travelers the maximum amount of space. Are you traveling with other company executives? Then share the cost of a limo rental so everyone has room to spread out. Finish proposals, conference with clients by phone, discuss business strategies and prepare for important meetings as a team. Limo services can also provide customized solutions for corporate groups with multiple destinations.

5. A Corporate Limo Leaves a Lasting Impression
In the modern business world appearances matter and there is no better way to leave a lasting, professional impression than to travel by limo.  Boost your company’s image with colleagues, business associates, clients and competition. Rent a limo for all of your corporate travel needs.

A professional limo service can change the way you do business. There is no reason corporate travel can’t be efficient, practical, comfortable and fun. If you are in search of quality, reliable company car rentals or transportation consider the advantages of hiring a limousine service.

Since 1993, Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond have sponsored the French Film Festival as a way to foster cultural and intellectual exchange and learning between the United States and France.  The festival was conceived because the only French films available to the American public were mainly classics. Since 1993, some of contemporary France’s leading directors, producers, and actors are introduced to American audiences through the French Film Festival in Richmond. Many scholars and students studying French Film in Virginia universities also take part in the Master classes and discussions.

The French Film Festival is interactive. It is designed to encourage participants to take part in discussions on film, master classes on theatrical arts, presentations, and even a formal reception to meet the honored guests who make it a high caliber event.

The  Historic Byrd Theater in Richmond, VA

The films are shown at the historic Byrd Theater on Cary Street in Richmond, close to Virginia Commonwealth University.  The restored theater is a splendid venue for any performance and seats 1,400 people.  It was chosen as a venue because the French Film Festival has expanded its audience each year since inception and was in need of a larger space to accommodate the crowd.  With audiences averaging 20,000 people in three days, the festival has become popular in Richmond and is held in high esteem in France.

Short Films Featured at the Festival

This year’s French Film Festival includes some focused attention on short films, a tradition in French cinema popularized by Jean Cocteau and other notable filmmakers and artists. On March 27th La Femis/VCUarts Cinema Shorts Project will present three short films. A series of short films by notable French filmmakers will be presented at 12 midnight on March 28th and 8 a.m. on March 29th.

U.S. Ambassador to France to Attend

Josiane Balasko, a French writer, actress, and director will be on hand with director Serge Le Péron during and after the viewing of the movie Françoise Dolto, le Désir de Vivreas. The U.S. Ambassador to France, His Excellency Pierre Vimont, will also be present.

French Film Festival screenings are followed by a discussion with the director, producer, and an actor or actress from the film.  This format helps attendees to interact with the artists who shaped the film and keeps the dialogue open and active between creators and audience.

French Film Festival is a Partnership Between Countries

The film festival itself has a stellar reputation in France among filmmakers, sponsors, and audiences there.  Some French directors, producers and actors see it as a chance to collaborate with Americans in the film profession and further their work.  One of the main purposes of the French Film Festival is to foster relations between Franco-American artists, businesses, universities, and cultural organizations and to open up new audiences for French film here in the United States.

Visit the French Film Festival website for more information on scheduled movie times and weekend passes.  Costs are $95 for regular admission $85 for instructors and $45 for students and include admission to all classes, discussions, and films, except for the reception. Individual films cost $12, if seats are still available.

Inquire about limo services to and from the French Film Festival. Visit Rent-a-limo for a quote that will rival any in the limo services business. Or email info@waterviewlimo.com.

“We understand that even the luxury consumer is looking to save money during the economic downturn,” said John Starke, co-owner of Waterview Limo. “So we’ve designed packages for prom and wedding limos that don’t break the bank,” added Starke. Additional themed packages are also available upon request.

Unique to the limousine service industry, Waterview Limo is offering competitively priced packages that include visits to sports games in Blacksburg, Richmond and other areas of Virginia as well as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Charlotte. Other themed limo services include winery tours of selected areas of Virginia, stork limo service for the new mother and her baby, and bachelor or bachelorette party limos, to name just a few.

The limo fleet is a variety of Late Model Lincoln Towncars and stretch limousines loaded with luxury amenities. A fully equipped bar with ice, glasses, and non-alcoholic refreshments and snacks are included in Waterview Limo services. Limos come outfitted with DVD/CD players, satellite radio, movies, television shows, adjustable optic lighting and an iPod Dock.  These luxury features make driving to any special destination or occasion delightful, fun, and entertaining.
Those who are looking to rent an airport limo, prom limo, wedding limo, or even stork service from the hospital after a baby is born will find exactly what they need with Waterview Limo. A representative of Waterview Limo will accommodate most any transportation need with a rate that will not stress the budget.  Rent a limo by calling 800-934-9099 to speak to a Waterview Limo representative about the upcoming event. Or email info@waterviewlimo.com to book a limo today.

Waterview Limo is dedicated to providing the best in customer service with pricing that is in step with the economy. Limo drivers are professionally trained and screened to provide worry free enjoyment for a luxurious night on the town.  Door to door service is booked from point of departure to destination and return. Look for Web only discounts.

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