Why Your Choice of Departure Car is the Ultimate Wedding Style Statement

Planning your wedding takes months or even years, and yet it’s over in seemingly the blink of an eye. The final farewell can come around before you know it, and discovering that your special day has ended can be a little sad, which is why some couples elect to end the night in truly memorable fashion. A big part of the day is the “grand entrance”, but what about closing off the day in style with a “grand departure”?

One of the most striking and evocative means of departure is by using a stunning, idyllic, luxury “getaway” car. Depending on your wedding’s motif, your chosen departure car can create a lasting visual memory in the eyes of your guests, taking you back home or to your hotel in exotic fashion. Imagine this image closing your wedding album, and one marking your first official journey as a married couple.

The power of the final frame

Wedding photographers recognise that departure shots play a pivotal role in closing the last chapter of a beautiful wedding album. They are invariably some of the most dynamic images captured across the whole day, in amongst candid shots of the wedding party before the ceremony, posed family and group shots, and in-the-moment shots of the meal and dancefloor. The departure, however, combines movement, emotion, drama, and a moment of reflection on what has been arguably the best day of your life.

Plus, nothing comes close to seeing a sleek Ferrari, a pristine Lamborghini, a vintage Rolls-Royce, or a luxurious Aston Martin appear out of nowhere, to pick you up. It transforms the moment in time into something truly exciting and unforgettable. Consider the visual impact: your dress flowing as you approach the car, your new spouse's hand in yours, guests cheering behind you, and a stunning vehicle framing it all. 

You’ll look at these photographs for decades to come. Such a photo isn’t about vanity; it’s about capturing moments in time and looking back fondly and with warmth in your heart. Wedding photographer Peter Dyer, delves into the world of specific vintage cars that combine “classic charm with modern luxury.”

Why a high-performance vehicle?

There's something inherently romantic about classic British marques. An Aston Martin DB9 or Vantage carries decades of automotive heritage and cinematic glamour, complementing almost any wedding aesthetic, whether glitzy and glamorous or casual and laid-back. Ferrari models bring a different energy: bold, passionate, and unapologetically luxurious. A Ferrari 488, 330GT, or Portofino makes a confident statement, particularly for couples whose wedding style leans contemporary or cosmopolitan. For couples seeking quality, informed guidance on the nuances of these luxury and performance cars, Premier GT's collection of vehicles offers a masterclass in high-performance options. With detailed specifications and insights into various models, they can help you decide which vehicle would be the perfect addition to your wedding.

[Image source: Deposit photos]

Matching vehicle to wedding style

Your departure car should feel complementary to your wedding theme and motif. For example, a Rolls-Royce Phantom or Bentley V8 convertible might perfectly complement a black-tuxedo affair at a stately home, while a chic city wedding may call for something more contemporary like a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT. Garden and countryside weddings in the summer are a bit more flexible, where occasions can be marked by a vintage Jaguar E-Type or a classic VW camper, bridging both traditional and modern aesthetics. The key is ensuring the vehicle's character aligns with your overall vision. Resident Magazine’s comprehensive article on picking wedding car colours in conjunction with your desired wedding theme can give you further inspiration.

Logistical and practical considerations for your grand exit

While the aesthetic of the car is important, ensuring the logistics run smoothly on the day will really allow you to enjoy the experience. 

Timing your departure

Everything is in the timing, and your grand departure is no different in that respect. If you’re heading directly to your reception from your ceremony, consider approximately 30-45 minutes of private time in your chosen car. This brief interlude between the two events allows you to briefly decompress and arrive at your reception fully refreshed, having had some quality time as a married couple.

For couples departing after the reception, the car becomes a welcome retreat after hours of being fully ‘on’. The comfort and privacy of a beautiful luxury vehicle cannot be underestimated, and you’ll be grateful for this as opposed to a taxi. You’ll glide away in style and breathe a sigh of relief in utter bliss.

Venue coordination and booking

Remember to confer with your venue about where the car can be positioned for maximum visual impact without encroaching on space or access points for people on-site, such as staff, caterers, entertainment or guests. Most country houses and historic venues have plenty of space and sweeping entranceways which make an arrival or departure that much more emphatic.

As a general rule of thumb, budget for at least two to three hours of car hire, even if your journey is brief. This accounts for:

- Vehicle positioning and staging

- Professional photographs

- Potential travel delays

- That precious private time spent together

Many wedding car hire services provide packages that include a chauffeur, complementary champagne and decoration, to simplify the process.

Comfort and manoeuvrability

Don’t forget to consider the practicality of your dress. For instance, a voluminous ball gown would likely require careful manoeuvring into a low-slung sports car, so be mindful of this. If you're set on a particular vehicle, practice entering and exiting beforehand, or be prepared for your bridesmaids to assist.

[Image source: Deposit photos]

Creating your moment

The departure car you choose speaks volumes about how you want your special day to be remembered. Ultimately, it’s about balancing careful preparation and planning with spontaneous happiness, where your wedding day can be perfectly encapsulated in powerful images that you’ll remember warmly for years to come.

This is your moment to be bold, to select something that reflects not just good taste but genuine passion. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of an Aston Martin, the visceral excitement of a Ferrari, or the understated luxury of other prestige vehicles, your chosen departure car becomes part of your love story.