After an exciting wedding day and a party beyond all expectations, it is time for you, as the newlyweds, to leave your friends and family. The send-off has a symbolic meaning to it too. As the couple motor off together, friends and family bade the singles they used to know a farewell as they embark on a new life and adventure together as man and wife. So, your medium of transportation plays an important role in your overall send-off and will be remembered by those who waved you goodbye. Here are some unique and interesting ideas:

A Bicycle Made For Two
A tandem bicycle is sweet, romantic and environmentally friendly. It is also innovative and is sure to evoke a few chuckles. As the bride, you may want to change your outfit in case you get black oil on your wedding gown. Decorate your bicycle with cans and pin a “Just Married” sign on the rear rider’s back.

Helicopter Flips
Leave with a bang as you climb into a helicopter and hover off into the “sunset”. You can hire a helicopter and decorate it especially (with prior consent from the owner) or simply leave as is. Either way, there is no question that this will impress.

A Great Vintage
For the ultimately classy getaway, hire a beautiful vintage car and leave in style. Role a red carpet to the car doors for an even more glamorous appeal.

It’s Hummer Time
Nothing says “bling it on” like a shiny black or gold Hummer. Young, trendy couples will make the perfect statement by climbing into one of these machines as they head out to a new adventure. Ask the driver to look as burly and “bouncer-like” as possible. Shades at night and chunky gold jewellery would set the scene perfectly.

Biker Chic
Climb on an impressive motorbike and roar off on your adventure. It is optimal for the bike to have a sidecar in which the bride can sit. Alternatively, you (as the bride) should change before getting on the bike. One reason is that your dress may get ruined. Another is that it seldom looks classy for a bride to sit astride anything (including horses). It is also vital that you have warm clothes with you as it can get very cold on a motorbike.

Balloon Away
A hot air balloon is irrefutably romantic and impressive. This is an especially awesome way to leave a daytime wedding, and particularly one that was held within beautiful surrounds (such as in a game park or near a waterfall). This will give you, the couple, the opportunity to relax alone, just taking in all of the beauty of your surroundings and reflecting on the magnitude of this special day.

Par for the Course
Many golf courses and estates boast stunning venues in which to celebrate your big day. You can use the golf theme and leave your guests in a decorated, embellished golf cart. This is also likely to work out quite affordably as most golf clubs will simply let you borrow the golf cart as part of your venue hire.

Photo Credit: Fun With Balloons

The following ideas are only some of the less traditional wedding transportation options:

1. Helicopter – if your budget allows (or if you have the necessary contacts) consider making your grand appearance beneath the whirring blades of a helicopter. This also gives you, as the couple, an opportunity to see the surrounds and enjoy some time together before descending (quite literally) upon your guests.
2. Train – we love this idea. Hire a tourist train to collect your guests from one station (preferably close to where your ceremony was held). Then, the train can either drop you and your wedding guests off at a location near to the reception venue, or you can enjoy your entire reception on the train itself. These trains are usually equipped with dining rooms, kitchen facilities and some even have space to dance. In addition, the changing scenery will ensure that your backdrops are never lacking! This is one that your guests will remember for a lifetime.
3. Walk – if your ceremony and reception venues are close to one another, considering walking with some or all of your wedding guests. This is particularly fun if there are active children or pets involved, and will made the day of passersby. It also offers prime opportunities for innovative photographs.
4. Boat – arrive at your wedding on a speedboat or gondola if there is water nearby. This is a distinctly “007” entrance and will thrill your guests.
5. Cycle – use a tandem bicycle or two separate bikes (do not forget your front basket and bell) to arrive in a fun, laid back style. Brides need to be very careful that they do not get chain oil on their dresses or ride so far that they are sweating on their arrival. This is ideal for country-style weddings.
6. Tractor – if your reception is to be held on a farm or game lodge, use the local equipment to evoke a chuckle in your wedding guests. A rusty old tractor draped in exquisite wedding blooms is the ultimate in vintage transport.
7. Wheelbarrows – let the groomsmen race to the reception venue with you, as the bridal couple, in two separate wheelbarrows. Whoever gets there first wins a prize!
8. Rickshaw – Durban brides and grooms may employ a local rickshaw man to decorate his rickshaw appropriately and take you along the coast of Durban. Be prepared to be the subject of many strangers’ photographs.
9. Bus – if you have a particularly large wedding party, consider a tongue-in-cheek approach by hiring a luxury bus or an old school bus to arrive in style. This will be convenient, but will also set the scene for a fun event.

There are so many options available to modern brides. It is important to choose those that truly represent you, rather than sticking to traditional options for fear of being different.

Your wedding transport allows you, as a couple, to introduce a touch of bling, pizzazz, the bizarre or hilarious to your otherwise formal occasion. Take advantage of this unique opportunity by keeping the following tips in mind:

Consider the Options

Just because you try out some wild and whacky options does not mean that you have to follow through with them. But, opening your minds to something new might inspire you to step out more than you had expected. Be adventurous, curious and discerning, not limiting yourselves to what you think is expected of you. Who said that a pink helicopter is out of the question? Who said that you could never pitch up at the church in a 1976 VW Minibus or that black Lamborghini you have been eyeing? Your friends will never forget it and it will make your special day all the more memorable.

Ask About Extras

Do not assume that transport companies only offer transport. In fact, many have put together comprehensive bridal packages that include champagne, snacks, red carpets, entertainment, and more. This is about making your wedding day about you, as a couple; your unique personalities and preferences. So, use what these service providers are offering to tailor your wedding transport accordingly.

Be Budget Wise

Because there are absolutely no rules when it comes to choosing wedding transportation, you can save a lot of money in the name of being fun and innovative. Choose a vehicle that can be hired at an hourly rate and only use it for arrivals or departures that guests will see. For example, most guests are sitting inside the ceremony venue when you arrive. Therefore, the snazzy convertible may not yet be necessary. Alternatively, use something like a friend’s Beach Buggy or motorbike and put it down to being humorous or adventurous.

Use a Wedding Vendor that you Know

If you know the person who hires out cars personally or have established a good rapport with him or her, you are more likely to be able to get a good deal. In addition, if he or she does not have the transport medium that you want, they will likely be able to borrow it from someone else in the industry.

Get Personal

Your wedding day is about the two of you. The people that you have invited know you, your personalities, your passions and your quirks. Therefore, use these elements to decide on your transport. If you are both earth-loving, guitar-playing hipsters, a black limousine just will not fit. Rather leave the church on bicycles if this is more your style than in an expensive option that does not reflect your identities at all.

Share the Love

Include your guests by hiring a luxury bus or a yacht to transport you all to the reception venue. In this way, the party can begin immediately, and the guests can feel like very special parts of your celebrations.

Supplies!

Stock the vehicle in which you will be leaving your reception with some light snacks, bottled water and blankets. As you and your new spouse leave the reception, you will have some back-ups, especially if it is a considerable distance to where you will be spending your first night.

Photo Courtesy of Dayton Limo

A slight variation on this option is to hire a particularly rare or luxurious car, such as the ever-popular limousine or a unique vintage car. Of course, as is always the case, the weather will play a major determining role on whether this car is open-topped or enclosed. Open-topped cars are always stylish and fun, but the bridal couple needs to be aware of the fact that the “wind blowing through their hair” may not be ideal as you try to preserve your neat hair and make-up. Playful alternatives include safari-style 4 x 4’s, a personalised Volkswagen Beetle, or a ‘blinged-up’ Hummer.

The same issue arises with the romantic and somewhat nostalgic horse-drawn carriage. While nothing quite compares to the entrance made by a bride on her carriage, this image is easily shattered by running make-up and tousled hair. Before the time, ensure that the weather is most likely to play its part because, although it is never 100% reliable, this should prevent most weather mishaps. In addition, make sure that there is a plastic sheet available to cover your hair and face in case of a shower or excessive winds.

There are innovative alternatives for bridal couples wanting a ride with a difference; the choices are endless and usually depend on budget and the wedding theme. Arriving on a Harley Davidson is sure to leave an impression and rouse a good laugh, while landing in a helicopter will ensure that your wedding remains firmly entrenched in the minds of your guests.

Your choice of transportation on your wedding day is your opportunity to introduce an element of fun, class or elegance into another aspect of your day. Your identity as a couple can also be established; e.g. the couple who chooses to arrive on a roadster is a distinctly different type of couple from one that arrives in the latest Mercedes Benz model. The benefit of using this mode of identity is that it does not interfere dramatically with your choice of décor, colours or theme, which you may leave as traditional for a variety of reasons. Use this opportunity to create a unique and memorable experience for you and your special guests.