Carriages At Weddings: Understanding The Romantic Send-Off

Carriages at Midnight is a phrase often used on wedding invitations to politely inform guests of the time the celebrations will end and that they should go home. It is a traditional and formal way of conveying this information, allowing guests to pre-book their taxis or transport after the reception. The phrase is usually included at the bottom of the invitation or within the guest information section, sometimes accompanied by suggestions for local taxi companies. While some view the phrase as pretentious, it is a whimsical way to indicate the end of the festivities, reminiscent of Cinderella's carriage turning back into a pumpkin at midnight.

'Carriages' is a polite way of letting guests know what time to leave

"Carriages" is an old-fashioned term that is sometimes used on wedding invitations to politely indicate the time at which the celebrations will end and guests should leave. It is a lighthearted and whimsical way to convey this information, often accompanied by a reference to a specific time, such as "Carriages at Midnight".

The phrase is a holdover from a bygone era when horse-drawn carriages were a common mode of transportation. While it may seem unusual to modern ears, it is meant to add a touch of charm and elegance to the invitation. It is also a subtle way to convey to guests that they should plan their departure, including arranging their own transportation, without explicitly stating it.

Including this phrase on a wedding invitation is entirely optional, but it can be a fun and unique way to incorporate some historical flair into your wedding stationery. It is worth noting that some may view the phrase as pretentious or confusing, especially if they are unfamiliar with the tradition.

If you decide to use this phrase, it is a good idea to include it in the guest information section or at the bottom of the invitation. You can also provide suggestions for local taxi companies or other transportation options to assist your guests in planning their departure.

It's helpful to include 'carriages' on invites so guests can pre-book transport

Including an end time on a wedding invitation is a polite way of letting guests know when the celebrations will finish and what time they should plan to go home. This is often referred to as "carriages" or "carriages at [time]", with the latter being a traditional, whimsical way of saying "go home".

While some people may find the term "carriages" pretentious, it is helpful to include it on your wedding invites so that your guests can pre-book their transport home after the evening reception. This is especially important if your wedding is in a remote location or guests are unlikely to be familiar with the local transport options.

If you are providing transport for your guests, it is a good idea to make this clear on the invitation. However, if guests are expected to organise their own transport, you could include the phrase "carriages at [time]" at the bottom of your invitation or within the guest information section, perhaps with some suggestions for local taxi companies or other transport options.

If you are concerned about guests lingering too long or not leaving at the desired time, including an end time on your invitation can help to avoid this problem. It is also a good idea if you have an early start the next day or if there are venue hire restrictions that require everyone to vacate the premises by a certain time.

Overall, including "carriages" on your wedding invitations is a helpful way to ensure your guests have a smooth departure and can plan their journey home in advance.

'Carriages' is a traditional phrase, but some may consider it pretentious

The phrase "carriages at [time]" is a polite way of letting wedding guests know when the celebrations will end and that they should leave. It is a traditional phrase that is often used in wedding invitations to indicate the time at which guests should organise their transport home.

While some people may consider the phrase charming, others may find it pretentious. The phrase originates from a time when guests would arrive and leave events in horse-drawn carriages. Today, it is uncommon for people to use horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport, so using the phrase "carriages at [time]" could be seen as outdated or an attempt to add a touch of unnecessary class to an invitation.

However, some people choose to use whimsical or playful language in their wedding invitations, and "carriages at [time]" can be seen as a fun way to indicate the end of the event, similar to phrases like "pumpkins at midnight" or "boats at midnight". Ultimately, the decision to use the phrase "carriages at [time]" is a matter of personal preference, and there are alternative ways to convey the same information, such as by providing the duration of the reception or suggesting that guests pre-book their taxis.

Couples may want to consider a horse and carriage for their wedding entrance

A wedding is a memorable event, and couples may want to make their entrance special. One way to do this is by arriving in a horse-drawn carriage. This timeless and regal entrance, once reserved for princes and princesses, can add a touch of magic and elegance to the celebration.

Horse-drawn carriages are usually velvet-lined and adorned with flowers, creating a stunning visual impact. The horses are also groomed to perfection, often with braids and ribbons that match the wedding theme. This entrance is sure to leave a lasting impression on the couple and their guests.

When planning for a horse and carriage entrance, it is essential to consider the route they will take. Factors such as the pick-up and drop-off points, the type of roads, the presence of slopes, and expected traffic should be taken into account. To ensure the horses' and guests' safety, it may be necessary to have a car follow the carriage with its flashers on or choose an alternate route with less traffic.

Another consideration is the timing of the entrance. Couples should work with their horse and carriage operator to determine the start and end times of the service, as preparing for even a short entrance requires significant time for grooming, decorating, and other preparations. It is also important to communicate the entrance plans to the photographer to ensure they capture the magical moment.

Couples may also want to think about how they will incorporate the horse and carriage into their wedding theme or decor. The carriage can be decorated to match the wedding colours or theme, and the horses can be groomed to fit the overall aesthetic.

Overall, a horse and carriage entrance can add a touch of fairy tale charm to a couple's wedding day, creating lasting memories for the couple, their families, and their guests.

'Carriages' is a signal to guests that they need to organise their own transport

The phrase "carriages at midnight" on a wedding invitation is a polite way of letting guests know that the celebrations will end at midnight and that they should organise their own transport home. It is a signal to guests that they need to pre-book their taxis or other means of transportation after the evening reception. This phrase is often included on wedding invites to help guests plan their departure, especially if they are not staying at the hotel or venue.

While the phrase "carriages at midnight" is a whimsical and subtle way of conveying this information, some guests may not be familiar with the term and could misinterpret it. To avoid confusion, it is essential to provide clear and direct information about the end time of the reception and transport arrangements.

Some guests may assume that "carriages" refer to provided transportation, such as a coach or taxi service. To prevent this misunderstanding, it is helpful to include additional details, such as suggesting local taxi companies or providing contact information for transport options. This ensures that guests understand they are responsible for organising their journey home.

Including the phrase "carriages at midnight" on a wedding invitation is a creative way to convey the end time of the celebrations. However, it is important to provide additional clarity to ensure that guests understand they need to arrange their own transportation. By offering this information, guests can plan their departure efficiently and avoid any last-minute transport challenges.

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