Do we need a shuttle for guests between hotel and venue?

Shuttle. Here's the math.

With Ubers in a non-urban area at end-of-night peak (10-11pm Saturday), you're looking at:

• 45-90 minute wait times for surge
• $40-70 per ride one-way for that distance
• Drunk-driving risk you're tacitly enabling
• Guests stranded at venue when their phone dies / app fails

With a $1,800 shuttle for 50 people:

• Two scheduled runs (e.g., 9:30pm departure and 11:30pm departure)
• Guests don't have to think about transportation
• Reduces the "should I drive?" decision for everyone
• Looks like you cared

The per-guest math: $1,800 / 80 guests using it = $22.50 per guest. That's less than ONE Uber ride and you've covered the round-trip both directions for half your guest list.

What to ask the shuttle company:

• Can it run 2-3 trips? You don't need 50 seats × 1 trip; 25 seats × 2 trips can work.
• What's the late-night cutoff? Midnight is standard; if your reception goes to 1am you may need to extend.
• What happens if it's late? Get this in the contract.

If the venue is in town and Ubers are everywhere, skip the shuttle. If the venue is rural or 30+ minutes from anywhere, shuttle is worth it. 25 minutes is borderline; with 80+ guests I'd still do it.