If your wedding and reception are in the same venue you may argue that you don't really need a wedding car, but it forms part of the wedding dream - the perfect chauffeur driven car, whether it is vintage or modern - to drive you to your wedding.
On your wedding day, one of the most important parts of the day is to make sure YOU get to the church! A reliable and quality service is of the utmost importance to ensure that you arrive on time and in style. Wedding themes come and go but choosing the right style of transport on your wedding day that reflects your own personalities is guaranteed to have your friends & family reaching for their cameras to capture the moment.
Planning Your Wedding Transport
It was predicted that when Civil Ceremonies, with the ceremony and reception held in the same place, became popular, it would herald an end to many wedding car companies. This has not been the case, and the tradition of a Bride taking that last journey as a single woman in a chauffeur-driven limousine with her father is as strong as ever.
You also need to decide on how the rest of the bridal party will travel and therefore what transport you will need. Traditionally, up to three wedding cars are needed to transport the bridal party to the ceremony. The transport arrangements are usually in the following order:
- The bridesmaids, page boys and bride's mother travel to the church first
- The groom, his best man and ushers travel together second
- The bride and her father then leave for the service, arriving last and being met by the bridesmaids at the other end
In addition to the bridal car you will need a car for bridesmaids, unless the distance is short enough for the bridal car to comfortably do two trips, in which case remember to arrange transport to take the bridesmaids from the church to the reception.
Beyond that, it's very much a question of personal preference and budget. Ideally, the Groom's family should also be provided with a car, so they don't have to worry about parking, or drinking and driving later on. If your budget will stretch to it, it is a lovely idea to arrange for a chauffeur-driven car, perhaps from a meaningful decade, to pick up elderly relatives to take to the ceremony.
So as not to make the groom feel left out, couples are now opting for a limousine to take them from the reception at the end of the evening, instead of taking them from the church to the reception venue. It is now common to have cars for the groom to arrive in, after all it is also his special day.
Choosing Your Wedding Car
Your choice of transport will depend on the theme of your wedding, the style and of course your budget. The choice of car is endless, from vintage cars (vehicles built between 1916 and 1930), classic cars, modern luxury vehicles, stretched limousines, or even your dream of arriving in a horse drawn carriage.
Vintage and Classic Cars
By choosing a genuine vintage wedding car for your wedding day you will be travelling back to the golden days of motoring. Carefree times of style and elegance that characterised the 1920's and 30's. A time when prestigious cars, endowed with individuality, were lovingly assembled by craftsmen. Deep lustrous chrome, real hand polished wooden dashboards, the smell of cared for leather - nothing comes close.
What an ideal complement to your wedding day especially when you have the attentive service of a highly experienced chauffeur in period uniform. Not only will he drive you carefully and considerately but he is on hand to assist in every way possible and ensure your complete comfort. Order chilled champagne and he will serve it before you leave for the reception.
Your vintage experience often starts with a trial ride. Owner drivers will happily show you their cars, discuss how you can make the best use of the vehicle on the day, propose an itinerary and take you for a short ride, all without any obligation to book.
Modern Luxury Cars
Luxury wedding cars offer a modern feel that's plush and executive, with popular colours being silver, white and cream. From Mercedes to Rolls Royce and Bentley, choosing a leather interior guarantees comfort and that extra special quality to make your ride to the venue even more memorable. Typically, these modern vehicles look smart enough without additions such as ribbon; another thing to cross off your growing to-do list!
Essential Dos and Don'ts
Do
- Do your research early: Enquire early to avoid disappointment as car hire companies are booked up well in advance most Saturdays during the summer months. Take advice from the people who know and book early to get the car you want and to avoid disappointment. The most professional companies get booked early as they will only use their vehicles for the one wedding on that day.
- Check out the options online: Look at photos on the company's website before arranging to see the car. Be systematic, make a list of all the local firms and contact them for their different pricing options.
- See the actual car: Make sure you see the actual car - not just a photo of it. Some companies act as agents for other companies' cars, and while there is nothing wrong with this, you need to know where the buck stops. It is advisable for the bride to go and look at the wedding vehicle that they are going to book.
- Check practical considerations: Will it provide enough space for your dress? Consider the size of your dress compared to the size of the car, particularly if it has a long train. Is it the same vehicle as the photo or is it an agency vehicle? If choosing a convertible car, can the roof be closed if it is raining?
- Verify insurance and licensing: Check that the company is correctly insured. Wedding car companies can't hire their cars out for proms, birthdays, parties etc, unless they are licensed with the local council - the same as a Taxi. Any vehicle must be licensed if they are to be used for public hire, along with an operator's license, and drivers must also be licensed with the council.
- Ask about backup plans: Find out if there is a back up plan. Cars do, unfortunately, occasionally breakdown. Ask what the arrangements would be in the event of a breakdown. Does the company have back up vehicles or would you have to rely on a guest to use their car to get you to your service?
- Get everything in writing: Once you have made your choice of transport and made a booking, the company should confirm your booking in writing stating the collection times, bride's pick up address, service time and address plus the reception venue etc. Get a written quote and confirmation of all times and collection points.
- Plan your route: Think long and hard about the timings and logistics. Decide as early as possible the route you want to take and allow time for your guests to get there well before you make your grand entrance. Once you know the journey length, give the company your desired arrival times for each car.
- Check what's included: Ask what is included in the price, are ribbons, bows and flowers an extra cost? Do they carry umbrellas in case of rain? Do they offer champagne to the bride and groom after their wedding ceremony?
Don't
- Don't feel uncomfortable asking questions: Don't feel uncomfortable about asking exactly what a particular car looks like - you are not expected to know your Armstrongs from your Bentleys.
- Don't expect a test drive: Don't expect to be taken for a ride when you go to see the car; how the car feels is largely irrelevant. However, most car companies are happy for you to have a test ride in your chosen car, ideally when it has already been tuned up and polished, ready for another wedding.
- Don't forget accessibility: Make sure that you let the company know if there are difficulties regarding access, turning or parking at the bride's leaving address.
- Don't over-decorate: If the newlywed's car is to be decorated, please make sure that the decorations can be easily removed, especially for a long journey.
Booking Process and Payment
Companies will ask for a deposit on booking with the balance due before the wedding date. Usually you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking and the balance a month before the wedding. Make sure that they write to confirm your final wedding day details nearer your wedding day as you may have changed important details, times etc.
Booking is simplicity itself. The price you pay will be for the complete occasion, there are no extras for time or mileage. Some companies offer a discount for a second car and may offer two or more car package deals. To cut down on costs, car companies often give a discount for hiring more than one vehicle so check when enquiring.
Making the Most of Your Wedding Day
If your wedding and reception are at the same place, it is a good idea for the bride and groom to go for a drive together after their ceremony as this can be the only time of the day that they are alone, they are then "welcomed" back to the reception by their guests. This is your first journey together as husband and wife! It is also a chance for them to enjoy the champagne that is served by the car company.
Don't forget to consider how you intend to leave the reception. Driving away in your own 'just married' car is a no-no after several hours of drinking champagne, and after all the careful planning for a stylish day, do you really want to disappear in a mini-cab? A stretch-limo will keep you on that celebrity high, or you may want to luxuriate in the leather-clad luxury of a Rolls Royce or Bentley.
Final Tips
- Colour coordination: Why not colour co-ordinate your wedding car with the theme of the wedding? This will make for great photographs and tie everything in together nicely.
- Photography opportunities: On the big day, your driver will pull up to the church or venue, get out and open your car door facing the entrance and help you gracefully meet with your wedding party. As you arrive in perfect hair and makeup, it would be an ideal time to take photographs, so also speak with your wedding photographer in advance so they're positioned well.
- Final check: If they haven't called you, then call them a few days before your wedding just to run through the route, timings and address details.
- Consider your guests: Many couples decide to provide a minibus, coach or fleet of taxis to enable their guests, especially elderly or disabled guests, to reach the reception venue comfortably.
The right wedding car has the power to set the tone of your day and reflect your future as a couple. If you opt for a little added luxury from a trusted provider, it builds on the occasion and comfort, with everything working in harmony so you can relax and enjoy. Then sit back and enjoy your time in your wedding transport!