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Bride & Groom Gifts 1 |
Bride & Groom Gifts 2
All Attendants |
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party |
Best Man Gifts |
Bridal Shower |
Bride & Groom |
Bridesmaids Gifts
Flower Girl Gifts |
Groomsmen Gifts |
Maid of Honor Gifts |
Parents Gifts |
Ring Bearer Gifts |
Usher Gifts
Wedding Gifts |
Bridal Party Gifts |
Engagement Gifts |
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Decorating the Getaway Car
So, the wedding is soon to be over, the festivities are nearing completion, and it's time for the happy couple to make their way home or to a hotel or airport to start their honeymoon trip. As a groomsman, best man, or good friend, it's your job to create a little havoc, which might include decorating the couples' car before they head to their next destination.
Decorating the so-called "getaway" car is a long standing tradition. It's a way to announce to the world that the bride and groom have now "tied the knot" and are on their way to a new life together. Generally, the main goal of decorating has always included designing the decorations so that they are noticeable and make as much noise as possible in order to attract plenty of attention as the car makes its way through town. So what's the best way to accomplish this?
The first and most important thing to remember when decorating the getaway car is that nothing should be done that will either damage the car or hinder the driving of the vehicle so as to put the couple in danger. For example, if you plan to write "Just Married" with soap or shaving cream, be aware that some such materials could harm the car's paint job, depending on the ingredients. Instead, you may want to write your message on a sign and tie it on the bumper.
Furthermore, don't cover up the windows with anything that will obscure the driver's view, and resist hanging anything on the bumpers that may cause damage or be a hazard should they inadvertently fly off. It's a good idea to sit in the driver's seat before you turn the car over to the bride and groom to be sure all is safe.
That said... go ahead and have some fun. If you want to tie items to the bumper, you may want to consider tin cans (soda or coffee cans work well) that make lots of noise. Any other items of a similar material work also, including old kitchen utensils. However, this practice is illegal in some areas so check with local authorities first. Tin cans can indeed cause sparks, which may start a fire... or worse.
Another safer tradition is to include old shoes in the decorating, which – in olden times – were thought to ward off evil spirits that would cause the couple to have bad luck in the future. Tie these to the bumper as well. You can find some inexpensive pairs at thrift stores or ask friends to raid their closets for worn-out shoes.
Streamers and balloons are always a good bet. Tie them on antennas, mirrors, or in other spots or secure them with some sort of tape that won't ruin the paint job. These and other decorations can match the wedding décor, if desired.
A tradition in some cultures is to decorate all the wedding party cars in the same manner and to follow the bride and groom for a while, honking your horns and enticing passers-by to join in on the merriment. |
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