Creative Wedding Getaway: Unique, Memorable Exit Strategies

Decorating your wedding getaway car is a fun tradition that can add a unique and creative touch to your special day. Here are some ideas to make your exit memorable:

- Identify your primary purpose: Do you want the decorations to last just for the getaway moment, or do you want them to endure for a post-honeymoon celebration? Do you plan to include the car in your wedding photos?

- Decide who will decorate the car: Traditionally, the best man and groomsmen take on this task, but you can also make it a collaborative activity with your fiancé, friends, or family. If you have something elaborate in mind, consider involving a creative professional or your wedding planner.

- Choose when to decorate: If the couple or wedding planner is handling the decorations, it's best to finish the day before the wedding to avoid distractions. If the groomsmen or guests are doing it, they often choose to do it during the reception.

- Ensure the decorations are secure and safe: Avoid using tape, spray paint, whipped cream, or anything with sugar that could damage the car. Be mindful of potential hazards, especially when using tin cans or balloons.

- Select decorations that match your wedding theme and style: Whether it's a glamorous gala or a rustic country celebration, choose decorations that fit your colour scheme, location, and overall aesthetic. Remember, the most important thing is to choose decorations that you and your partner enjoy!

Choosing a vehicle

The vehicle you choose for your wedding getaway sets the tone for your exit and can even become a part of your wedding photos. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

• Book in advance: It is recommended to book your getaway vehicle at least nine months before your wedding day, especially if you are getting married during peak wedding season. This will ensure that you get your desired ride and avoid last-minute stress.
• Consider your attire: Your wedding attire may impact your choice of vehicle. For example, if you want to preserve a white ensemble, you may want to avoid vehicles that could cause stains or damage, such as motorcycles or dirt bikes. Similarly, certain types of dresses may restrict your mobility, so choose a vehicle that allows for easy entry and exit.
• Match your theme and location: Try to select a vehicle that complements your wedding theme and location. For instance, if you're having a nautical-themed wedding near the water, a water taxi could be a fun and fitting choice.
• Involve your wedding photographer: Let your photographer know about your exit plans so they can capture the perfect shots. You may even want to have them ride with you for some unique photo opportunities.

Now, let's explore some unique and creative vehicle options for your wedding getaway:

• Horse-drawn carriage: For an elegant and rustic touch, a horse-drawn carriage is a perfect choice. It offers a slower pace, allowing you to relax and enjoy each other's company after the excitement of the wedding.
• Vintage taxi: If your wedding is in a metropolitan area, a classic yellow taxi adds a touch of vintage charm while also being practical and cosmopolitan.
• Tandem bicycle: For sporty couples who love biking together, a tandem bicycle can be a whimsical and active way to make your exit. Just be mindful of potential dress restrictions to avoid any mishaps with the bicycle chain or spokes.
• Ski lift: If your wedding venue has ski lifts, why not make a fun and convenient exit? Check with the operator to ensure that long dresses are allowed, and don't forget to include this unique detail in your wedding photos!
• Vintage convertible: A vintage convertible car in a colour that complements your wedding colour scheme is a stylish and elegant choice. It adds a touch of retro glamour to your exit.
• Tractor: For a rustic or barn wedding, a tractor can be an unexpected and playful choice. You can even add fog machines for a dramatic effect.
• Boat: If your wedding reception is held on or near the water, make a splash by exiting in a speedboat, pontoon, or even a yacht. It's a festive and nautical way to celebrate.
• Mopeds: For a fun and adventurous twist, hop on some mopeds and zoom off into the sunset.
• Trolley: Instead of a traditional shuttle bus, a trolley adds a touch of charm and uniqueness to your exit. You can include your wedding party or enjoy a private moment with just the two of you.
• Fiat: For a destination wedding in Italy, a Fiat is a classic and iconic choice. It captures the essence of Italian style and complements the surroundings.
• Motorcycle: If one of you has a motorcycle license, a motorcycle exit can be an adrenaline-pumping and fast-paced way to make your getaway.
• Volkswagen bus: For a retro '70s-inspired vibe, a Volkswagen bus is an excellent choice. It's a fun and nostalgic way to end your celebration.
• Golf cart: If your wedding is at a country club or golf course community, a golf cart is a playful and fitting option. Decorate it with "just married" signs and tinsel streamers for added flair.
• Propeller jet: For a truly memorable exit, a small aircraft like a propeller jet will leave your guests in awe. It may require some advance planning and coordination, but the photo opportunities will be well worth it.
• Jeep with traditional Indian wedding decor: If you're incorporating cultural elements into your wedding, a Jeep decorated with traditional Indian floral decor is a beautiful way to honour your heritage.
• Rowboat, kayak, or canoe: For a water-adjacent wedding, a small boat can be a unique and adventurous exit. It adds a touch of romance and offers a chance for a team effort if you choose to paddle together.
• Pedicab: In a thriving metropolis, hailing a pedicab for your exit can be spontaneous and exciting, especially with the urban skyline as your backdrop.
• Vintage pickup truck: Riding in the back of an old-school pickup truck with comfortable pillows and traditional tin cans creates a charming and rustic vibe. It's a fun twist on the classic getaway car.
• Snow skis: For a snowy mountain wedding, skiing down the slopes in your wedding attire is a unique and adventurous exit. Just make sure your skiing skills are up to par, and consider a "stunt" gown to avoid damaging your dress.
• Vintage car: A glamorous vintage car adds a touch of old-school elegance to your exit. Whether it's a sleek convertible or a classic limousine, it's sure to make a statement.
• Dogsled: For an outdoor winter wedding, a dogsled exit is an adventurous and memorable choice. It's a unique way to begin your journey together.
• Hot air balloon: A hot air balloon exit is a breathtaking and romantic way to soar into your new life together. It offers a peaceful escape from the festivities and provides stunning photo opportunities.
• Helicopter: If your venue has access to a helicopter pad, a helicopter exit is an incredibly cool and dramatic way to make your grand finale. You may even be able to paint your names and wedding date on the chopper for a personalised touch.
• Children's scooters: For a lighthearted and playful exit, simply use children's scooters. It's a fun and unexpected choice that will leave your guests smiling.
• Snowboards: For a winter wedding, snowboarding down the slopes in your wedding attire is a unique and adventurous option. Consider a "stunt" gown to keep your dress safe from any damage.
• Vintage car with college decor: Decorate a vintage car with your and your partner's alma mater colours and decor. It's a fun way to incorporate your educational background into your special day.
• ATV: An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) is a loud and adventurous choice that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. It's perfect for couples who love the thrill of off-roading.
• Cinderella carriage: For a fairytale-like exit, a Cinderella-style carriage is a dream come true. Just ensure that your venue allows animals on the property.
• DeLorean ("Back to the Future" car): Riding off in a DeLorean time machine is a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate your new future together. It's a unique choice that will have your guests snapping pictures and feeling like they're in a movie.
• Horse-drawn sleigh: For a winter wedding, a horse-drawn sleigh is a magical and romantic option. It adds a touch of Christmas cheer and creates a whimsical atmosphere.
• Mini vintage convertible: A miniature vintage convertible, such as a retro MG, is a charming and playful choice for a boho or vintage-inspired wedding. It's a fun twist on the traditional getaway car.
• Horseback riding: Galloping away on horseback is a beautiful way to embrace your love for the outdoors and Western charm. It's a unique exit that will leave a lasting impression.
• Beach station wagon: For a beach or Hawaii-inspired wedding, a beach station wagon is a fun and fitting choice. It adds a touch of retro style to your exit.
• Glider: A glider is an aircraft that can fly without an engine, offering a peaceful and unique exit. It's a less common choice that will surprise and delight your guests.
• Luxury sports car: If you want a modern twist, a luxury sports car is an excellent choice. It adds a touch of glamour

Decorating the getaway car

Tips for Decorating the Getaway Car

Before you start decorating, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, book your getaway car at least nine months in advance to ensure you get your desired ride. Secondly, consider your wedding attire – if you want to preserve a white dress, for example, you might want to avoid a dirt bike as your getaway vehicle. Thirdly, try to match your ride to your wedding theme and location – for instance, if you're having a nautical wedding, why not make a splash with a boat exit?

Ideas for Decorating the Getaway Car

Now for the fun part – decorating! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• The classic "just married" sign, either bought or handmade, is a great way to announce your newlywed status.
• Flowers, flowers, and more flowers! Fresh or dried flowers, or a mix of both, can be draped across the back of the car, arranged on the hood, or attached to the door handles.
• Streamers, ribbons, or garlands in your wedding colours can add a festive touch.
• Tin cans are a traditional part of the getaway car, but be careful as they can spark when dragged along the pavement.
• A wreath of greenery or flowers can be a beautiful, natural decoration.
• Banners, plaques, or decals with "just married" or your names can be attached to the car.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try a unique mode of transport like a hot air balloon, helicopter, or even a dogsled!

Timing the decoration

Timing is everything when it comes to decorating your wedding getaway car. Here are some tips to ensure the process goes smoothly:

Book in Advance

It is recommended to book your getaway car at least nine months before your wedding day to ensure you get your desired ride, especially if you are getting married during peak wedding season.

Consider Your Wedding Attire

Your choice of attire may impact your getaway car selection. For example, if you want to preserve a white ensemble, you may want to avoid decorations that could cause stains. Similarly, certain outfits may restrict your mobility, so choose a vehicle that allows you to enter and exit comfortably.

Match Your Wedding Theme and Location

Enhance the cohesiveness of your wedding by selecting a getaway car that complements your theme and location. For instance, if you're having a nautical-themed wedding near the water, consider escaping on a water taxi instead of a traditional limo.

Inform Your Photographer

Let your wedding photographer know about your exit plans so they can capture the perfect shots. They may even be able to ride with you for some unique photo opportunities.

Choose the Right Decorations

When selecting decorations for your getaway car, it is essential to use materials that will not damage the vehicle or pose a hazard to others on the road. Avoid using electrical or masking tape, spray paint, whipped cream, or anything with sugar, as these can damage the car's paint.

Identify Your Primary Purpose

First, determine whether you want decorations just for the getaway moment or something more durable that will last beyond the honeymoon. Do you want to include the car in your wedding photo session? Clarifying your goals will help you choose the most suitable decorations.

Who Should Decorate?

Traditionally, the best man and groomsmen decorate the getaway car. However, you can also make it a collaborative activity with your fiancé, friends, or family. If you have something elaborate in mind, consider involving a creative professional or your wedding planner, who can help organize a meet-and-greet with a specialist in wedding decorations.

When Should Decorating Take Place?

Ideally, the car should be ready the day before the wedding to avoid last-minute distractions. If the groomsmen or other guests are decorating, they often do it during the wedding reception while everyone is still socializing.

How to Decorate?

There are endless ways to decorate your getaway car, including wreaths, flowers, tin cans, balloons, signs, decals, and writing on windows. Ensure that all decorations are securely fastened to the vehicle, and be mindful of potential hazards, especially at high speeds.

Choosing the Right Decorations

Let your imagination run wild! You can go for classic options like the "Just Married" sign or explore more creative ideas such as wreaths, garlands, bows, flower arrangements, balloons, and tin cans. Remember to choose decorations that fit your wedding theme, location, and personal style.

Who decorates the car?

Traditionally, the best man and groomsmen decorate the wedding getaway car. However, it can be a fun collaborative activity to decorate with your fiancé, your friends, or your family. If you have something very elaborate in mind, you may want to involve a creative professional or your wedding planner.

The car should be decorated in time for all pictures and, most especially, the getaway at the end. If the couple is decorating, or if the wedding planner is organizing it, the vehicle should be finished the day before (or earlier) the wedding day. If the groomsmen or other guests are doing it, they often choose to do it during the wedding reception.

When decorating the car, it is important to ensure that whatever wedding decorations are added will not permanently damage the car or be a hazard to anyone else on the road. Do not use electrical or masking tape, spray paint, whipped cream, or anything with sugar, which can take off paint or erode. Balloons should never be allowed to drift and become litter. While tin cans attached to the bumper are a memorable tradition, they could also be dangerous, especially at high speeds. So they should only be used if they’re secured well and removed before driving on the highway.

Now for the fun part: deciding how you want to decorate your wedding getaway car. The classic “Just Married” decoration can be a physical sign on the back of the car, an easy peel-off decal on the window, a paint-safe adhesive sticker, or a written note on the windshield (with window-safe markers). Decorating the hood of the car with wreaths or garlands can tie in with the overall theme and flowers from the wedding. Bows made of ribbon, tulle, satin, or any other imaginable fabric can be easier to arrange in advance and adds a beautiful touch to any wedding! Flower arrangements and bows on the door handles, rearview mirror, and other accents are becoming more popular. These perfect little details really make an amazing overall impression, creating a beautiful and cohesive look. Balloons can make a fun wedding car prank and gorgeous piece of décor.

How to decorate the car

Decorating the wedding getaway car is a fun and exciting tradition that allows you to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some detailed instructions and ideas to help you decorate the car like a pro:

Planning and Timing:

First things first, it's essential to plan and time the decoration process. Book your getaway car at least nine months in advance to ensure you get your desired vehicle. Consider your wedding attire and theme when choosing the car, and don't forget to match it with the location. For example, if you're having a nautical-themed wedding near the water, a water taxi would be a perfect choice.

It's also important to decorate the car well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays. If you're renting, check with the company about any restrictions and preparation services offered.

Traditional Decorations:

The traditional "just married" sign and tin cans are always a classic choice. You can buy or create your own unique sign, and don't be afraid to get creative with the cans by decorating them with flowers, ribbons, or checkered patterns.

Floral Arrangements:

Flowers are a popular choice for wedding car decorations. You can use fresh or artificial flowers, depending on your preference and budget. Choose flowers that match your wedding theme and colour palette. For a rustic or nature-centric wedding, consider using wreaths and greenery, which you can dress up with ribbons, balloons, or additional flowers.

For a more dramatic look, drape floral garlands across the trunk or hood of the car, and finish with flower clusters at each end. You can also attach bouquets to the door handles, reusing the bridesmaids' or bridal bouquets for a more sustainable option.

Simple and Elegant Decorations:

If you're looking for a more understated and elegant approach, consider using simple decorations like ribbons, bows, or a single strand of greenery draped across the car. Monogrammed banners or bunting with your married prefixes are also a great way to personalise the car.

Seasonal and Themed Decorations:

If your wedding has a particular season or theme, reflect this in your car decorations. For example, use cherry blossoms for a spring wedding, rich, warm-coloured blooms for autumn, and evergreens or winter flowers like poinsettias for a winter wedding.

For a beach wedding, use tropical flowers and greenery like lilies, orchids, and birds of paradise, along with shell embellishments and linen or cotton textures.

Interior Decorations:

Don't forget to decorate the interior of the car! Hang flower arrangements or garlands from the rearview mirror, symbolising the couple's journey towards a brighter future. You can also create petal carpets or flower patterns on the car floors, using petals in your wedding colours or theme.

Safety and Practicality:

While decorating, it's important to avoid materials that could damage the car's finish or cause a hazard. Stay away from spray paint, whipped cream, and electrical or masking tape. If using tin cans, be cautious as they can spark when dragged against the pavement. Instead, opt for tissue paper flowers, organza ribbons, or burlap bows.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, your wedding is your special day, so feel free to get creative and personalise your getaway car however you like. Enjoy the process, and don't forget to capture plenty of photos of your beautifully decorated car!

Frequently asked questions