Image courtesy of Variety Wedding Cars
Image courtesy of Ingrid Jellick Photography
Image courtesy of Studio HQ Photographers
Image courtesy of Dekker Photography
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Cinderella's fairy godmother turned a pumpkin into a glass coach so she could travel to the ball. We're fresh out of magic pumpkins, but you'll be delighted to learn that there is a wide selection of vehicles on offer for wedding travel, each one of them fit for a princess and her prince!
travel arrangements
The bride's mother and bridesmaids usually travel together to the church and are followed by the bride and her father. The groom and best man also require transport and a car hired for them will help ensure they arrive in good time and in a good frame of mind with one less thing to worry about.
Don't forget the groom's parents as it is a special day for them too - although they are largely forgotten for most of the day. It is a nice idea to arrange transport for them so they feel more involved and it is a great way for the groom to thank his parents with a special treat.
The vehicles wait until the ceremony is over then the first one takes the bride and groom, the second takes the attendants and the bride's parents and perhaps the groom's parents may go in a third vehicle. This might be the same car that brought the groom and best man or the groom's parents.
Alternatively, you may hire a stretch limousine which holds several people who can all ride together.
getting to the church on time
The groom and the best man should arrive at the ceremony about 20 minutes before it is due to commence. Traditionally the best man was responsible for getting the groom there on time but these days the groom himself usually organises most of the wedding transport.
The bride and her party should try to arrive a few minutes before the ceremony begins. This will allow time for the bride's mother to be happy the bride looks her best and then be ushered to her place in the church. The bride's mother used to arrive before the bride to greet guests and have time to spare, but today most brides' mothers want to travel in convoy with their daughter on her special day.
The bridesmaids can then help the bride get organised and have some photographs before the time comes to make the grand entrance. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes from when the bride arrives at the ceremony to when she is ready to walk down the aisle so make sure you allow for this time. That way, the bride can enter the ceremony looking confident and radiant rather than nervous and flustered.
A good tip for the bride is not to drink too much before leaving home. Most churches do not have toilets and the bride does not want to enter the church with her legs crossed! But be sure to have a light lunch or some small sandwiches before you leave home to keep the stomach topped up and to avoid rumbles or a feeling of light headedness.
transport to the reception
The groom is usually responsible for booking the wedding transport and the bridal party and the budget will usually dictate how many vehicles are required.
The bride and groom are the first to leave the ceremony in their own vehicle. They are followed by the attendants in as many vehicles as are necessary. This group often stops at a park or scenic vantage point for photographs on the way to the reception. The photographer will agree this with the bride and groom well beforehand and it is a good idea to agree an alternative location in case the weather is not good on the day. Most wedding transport companies or photographers can also advise appropriate locations. Remember to check with the local council if you want to go to a popular venue. Some councils require you to book and pay a fee so check well beforehand.
transport from the reception
The groom is responsible for booking and confirming the bride and groom's going-away car. This can be done either with the same company that you use for the rest of the day, or your honeymoon first night hotel can often arrange a hire car to collect you.
If the going away car is to be decorated, it is the best man's responsibility to make sure no damage is done. Try to avoid using your own car because many guests will recognise it and perhaps be tempted to give you a send off that will leave a lasting impression on your car!
You will be tired and probably have had a few drinks by this stage of the day so it is best to leave the driving to others. That way, you can leave your wedding in both style and safety.
your choices
There are many different, exciting vehicles to choose from. It all depends on what suits the mood and theme you have set for your wedding.
Your idea of the ultimate in wedding travel might be to lie back and relax, sipping champagne in a luxurious never-ending stretch limousine.
White wedding cars are the most popular, especially Rolls-Royce, Jaguars, Bentleys and Mercedes. Silver is now a very popular colour too. Dark colours such as black, blue or claret can also look fabulous, providing a contrasting photographic background to a white wedding.
For true romantics it is hard to resist the temptation to recreate the 'olde worlde' charm of yesteryear by arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, complete with footmen. Open landaus (a coach with a top which may be opened and drawn back) and wagonettes are available, suitable for the warmer months, as well as covered carriages - all of them drawn by decorated horses.
Remember that carriages do not travel very quickly so don't expect the poor horses to pull you along at great speed, especially if you are running late. Carriages are best used for shorter distances - and of course they look great in the photos.
If you're an 'old fashioned' bride then classic cars or vintage cars could really enhance your traditional theme. Remember that these cars often don't have seat belts so it's not a good idea to allow small flowergirls or page boys to travel in these older vehicles.
On the other hand, if you're a 'thoroughly modern bride who wants to be totally original, what about a shiny red cadillac? Or a sleek sportscar?
And if you want to be really different - have the procession led by Harley Davidson's!
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