When the big day finally rolls around, how are you rolling up? We discover the world of chauffeur-driven cars – and why it’s never too early to set the wheels in motion
Sam and Angela travelled in style in this vintage car from Rennick's Wedding Cars (Photo: Ryan White Photography)
Dreaming of arriving at your ceremony in a vintage car? Maybe you’ve always fancied making your entrance in a classy modern Rolls Royce? Whatever you’ve got in mind, Scotland’s car hire companies will be able to help.
We spoke to three of the best, who were happy to share a few nuggets of wisdom from life on the road.
When to book your wedding car
“If you have your heart set on a specific car, it’s best to book it early,” says Asif Ali, owner of Palladium Executive Hire.
That’s because there are currently very few Scottish providers in possession of luxury models for hire. “Each of our cars will do just one wedding a day, so we often have bookings and deposits in place a good year or two in advance,” he says. So once you have your venue booked, and can provide pick-up and drop-off locations, and get the ball rolling.
Go in person to book your car
Asif strongly recommends booking your transport in person: “Go and see the car when you book. Sometimes it will look totally different in real life compared to the pictures you’ve seen online.”
One of Palladium Executive Hire's sleek cars
How many cars will I need?
Chances are you won’t be travelling alone to the ceremony, so how many vehicles are we talking? “Most clients book two or three cars,” says Emma Rennick of Rennick’s Wedding Cars.
“One is for the bride/groom and whoever is giving them away. The second is for the rest of bridal party leaving from the same address. Occasionally, if the couple is very local to the venue, we can use the second car for two runs, dropping off the person/people who want to arrive first, then going back for the rest of the wedding party.”
Have a lot of guests to get from A to B? Why not hire a coach or wedding bus
Can I decorate my wedding car?
While you’ll be riding in style in any of these lovely companies’ vehicles, it is w-day tradition to add a little something extra to your ride.
Alongside ribbon decorations (which Palladium Executive Hire will do in any colour you desire) and flowers on the back shelf, Asif insists that “nothing the couple want is ever a problem”.
“From a personalised number plate for photos, to tracking down a specific bottle of champagne, or even arranging a helicopter transfer, we can do it for you,” he promises. “We believe that all these small things add up – they matter."
A white Range Rover from Carrs Loch Lomond decorated for a wedding
Will my wedding dress fit in a car?
If you’re wearing a large ballgown or tall head piece, talk to Callum Carr of Carrs Loch Lomond: “Our vintage Beaufords have the front seat beside the driver removed to give you better access and more space for your gown.
"We also have a vintage Imperial Landaulette which is bigger, so would recommend this car for a particularly large dress. It has more head-room too.”
