arriving in style

The journeys you make on your wedding day are pretty significant; the first one is your last as a single woman and the second will be your first trip as a married couple. So choose transportation you find not only aesthetically pleasing but feel comfortable in too.

Brides often say that it’s only when the car door’s closed and the motor’s roaring that they start to come to terms with the reality of what’s happening – all the preparations are over and you’re actually getting married! However you choose to get to the ceremony, it’s nice to have a friendly face alongside, such as Dad’s, to keep you calm. Perhaps armed with a nip of whisky… You’ll want to find a form of transport that is suitably special for the occasion, and we’re lucky to have lots to choose from in Scotland. Some companies offer a few nice touches to make your journey even more special, such as placing flower arrangements inside the vehicle and tying white ribbons to the bonnet. In addition to personal preference, you’ll probably make your choice by taking into account factors such as cost, distance, the likely weather and the overall tone of the celebration you’re planning. Here we examine a few of the most widely seen ways of getting to the church on time.

Love And Marriage

When it comes to making an entrance, there are few sights more romantic than arriving by horse and carriage. In recent research one in four brides put it right at the top of their preferred list of ways to make an entrance. This elegant way of getting around not only looks fantastic but the gentle pace allows for you to relax and enjoy the fresh air and the attention attracted from passersby. Needless to say, an extremely long journey won’t be practical but it’s easy to arrange to drive to an agreed point, so that you can make your grand entrance at the venue, perhaps along a sweeping driveway or maybe through the city centre towards your very own Mr Darcy. Most companies have a choice of carriages and some are suitable for winter weddings too, with hoods to protect you from the elements and blankets in the back to keep you warm.

Full Throttle

The types of cars most often hired for weddings include contemporary prestige, classic and vintage cars. There are hundreds of different models available for wedding hire, and of the many wedding car companies operating in Scotland, some will have a specific type of car that they specialise in supplying. It’s essential (where possible) to visit any potential supplier in person before putting down a deposit. Photos on websites or in brochures are useful but there’s no substitution for seeing the car right there in front of you. It will also let you see how easy it is to get in to, and out of, the car. Just don’t forget to allow for extra space if your dress is full skirted in any way!

The Classics

Classic cars are always popular because they are reliable, look great, feel luxurious and offer a smooth ride. They usually date from the 1960s but it’s hard to get a consensus on what makes a car a classic one, the phrase itself covers a very broad array of vehicles. Some owners would describe their BMW or Mercedes as classics, for example, whereas other people feel that the term ‘executive’ better classifies these models. At the end of the day, the most important consideration is that you like the car and can imagine yourself arriving in it, resplendent in your wedding gown. You might of course decide to hire a more modern car such as a stretch limo, which certainly makes a statement!

Old Skool

Vintage cars are a particularly popular form of transport with brides and grooms, not least because of their impressive appearance. With clean lines, sumptuous interiors and attractive designs, they’ll always be in demand for weddings. Maybe it’s also the thought that you’re following in the footsteps of famous figures from the past who routinely travelled in style. And why not? After all, the wedding marks a historical event in your life! A vintage car is usually thought of as one built between 1919 and 1930, and it’s easy to understand why they’re still so popular some 90 years on. They add to the momentous occasion of your arrival, making you feel like a real VIP – and ensure your photographs are timeless classics too. These cars have to be seen to be fully appreciated, and wedding fairs are a great way to do just that. At the larger shows vintage models attract people (OK, mostly guys) like students to a free bar. This is one wedding job the groom usually loves to have an input in, and even for girls it can be really enjoyable visiting the garages and showrooms where these cars are kept. However you decide to make your way around during the wedding day, just make sure you savour the journey.

The Traditional Set-up

A total of three cars are usually required. Here is who travels together and in what order ...
Car 1 : Takes the bride and father to the ceremony and then the bride and groom to the reception.
Car 2 : Takes the bridesmaids to the ceremony and then the bridesmaids with the best man to the reception.
Car 3: Takes the groom's family to the ceremony and then both sets of parents to the reception