Groom's Wedding Car Drive: Is It Allowed?

It is not uncommon for grooms to drive themselves to their wedding, but it is generally advised against. Driving yourself means you may have to worry about parking, and you may not be able to drink alcohol at your wedding. It is also a chance to be chauffeured in a sleek car, which can add to the experience of the day. If you are looking to cut costs, driving yourself is a good way to do so, but it is worth considering the other factors before making a decision.

Should the groom drive himself to the wedding?

There are several reasons why the groom might want to drive himself to the wedding. Firstly, it can be a cost-saving measure. Weddings are expensive, and hiring a car or chauffeur can be an unnecessary expense, especially if the groom has a suitable car of his own. Secondly, it can be a practical choice, especially if the wedding is taking place locally and the groom is familiar with the area. This eliminates the need to worry about directions.

However, there are also several reasons why the groom might prefer to be chauffeured to the wedding. For one, it adds a touch of luxury and style to the occasion. The groom can arrive in a sleek, stylish car, making a grand entrance that complements the significance of the day. It also ensures that the groom can relax and enjoy the journey, without the stress of navigating or worrying about parking.

Additionally, if the groom plans to drink alcohol during the celebrations, having a designated driver or chauffeur is essential. This way, the groom can partake in the rituals and toasts without worrying about driving home. It also ensures that he complies with legal requirements and arrives safely.

Finally, hiring a car for the groom can be a thoughtful surprise, showing him how much you care. It can be a fun and exciting experience for him and his groomsmen to bond before the wedding, and it provides an opportunity for unique photos and memories.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the groom should drive himself to the wedding depends on personal preferences, logistical considerations, and budgetary constraints. Both options have their advantages, and the groom should choose whichever makes him feel most comfortable and excited about his special day.

Pros and cons of the groom driving his own car to the wedding

Pros

• It saves the groom the cost of hiring a car or taxi.
• The groom can avoid the hassle of organising transport.
• The groom can arrive in a car they are familiar with and comfortable driving.
• The groom can ensure their car is decorated according to their preferences.
• The groom can leave the wedding whenever they want.

Cons

• The groom may not be able to drink alcohol at the wedding if they need to drive home.
• The groom may miss out on the experience of arriving at the wedding in a stylish or luxurious car.
• The groom's car may not complement the wedding theme or colour scheme.
• The groom's car may not be large enough to transport the entire wedding party.
• The groom's car may break down or encounter traffic, causing them to arrive late to the wedding.
• The groom may have to deal with the stress of finding parking at the wedding venue.

Hiring a wedding car for the groom

Surprise and Delight the Groom

Contrary to popular belief, a wedding day is not just about the bride. It's about the love between two people, so why not go the extra mile for your partner and surprise him with a cool wedding car? He has likely accompanied you to numerous bridal party get-togethers and indulged your every whim during the planning process. Show him how much you care by making his last journey as a single man memorable.

Choose the Car of His Dreams

Most men love the thrill of sitting inside a beautiful vehicle, and many have a 'dream car' in mind. Imagine his excitement when his dream car pulls up to take him to the ceremony! From vintage classics to modern luxury cars and quirky vehicles like VW Camper Vans, there is a wide range of options to choose from.

Save the Hassle of Booking a Taxi

While some grooms may opt to drive themselves to the venue or book a taxi, these options are not always reliable. What if the car breaks down or the taxi fails to show up? By hiring a wedding car, you can rest assured that the groom will arrive at the ceremony on time and in style.

Enhance the Wedding Photos

A groom's wedding car adds another element of fun and style to the wedding photos. He and his groomsmen will love posing in front of the car, snapping selfies, and enjoying the experience of feeling like James Bond for the day.

Tie in with Your Wedding Theme

The groom's car can also be a fun way to embrace your chosen wedding theme. Whether you're going for a retro theme or something more alternative, selecting a car that matches the theme will add to the overall ambiance of the day.

Save Money on a Wedding Gift

Ensure a Safe and Stress-Free Journey

Finally, hiring a wedding car means the groom doesn't have to worry about navigating traffic or finding parking on the big day. He can simply relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that a professional chauffeur will ensure a safe and timely arrival.

So, if you're looking to make your groom's day extra special, consider hiring a wedding car just for him. It will not only make his journey more enjoyable but also add a unique and stylish touch to your wedding celebrations.

Groom's car decoration ideas

While it is usually the groomsmen's responsibility to decorate the wedding car, grooms can be involved in the process and come up with creative ideas for the decorations. Here are some unique and fun decoration ideas for the groom's wedding car:

"Just Married" Decorations

The "Just Married" sign is a classic and iconic decoration for wedding cars. You can get creative with this idea by using different materials such as a handmade sign, a decal sticker, a banner, or even a custom license plate.

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery add a romantic and elegant touch to the wedding car. You can use fresh or artificial flowers, garlands, wreaths, or bouquets. Combine them with ribbons or tassels for a whimsical effect.

Tin Cans

Tin cans are another iconic wedding detail. Attach empty tin cans to the bumper with durable strings or ropes to create a unique sound as you drive off.

Personalized Messages

Use letter balloons or window markers to spell out fun messages, your wedding hashtag, or your names and initials on the car's windows or bumper.

Vintage Decor

If you're going for a vintage or rustic chic vibe, pair a gold laser-cut sign with eucalyptus garlands and oversized tassels. You can also use a vintage pickup truck or a classic car for a stylish exit.

Simple Decor

For a more subtle and simple approach, opt for a basic "Just Married" sticker or a greenery garland draped across the trunk of the car.

Remember to confirm any decoration restrictions with your wedding transportation vendor, especially if you're renting a car. Have fun and get creative with these decoration ideas to make your wedding car stand out!

Transporting the bridal party

Number of Cars

The number of cars you need depends on the distance from the wedding party to the venue and your budget. If everyone is only a short distance away, one car could take the bridal party and then return for the bride. Most couples opt for a second car, and sometimes even a third, to accommodate the bridal party after the ceremony.

Who Travels With Whom?

Again, this is your wedding, so you can arrange it however you like. Here is a traditional guide:

• If you take one car, the bride travels with the person giving her away. After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in that car together.
• If you take two cars, the bride and the person giving 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.
• If you take 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 travel in the second car, and close family members or parents travel in the third.

Arrival Order at the Ceremony

The groom's party, including ushers, arrives together at the ceremony venue 45 minutes before the service starts to meet with the photographer and seat the guests. The bridal party, including the bride's mother, arrives 15 minutes before the ceremony starts to take pictures. The bride and her father arrive five minutes before the ceremony to take pictures before entering the service.

Photo Location

Usually, the newlyweds, the bridal party, and groomsmen attend the photo location, but this can be expanded to include close family members and friends.

Order of Arrival at the Reception

The bride and groom travel in the lead car, followed by the bridal party.

Dismissing the Cars

The photographer will usually dismiss the cars after a period of time from the venue, once they are content with the photography involving the cars at the reception.

Alternative Transport

If you want to include a horse and carriage or tractor, extra transport is essential. The alternative transport will act as a prop outside the ceremony location for photography, and then the wedding cars will take over.

Decorating the Cars

Decorating the wedding car is a fun way to arrive in style and make your exit known. Traditional decorations include tin cans trailing off the bumper and "just married" signs on the back window, but you can get creative and make it unique. You can find wedding car decorations on Amazon, Etsy, and Michaels.

Frequently asked questions