How To Offer Your Car For Wedding Services

Transport is an important consideration for weddings, and there are many options to choose from. While some couples opt for limousines, others prefer to use their own cars or those of family members, adorned with ribbons and bows. It is also possible to hire a car and driver for the day, which can be a more cost-effective option than a limo. When planning wedding transport, it is essential to consider the number of passengers, the distance between locations, and the timing of arrivals.

How many cars are needed?

The number of cars you will need for a wedding depends on several factors, including the number of people in the wedding party, the distance between the venues, and your budget.

If the wedding party is only a short distance away from the venue, one car could be used to transport the bridal party, and then return for the bride. However, it is traditional for the bride and groom to travel together to the photo location after the ceremony, so the bridal party will need to arrange alternative transport. Most couples opt for a second, or even a third car, to accommodate the bridal party after the ceremony, even if the venue is close by.

If you have a small bridal party, two cars may be sufficient. In this case, the bride travels to the ceremony with the person who is giving her away in the first car, and the bridesmaids and mother of the bride travel in the second car. After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in one car, while the bridesmaids and groomsmen travel in the second car together.

For a larger bridal party, a third car may be necessary. In this case, the first car would be for the bride and the person giving her away, the second car for the bridesmaids and mother of the bride, and the third car for the groom's party or other close family members. After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in one car, the bridesmaids and groomsmen in the second car, and close family members or parents in the third car.

It is important to consider the logistics of transporting the wedding party to multiple locations, especially if there are time constraints between events. You may also want to provide transportation for the guests, especially if there is limited parking available at the venues.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of cars depends on your specific needs and preferences. You can always consult with a wedding planner or transportation provider to determine the best option for your wedding.

Who travels with whom?

There are many different ways to organise wedding transport, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide what works best for them. Here is a guide for those who are unsure:

One car

The bride travels to the ceremony with the person who is giving her away. After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in that car together, leaving their parents and the rest of the bridal party to find alternative transport to the photo location.

Two cars

The bride and the person who will give her away travel in one car, and her bridesmaids and mother travel in the second. After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in one car, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen travel in the second car together.

Three cars

The bride and the person giving her away travel in one car, her bridesmaids and mother travel in the second, and the groom's party or other close family members travel in the third. After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in one car, the bridesmaids and groomsmen in the second, and close family members or parents in the third.

Transport for the groom's party

Traditionally, the groom's party did not have cars, but this has changed over the years, and now around 80% of grooms want cars. If the wedding is all in one location and the budget is tight, it is probably not worth getting cars for the groom's party. However, the groom's party should arrive at the ceremony around 45 minutes before the service starts, so they will need transport to get there earlier than the bridal party.

Alternative options

Some couples opt for a horse and carriage, tractor, or rally car, especially if the ceremony and reception are in the same place. In this case, additional transport is often essential, as the alternative transport may not be able to take the couple on to their photo location or reception venue.

Vintage cars are usually licensed to accommodate six passengers, while a Jaguar can accommodate four.

Arrival order at the ceremony

The arrival order at the ceremony is an important aspect of the wedding day, ensuring that everyone is in place before the processional begins. Here is a detailed guide on the arrival order for your special day:

45 Minutes Before the Ceremony:

The groom's party, including ushers, should arrive together at the venue. This early arrival allows the groom time to meet with the photographer for pictures and gives the ushers enough time to begin seating the guests. It is recommended that the groom's party arrive in one car or multiple cars, depending on the number of people and their proximity to the venue.

15 Minutes Before the Ceremony:

The bridal party, including the bride's mother, should arrive at the ceremony venue. This timing allows the photographer to capture the bridal party's arrival and any last-minute photos before the ceremony begins. The bridal party can arrive in a separate car or cars, ensuring they are comfortably transported to the venue.

5 Minutes Before the Ceremony:

The bride and her father arrive at the ceremony venue to take pictures before the service begins. This is a special moment for the father of the bride, as he will traditionally "give her away" to the groom during the ceremony.

During the Ceremony:

The processional begins, and the members of the wedding party walk down the aisle to their designated places. The order may vary depending on cultural and religious traditions, but it typically includes the mother of the bride, the groom, the best man, groomsmen and bridesmaids (often in pairs), the maid or matron of honour, flower girl(s), ring bearer(s), and finally, the bride with her father.

After the Ceremony:

The bride and groom traditionally leave the ceremony venue together in the same car, leaving their parents and the rest of the bridal party to arrange alternative transportation to the photo location or reception venue. This moment offers the newlyweds some privacy and a chance to enjoy each other's company before joining the rest of the wedding party.

It is important to note that the arrival order and transportation arrangements can be customised to fit the unique needs and preferences of the couple. Some couples may opt for a more relaxed approach, allowing wedding party members to drive themselves or carpool, while others may prefer the convenience of organised transportation for everyone involved. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure everyone arrives at the ceremony venue on time and ready to celebrate the special day.

Who attends the photo location?

This is entirely up to the couple getting married. It is usually the newlyweds, the bridal party, and the groomsmen, but this can be expanded to include close family members and friends.

If you are providing transport for the bridal party, it is worth considering that they will have some time to kill while the couple are having their photos taken together. It is common for the bridal party to travel with the couple and simply mingle while they are not needed for photos. However, if you are on a tight schedule, you may want to consider providing alternative entertainment for the bridal party during this time.

If you are providing transport for the groom's party, remember that they will need to arrive at the ceremony venue earlier than the bridal party. This is usually around 45 minutes before the service starts, to allow the groom time to meet with the photographer and take pictures.

It is worth noting that after the ceremony, it is traditional for the newlyweds to travel together to the photo location, so the bridal party, parents, and groomsmen should arrange for alternative transport. Most couples opt for a second, and sometimes even a third, car to accommodate the bridal party after the ceremony, even if the venue is close by.

Decorations for the car

There are many ways to decorate a car for a wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows are a classic choice for wedding car decorations. You can drape ribbons across the car's front grille or attach them to the door handles, and then add a big bow or two for extra impact. Ivory and cream ribbons are traditional choices, but you can also choose a different colour to match the wedding theme.

Flowers

Artificial flowers are a popular choice for wedding car decorations. You can opt for a simple bouquet of flowers attached to the car's front grille or go for a more elaborate display that includes ribbons and bows. For a more unique look, you could try a flower garland or a flower magnet.

"Just Married" Signs and Banners

Announcing your newly married status with a "Just Married" sign or banner is a fun way to decorate your wedding car. You can choose from a variety of styles, including ornate car magnets, window decals, and banners that can be attached to the car's exterior or hung inside the car.

Balloons

Balloons are a festive way to decorate a wedding car. Choose from a variety of colours, such as white, silver, or rose gold, to match the wedding theme. You can also get "Just Married" balloons or other wedding-themed designs.

Other Ideas

• Window markers: Liquid chalk markers can be used to write messages or draw designs on the car windows.
• Car flags: A small flag with a wedding-themed design can be attached to the car's exterior.
• Lights: For an evening wedding, consider adding some string lights or fairy lights to the car's interior or exterior.
• Personalised number plates: You can create personalised number plates with the couple's names or a special message. These can also be kept as a memento of the day.

Frequently asked questions