GETTING TO THE CHURCH

When I first watched Carrie’s wedding scene in Sex and the City I observed her trying to clamber out of the town car with that giant dress and her bird intact on top of her head.  She did not look at all comfortable or at ease.  Don’t be Carrie.

Getting married is a big deal.  Some women spend their lives planning their special day.  The person you are going to marry is the first part to organise.  Then the dress, the venue, the cake, the entourage, the music, the dinner menu and finally… the wedding car.   The car may not seem like a huge deal but it can make or break the big day.

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If your choice of car breaks down you will be late, if it is in poor condition the dress can tear or stain, and if it is difficult to get in or out of you will become a mess as you fight your way through.  I have never been married but I have been in and out of a lot of special cars and often wearing fancy gowns.  Here are my tips to make your arrival and exit safe, simple and stylish. 

• The number one priority for your wedding car is to make sure it is in good condition.  The car of your choice needs to be mechanically reliable and pristinely clean.  A tear in the seat, a bit of loose wire, dripping oil or years of set in grime can all destroy the moment when they tear or stain your outfit or worse.
• Often the choice of car will be made according to a personal story such as it being a car owned by the family for a very long time or a passion project owned by the couple.  If the car is yours, have it detailed before the big day and make sure it is mechanically perfect.
• If you are hiring a car however you will have the choice from a classic car or a modern car.  My advice is to choose something that suits your wedding theme and won’t date.  A stretched hot pink Hummer may seem trendy now but you will regret it dominating your photos for years to come.
• Make sure you try sitting in the car before the big day.  Take into account head room if you are planning to wear a head piece or large hairstyle.  If you will have your entourage in the car with you try fitting altogether before you confirm your car choice. If you are wearing high heels or a tight skirt at your wedding, make sure your test is performed in a similar outfit.
• Convertibles look great and they make for an excellent photo shoot.  They can also destroy your hair and other finer elements on the drive there. Take into consideration if there is a soft top they can put up for you while you are driving and take down later.
• Choose a bench seat.  A large bench seat in the front or the rear will allow you to minimize crushing and wrinkles in the dress.
• Make sure the car has air conditioning and it works really, really well.  Spending the ride in sweltering tropical heat will leave you with sweat stains, running makeup and a cranky disposition.  Even old classic cars can have great air con so stick to your guns and insist on cold air.
• Lowered cars and lifted cars may look cool but they can also be a pain to get in and out of. Give it a go and make sure it doesn’t add any stress to your perfect day.  It may pay to pack a small set of stairs for a very tall car.
• If you have the luxury of choosing from a few cars take into consideration the door options.  Suicide doors can be easier with a large skirt or gull wing doors can make a spectacular entrance.  Just make sure they do open easily and reliably.
• Before your wedding day talk to the owner of the car about your ideas for photos.  Very few car enthusiasts will be happy for you to sit on the car or drape large stick filled bunches of flowers on their paint work.  Take some sample photos to show them so they are clear about what you want and don’t say no when the professional photographer is on site.
• My final advice for a safe, simple, stylish choice of wedding car is the driver.  Do not pick the super cool nephew with a drinking problem who is still mastering burn outs.  Choose a driver who understands that the day is about your marriage and not the car or their moment to look awesome in front of a crowd.  You want someone who knows the car and knows you. 

Remember your wedding day is about you and your spouse, not the car but the car can make or break your big day.  The golden rule as always is does the car make you grin.  Does it make you happy?  Cars have a certain vibe about them and you should not settle for a ride that leaves you cranky, disheveled or in tears.  Put some thought into your wedding car and don’t leave it to chance.
 
If you have any tips or a great story about your wedding car I would love to hear about it.  Find me on all of the social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Linked In) or email me at [email protected]