You’ve said “I do,” the confetti is flying, and now it’s time for one of the most fun traditions: the getaway car. That “Just Married” moment, with a car decked out in ribbons and a funny sign, is pure joy. It’s your first adventure as a married couple!

But if you’re picturing a tangled mess of streamers or, worse, leaving sticky tape residue on a beautiful car, don’t worry. I’m here to help. With this wedding car hire do's and don'ts, you can create that perfect, picture-ready car without any of the headaches. Let’s make sure your ride away is as smooth and happy as your wedding day.

The Do's: Your Guide to a Stress-Free, Beautiful Car

Think of this as your friendly cheat sheet. Follow these tips, and you’ll be golden.

Do Plan a Little Bit Ahead
Trust me, on your wedding morning, you do not want to be scrambling for double-sided tape. A week before, take twenty minutes with your partner to decide on a look. Are you going for classic romance or full-on fun? Then, make a bag with all your supplies so it’s ready to go.

• Match Your Vibe:Your car can be an extension of your wedding theme. A boho wedding? Maybe some simple greenery and a linen ribbon. A glitzy affair? Go for sparkly signs and metallic streamers.
• Recruit a Decorating Squad:You two will be busy! This is the perfect job for your bubbly cousin or your funniest bridesmaid. Hand them the bag of decorations during the reception and let them work their magic.
• Buy Extra Ribbon:It always takes more than you think. Having a little extra means no last-minute panic.

Do Be Super Gentle with the Car
This is the number one rule. We want zero scratches, zero damage. This is especially crucial if you’ve treated yourselves to a fancy wedding car hire. That sleek vintage Rolls Royce or modern convertible deserves to be treated with care.

• Become Best Friends with Painter’s Tape:This blue or green tape from the hardware store is a lifesaver. It holds things securely but peels off without leaving any nasty sticky stuff behind. It’s the secret weapon of smart couples.
• Feel Your Ribbons:Run the ribbon between your fingers. Soft, silky satin or chiffon is perfect. Rough, scratchy materials can leave marks on the paint.
• Use Suction Cups:For your “Just Married” sign, get one with strong suction cups. They stick firmly to the windows or bodywork and pop right off when the fun is over.

Do Focus on the Key Spots (Less is More!)
You don't need to turn the car into a float in a parade. A few well-placed decorations have a much bigger impact.

• The Boot Lid:This is your main stage. It’s the perfect spot for your sign and a few trailing ribbons.
• The Front Grille:This is a classic for a reason. You can often tuck a small, simple bouquet or tie a bow here without any tape at all.
• The Door Handles:Tie long, elegant ribbons here. They’ll flutter beautifully in the wind as you drive off into the sunset.
• A Quick Check-In:If you’ve used a wedding car hire service, it’s always a good idea to just double-check your plans with the driver. They know their vehicle inside and out.

Do Make it Personal and Fun
This is your day! Let your personalities shine through in the little details.

• Get Creative with Your Sign:“Just Married” is great, but why not “Caution: Newlyweds On Board!” or “The [Your Surname] Tour 2024!”?
• Incorporate Your Colours:Using your wedding colours in the ribbons is an easy and beautiful way to tie everything together.
• The Classic Tin Cans:If you love this tradition, go for it! Just use a strong ribbon and tie them securely to the rear bumper. The clattering sound is so cheerful!

The Don'ts: Simple Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common pitfalls will save you from stress and potential damage.

Don't Use the Wrong Kind of Tape
This is the biggest mistake people make. That roll of duct tape is for fixing things, not for decorating a wedding car!

• Just Don't Do It:Duct tape, masking tape, and especially Sellotape are a nightmare. They leave a horrible, gooey residue that can actually peel the clear coat off the paint. The cleanup bill from your wedding car hire company could put a real damper on the post-wedding glow.
• Avoid Glues and Stickers:Super glue is permanent, and most stickers aren’t meant for car paint. It’s just not worth the risk.

Don't Block the Driver’s View
This is all about safety. The goal is to arrive at your celebration safely!

• Keep Windows Clear:However pretty it looks in a photo, never drape anything over the windscreen or the side windows. The driver needs a perfect view.
• Leave the Number Plate Visible:It’s illegal to cover your license plate, so make sure all decorations are well clear of it.
• Secure Everything Tightly:Give all your ribbons and signs a gentle tug before you drive off. You don’t want anything coming loose on the road.

Don't Get Carried Away with Streamers
I get it, they look fun and festive. But in reality, they often turn into a sad, tangled mess after just a short drive.

• The Tangle Factor:The moment you start moving, streamers wrap around everything—the antenna, the door handles, themselves. They usually just rip and look messy.
• A Prettier Alternative:If you love the flowing look, use wide, satin ribbons instead. They are more durable, look more elegant, and won’t become a knotted disaster.

Forget that you have to drive off.

This seems so self-evident, but in the hype it is all too easy to lose sight of the practicalities!

• Test the Doors: Remember not to make sure that your beautiful adornments allow you to open the car door and get into it. Make a test before you close the deal.
• Think Noise: Tin cans are great to take pictures of, but when you have a long commute to your party the constant noise may get on your nerves very fast.
• Have a Weather Backup: Paper signs would be destroyed in case of rain. Use plastic or wood signs, and fabric ribbons to be on the safe side.

A Few Final Thoughts

Listen, one of the light and breezy aspects of your day, should be the decoration of your wedding car. It is an opportunity to be a bit of a goofy person and have your new life together. With a bit of planning, the right materials such as reliable painter tape, and attention to a few areas, you will have one of the most beautiful getaway cars ever, and it will be just begging to be in some of those iconic shots.

Be it your car or the beautiful car of a wedding car hire company, the following little tips will make the first outing of a married couple nothing less than a happy memory. Then breathe deeply, give the decoration bag to a friend, and prepare to have a beautiful ride in your future.