You’ve finally chosen the classic car that will accompany you on your wedding day: that’s a good thing! Now comes the question of decorating the bride and groom’s car: how do you go about it? In this article, we give you our ideas and advice on how to decorate your vintage car to perfection!
DECOR OR NOT DECOR?
In our opinion, this is the first question to ask yourself. More often than not, a vintage car is beautiful enough on its own and doesn’t need any embellishments to stand out. It would be a shame to spoil its authentic beauty by turning it into a Christmas tree! This is especially true if you choose a car in a bold color (red, blue, green…), which is harder to match with decorations.
Cars in lighter colors (white, beige, sky blue, for example) are easier to decorate. If you choose the decoration option, be careful not to overdo it! Two or three well-chosen and strategically placed decorative elements are more than enough to match your car to your wedding theme, for example.
FLORAL DECORATION
It is undoubtedly the most commonly used decorative element! Flowers are essential and stand out particularly well on light-colored vehicles.
They come in all colors, types, sizes, and budgets.
THE FLOWER BOUQUET OR CROWN
A large bouquet or a beautiful flower wreath will immediately make an impression on a vintage car! The bouquet is usually placed on the front of the hood (just above the grille) or on the top right of the hood. A wreath can also find a perfect spot at the rear, on the car’s trunk lid.
To create this bouquet, it’s best to work with a florist, who can meet your needs and design a custom bouquet, possibly tailored to your wedding theme. Florists specializing in dried flowers can also create arrangements that are very trendy today and will perfectly complement your vintage car.
For a more subtle touch, small, simple flower bouquets (which you can also make yourself) attached to the mirrors, windshield wipers, or door handles are an easy and elegant way to decorate your vintage car.
THE FLORAL ARCH
Attached to the bumpers or at the base of the windshield, the floral arch perfectly complements the curves of vintage cars, especially in white or pastel colors! In our opinion, it is particularly suited to the generous shapes of a Citroën 2CV or a Volkswagen Beetle.
As with bouquets, you can have a custom floral arch made by your florist, but keep in mind that due to its size, the cost can be quite high.
You can also find high-quality artificial versions, which have the advantage of being less expensive and far more durable than a traditional flower arch.
RIBBON-BASED DECORATION
Ribbons (satin, tulle, for example) are widely used to decorate the wedding car. It’s best not to use them alone, but rather as a complement to floral arrangements. They can be used in several ways:
- For making bows, which can be attached to mirrors, door handles, or around headlights. They pair perfectly with a small flower bouquet on handles, for example.
- As “ribbons” along the hood or trunk, to highlight flower arrangements, for instance.
Be careful not to overdo it, or your vintage car could quickly end up looking like a wrapped gift !
CUSTOM BANNERS AND STICKERS
It’s a simple way to add a touch of originality and personalization to your wedding car! Banners like “Just Married” or “Long Live the Newlyweds” can be placed on the trunk, and custom stickers with the couple’s names and wedding date can be applied to the rear window—ensuring you won’t go unnoticed.
You can easily find them in all styles and personalize them to your liking, especially on platforms like Etsy.
To take personalization even further, you can also write little messages (or even draw) on the car windows with a white erasable marker—letting your imagination run wild.
Again, be careful not to overdo it—too much decoration can spoil the effect!
PASTORAL DECORATION IDEA
Planning a country-style theme for your wedding? Here’s a very simple, inexpensive decoration you can make yourself that works perfectly, especially with a white or beige vintage car.
All you need is to gather a few olive branches and/or wheat stalks and arrange them on the bumpers and windshield frame. Simple, elegant, and discreet, tested and approved.
This type of pastoral decoration is particularly suited to popular vintage cars like the Volkswagen Beetle, 2CV, Fiat 500, or Renault 4L.
DECORATE YOUR VINTAGE CAR IN AN… ORIGINAL WAY!
Simple and discreet decorations are not for you. You prefer to make a statement and be noticed. Don’t worry, there are other options available in this case!
- Tin cans to hang: This involves attaching several tin cans together, hanging them from the bumper, and letting them trail behind the car. No doubt, you will be noticed. Plus, it’s a fun change from a horn concert!
- Helium balloon arch: Dozens of balloons attached to the roof, giving the impression that the car is lifting off like a hot-air balloon. Guaranteed effect! Keep in mind, though, these balloons are fragile and don’t last long in strong heat.
- Vintage suitcases: If your vintage car is equipped with a roof rack or a luggage carrier on the trunk, you can add some pretty suitcases (brown leather, for example) to enhance the vintage look and showcase your inner travelers!
