Vintage wedding cars verses Modern – Which Wedding Car style should you choose?

So many decisions and a seemingly endless list to organise, planning a wedding can be a stressful time to say the least, but every detail matters including the transportation.  

One important decision you need to make is whether you need to hire a wedding car, so if you are thinking of hiring a car you need to decide on the style. Vintage & Classic or Modern?  Let's look at their Pros and Cons. 

Vintage wedding cars

The Pros

• Stylish & Elegant – With old school craftsmanship to be admired, they are the perfect travel solution for a bygone era or retro-themed wedding.
• Photogenic - Vintage cars are incredibly photogenic and can be a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs.
• Unique Experience – Being chauffeured in a vintage car is a memorable experience, feel like a 1930's film star and be transported like you've stepped back in time.  
• Spacious - Passenger cabins are usually very spacious, ideal for the Bride who chooses a fuller style wedding gown. As seat belts were not invented there are no retention straps to compress the bridal gown.

The Cons

• Speed – Plan some extra time for trips between venues as vintage cars do not travel at the same speed as a modern vehicle. Some vintage cars may be too slow for fast roads and alternative routes may need to be used. Assume 30-35 mph as the average speed.
• Comfort – Vintage cars do not offer the same level of comfort and amenities as modern vehicles. They are not equipped with modern suspension, air conditioning and other features of today's vehicles.
• Heaters – Some earlier vintage cars do not have heaters so if you are planning a winter wedding do check prior to booking.
• Limited Availability - Depending on your location, finding a vintage car that suits your style and budget could be challenging.
• Seat Belts – Most vintage cars have no seat belts so children under the age of 3yrs will not be able to travel due to UK law. Children of 3 years and above can travel, but unrestrained. Child seats are unable to be used.

Modern Cars

The Pros

• Comfort and Luxury - Modern cars come with the latest features such as air conditioning, modern suspension for a more comfortable ride, entertainment systems. EWB and LWB cars have more space in the rear.
• Large Selection – We have a vast range of modern cars available to suit any style and budget, from sports cars to luxurious limousines.
• Child Seating – Modern Vehicles will be equipped with seat belts allowing children of all ages to travel safely, whether in a child seat or not.
• Life at the Top – Imagine arriving at your wedding in the very latest luxury Rolls-Royce or Bentley or a sporty V8 Mustang or Aston Martin. 

The Cons

• Less Unique - While modern cars are stylish and comfortable and have all the latest requisites, they may not offer the same form of uniqueness and nostalgic charm of a vintage vehicle.

FAQ’s:  Vintage, Classic or Modern Cars

Are Older Cars more expensive to hire?

Not necessarily, some classic vehicles are very affordable wedding cars to hire. Maintaining a classic or vintage car could even be completed by an avid enthusiast owner compared to the latest Bentley or Rolls-Royce needing to be serviced and maintained by the dealership which can be very costly.  Even insuring a classic or vintage vehicle is less expensive than some of the latest modern vehicles.  As with all things in life costs are down to rarity and value.

Are Classic and Vintage wedding cars less reliable ?

No, any vehicle regardless of age could break down at any time that is simply a fact of life. It could also happen to any of your suppliers or guests en-route to your wedding venue. The good news is the classic and vintage cars shown on our website are cherished and very well maintained but if the unthinkable should happen we do have a very large selection of vehicles to offer as a replacement.

Do ‘Gen Z’ prefer older or newer vehicles?

We have recently noticed the younger Gen Z couples about to be married are looking for a more favourable “eco-friendly” way of travelling to and from their venues compared to Millennial and Generation X couples who tend to lean towards more modern classic and retro vehicles. Times, they are a changing!

Finally

The decision between a Vintage & Classic or Modern wedding vehicle ultimately will depend on your personal preference, wedding theme, and of course that all important budget.

If you dream of a wedding with a touch of classic elegance and nostalgia from a bygone era, a vintage or classic car could be the perfect choice. However, if you prioritise comfort, faster travel times and modern onboard amenities then a modern car will probably be more suitable. 

Your wedding day should be remembered for all the right reasons and we will offer all the help we can to ensure the car you eventually choose is right for you. For this purpose, Premier Carriage will always be happy to arrange a private appointment for you to view the car/s in person, either before the big day or before you book.

The excitement starts in the planning, well before the big day.