A wedding day is one of the most precious days in a couple’s life, and every aspect matters—least of all, the wedding car. From a float arrival to fashion-conscious departure, correct wedding car etiquette can help you save unnecessary stress. If you are the bride, groom, or wedding guest, adhere to the following dos and don’ts to have an unforgettable wedding transport.
1. Who’s in the Wedding Car?
The bride and the father (giver away) go together in the first wedding car to the church traditionally. The best man and the groom arrive early. Modern weddings are not formal, however. Others go together, while others have the bridal party and the family members in separate cars.
For a formal style:
- The best man and groom arrive first.
- The bridesmaids and the bride’s mother follow afterwards.
- The bride herself is last, and everyone will be focused on her.
2. Choosing the Ideal Wedding Car
The car needs to reflect the style and theme of the wedding. Old cars in the vintage theme, luxurious limousines, or horse-drawn carriages provide vintage sophistication, or brightly painted new cars or colourful vans (such as VW camper vans) provide personality.
When booking the car, take into account:
- The amount of people.
- The dress (ensure there’s enough space for a voluminous gown).
- The weather (convertibles might not be suitable in winter).
3. Wedding Car Decorations
It’s common to decorate wedding cars with ribbons, flowers, and signs like “Just Married.” However, check with the car hire company if decorations are allowed. Some classic cars may have restrictions to avoid damage. If you’re using a personal car, ensure the decorations don’t obstruct the driver’s view.
4. Timing is everything
Timing is everything.
- The groom needs to be at least 45 minutes earlier than the ceremony.
- The bridal party needs to arrive 15–30 minutes before.
- The bride needs to arrive precisely on time to make an entrance.
Always leave a little wiggle room in the timing for traffic, weather, and unexpected delay. It is good to have a stand-by phone number for the driver and double-check the schedule beforehand.
5. Wedding Car Seating Etiquiquette
There is a assumed etiquette for sitting:
- The bride sits on the left in the back.
- The father or escort sits on the right.
- The newlyweds sit together, but the bride is still on the left, post-marriage.
This originated when the grooms used to escort the brides to the carriage, so that they could alight gracefully.
6. The Grand Exit
Following the wedding ceremony, bride and groom drive off in the wedding car to the reception. Some brides and grooms treat themselves to a “getaway car” experience where they are escorted away by their guests with confetti, sparklers, or bubbles.
In case there are multiple venues, take into consideration:
- Organizing transport for the guests, if there is a lack of parking.
- Organizing extra cars for bridal party and closest relatives.
7. Be Respectful to the Chauffeur
If you’ve hired a professional chauffeur, be polite and communicate your needs clearly.
- Confirm pick-up and drop-off points.
- Avoid last-minute route changes.
- If they’ve provided an exceptional service, a tip is a nice gesture.
Following these wedding car etiquette tips ensures the drive is smooth, elegant, and trouble-free. Planning ahead of time ensures that you have nothing to stress about on your special day and are able to make an entrance and an exit of grandeur. Whether it is an old-world Rolls Royce or an elegant Tesla, wedding transport should be as romantic as the wedding!
