Ah, the wedding car... That famous modern carriage that must shine, sparkle and tell the whole world: "We said yes and we're driving towards happiness!" Whether you're the future bride and groom or you want to surprise a couple of friends, one thing is certain: the car's decoration cannot be sloppy .
You don't need a huge budget or a florist's certificate to wow your audience. All you need are a few tips, a touch of good taste (or at least a little common sense), and this guide you're reading.
Come on, we'll show you how to transform a simple car into the star of the parade —without taking yourself too seriously.
Before you get out the ribbons and pom poms, ask yourself a simple question: what car are you going to work on? Because decorating an old Clio, a Bentley or a wedding dress doesn't give the same effect (even if, let's be honest, all three can have their little effect with a good touch of decoration).
If you've opted for a luxury car (Jaguar, Mercedes, old Rolls or limousine that doesn't go over speed bumps), play the discreet chic card . White flowers, simple ribbons, light fabric garlands ... The idea is that the car remains the star without becoming a Christmas tree.
No luxury car? No problem! An everyday car can be transformed into a wedding car with a little elbow grease and a lot of love (and ribbons). Here, you can be more daring: colors, fun accessories, signs, paper flowers ... Let your style do the talking!
No need to buy everything from a specialist store. With the right components, even a dusty trunk can become a rolling work of art.
It's a bit like a bridal bouquet, but for the car, like a simple wedding dress that discreetly embellishes it. Place it on the hood, like a rolling centerpiece. It can be made of natural flowers (for purists) or artificial ones (for those who want to avoid them wilting mid-trip).
Nice idea: attach it with suction cups so it doesn't scratch the bodywork. And please, avoid brown tape.
Long, short, satiny or shiny, ribbons are your best friends . You can use them on the mirrors, handles, hood, antenna... even windshield wipers. There's only one rule: avoid excess . A mummified car isn't chic, even for a wedding.
A little volume is always nice. Tulle pompoms, hanging hearts, or small foam flowers add depth to your decor. But be careful, each element must hold up against the wind. Because a heart blown away on the highway ruins the atmosphere.
It's all well and good having accessories, but you still need to know where to put them . Otherwise, it's a total mess.
This is the focal point of the decor . This is where your bouquet or floral arrangement will shine. You can also add two crossed ribbons, in an "X" shape, or a tulle runner.
If you have a support (like a roof rack), you can dare to have a more imposing decoration, a bit like a Country Wedding Dress that stands out with elegance. But avoid structures that fly or things that could fly away at 90 km/h… Decoration is good. Safety is better.
A little bow on each handle is cute, simple, and instantly adds a festive touch . Perfect for photos!
This is where everyone will see you leave , so you might as well take care of the back . A “Just Married” sign, tied-up tin cans (yes, just like in the movies!), garlands, fluttering ribbons… Anything goes, as long as it doesn’t fall on the road.
Great question. And as often, the answer depends on your style and timing .
They smell good, they are elegant, they are photogenic... just like a lace wedding dress , but they are also fragile and capricious. You will have to install them at the last minute, avoid direct sunlight, and above all, plan a fixing system that keeps them alive (and whole).
They don't wilt, they don't move, they can be prepared several days in advance ... Honestly, they're perfect if you don't want to stress out the day before the wedding. And today, some imitations are amazing.
There's nothing wrong with mixing fresh and artificial flowers . For example, a natural bouquet in the front, and synthetic flowers on the sides and back. No one will judge you (and those who do, we politely ignore them).
Let's not kid ourselves: you can do everything yourself. But there are also wedding car decorating pros, just like experts for your Long Sleeve Wedding Dress , if you're lazy (or don't have the time, or don't have the inspiration, or all three at the same time).
Got a bit of creativity, a few hours to spare, and a motivating playlist? Perfect! A trip to the florist, a few decor stores, and off you go. And honestly, it's super gratifying to say to yourself, "I did it!"
A little tip: do a test before the big day . This will help you avoid knots that last 3 minutes or a bouquet that slips at the first bend.
If you want to be sure of the result , there are plenty of specialized service providers. Some even rent out complete decoration kits. You arrive, you attach it, and you ride. The good life, in other words.
You don't decorate a bohemian wedding car the same way you would for an urban chic wedding. The style should match the vibe of the day . Here are some simple ideas to adapt.
Opt for linen, tulle, rustic bouquets, dried wheat strands, why not a few eucalyptus branches, and why not consider a strapless wedding dress , elegant and natural? The idea is to be rustic without falling into the picnic basket cliché.
White ribbons, white flowers, maybe a touch of gold. We're keeping it minimalist , yet refined. No need to overdo it; quality is paramount here.
Colorful pompoms, flashy ribbons, fun garlands... It's joyful, lively, and full of pep . Perfect for couples who like to break the mold.
Wind, speed, braking... car decoration is a real adventure . Here's how to keep it from ending up as a puzzle.
Special car suction cups are your friend. So is coated wire. Scotch tape? Yes, but the good kind, designed for bodywork. And above all: no strong glue! You don't repaint a car because of a failed design.
Rain, wind, scorching sun... your decor must survive the elements . Have a plan B in case of a downpour: transparent plastic, tarps, or even removable decor that can be clipped on once the rain has passed.
A short dress rehearsal the day before or two beforehand is the best way to ensure you don't find out on the day that the ribbons are flying the wrong way or that the bouquet is running away.
Yes, we often think of THE wedding car, but the procession also deserves a little decoration . No need to go overboard, but a little common touch is pretty and harmonious.
A small identical ribbon bow on each car in the procession, and presto, a successful procession effect . You can even add “Team Married” stickers to the rear windows. Simple, but stylish.
There's no need to decorate every car. One small detail is enough. And above all, remember that not everyone wants to remove leftover glue three days later. Click here to learn more.
Before we conclude, here are some bonus reminders to avoid classic pitfalls :
Don't overload it: it's better to have light and elegant decorations than a rolling tree.
Keep it simple, especially if you're driving the car yourself.
Check that everything is holding properly: nothing is more annoying than a knot flapping in the wind for 30 km.
Take pictures before you leave, in case the decor suffers a little along the way.
Have fun! The decor is the icing on the wedding cake, not a source of stress.
Decorating your wedding car is easy, fun, and downright rewarding. Whether you're team chic minimalist or team bold colors, the important thing is that it reflects you. Follow these tips, let your creativity flow, and your car will be the star of the procession (right after the bride and groom, of course).
And above all… honk happily! 🎉