You’ve found your prince charming, your dream gown and maybe even a tiara, but what about your chariot? Jacqueline Maya speaks with John Caldwell from Belle Classic Limousines about why vintage wedding cars have withstood the test of time.

Kate Middleton shunned the traditional horse-drawn carriage and arrived at her wedding, which was watched by millions around the world, in a gorgeous Rolls-Royce Phantom VI and a beautiful dark blue Aston Martin DB6 Mark II Volante. You too can feel like a duchess and complete your fairy-tale wedding by travelling in style in an elegant, vintage car.

With so many different makes, models and styles available, how do you choose a classic car that’s right for you? John Caldwell from Belle Classic Limousines provides Western Australia Wedding & Bride with some insight.

Things Get Better With Age

Belle Classic Limousines specialises in classic wedding cars and limousines, and has assisted with more than 5000 weddings, so it’s safe to say that Caldwell is an expert in the industry. Vintage wedding cars are reminiscent of days gone by. With their elegant shapes and classic lines, these vehicles aren’t just for transportation. They are works of art that tell us a story about a part of history, and – for a brief moment – you’ll have the opportunity to feel like you’re part of it.

Shifting The Gears

The stretch limousine was extremely popular in the 1980s – cue that scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. These days, limousines seem to have fallen by the wayside as vintage wedding cars are becoming far more popular among

couples. There’s no doubt limousines will always be a staple wedding vehicle, however in recent years, couples have decided to take alternative car models for a spin instead.

Contrary to beliefs, vintage wedding cars are not just for brides and grooms who want to have a traditional or classic wedding. Belle Classic Limousines has supplied vintage cars for all types of weddings, from gangster, steampunk and country, to gothic, black and white, 20s-styled and movie-themed, as well as beach and rockand-roll-themed weddings.

Couples are also choosing vintage or classic cars for reasons that will tug at your emotional heartstrings. Caldwell says brides and grooms are hiring the same car model that was owned by a late loved one as a way to include them in the momentous occasion. With a beautiful sentiment such as this, it’s no wonder why vintage wedding cars are doing burnouts around the competition.

According to Caldwell, Jaguar, Bentley and Rolls-Royce are the three most popular makes of vintage wedding cars, and Western Australia Wedding & Bride couldn’t agree more!

The Fantastic Four

The Jaguar

If you’re after a luxurious yet spacious vehicle, you can’t go past the Jaguar Mark V. This four passenger sedan features classically upholstered interior, deep seats and plenty of leg room. Available in white and with a traditional-polished walnut dashboard, this vehicle exudes luxury.

The Bentley

Bentley Motors Limited is a British manufacturer that was founded in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley and Horace Millner Bentley. For those who can’t decide between black or white, the 1951 twotone Bentley is the car for you. Seating up to four passengers, this car is perfect for couples who want a roomy interior. With deep leather seats, this stylish vehicle is made for comfort!

The Rolls-Royce

If you’re not an automotive expert, an identifying Rolls-Royce trademark is its ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ bonnet ornament, which replicates the form of a woman. Other distinctive features of a Rolls- Royce may include white-wall tyres and chrome bumper bars, both of which are features that just aren’t seen on many modern cars today.

For those wanting to make a statement, look no further than the 1964 Silver Cloud III. This four-seater vehicle is one of the first of its kind to feature the classic Palladian grille, which is enough to stop traffic in its tracks!

The Mercedes-Benz

Karl Benz established the Mercedes-Benz brand in 1886. For a ride that will get your heart racing, the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220s Cabriolet is the perfect choice! For a timeless style, opt for the jetblack finish with chrome detailing and red leather interior. The convertible can seat up to three passengers, so it’s perfect if the bride and groom want to share a special moment together.

All Revved Up

Now that you’re all revved up about vintage wedding cars, Caldwell offers a few last words of advice to the bride and groom about hiring their dream car.

One of the biggest drawcards in selecting a vintage wedding car is the ability to have it featured in your wedding photos. “Plan at least two to three hours for feature wedding photography,” Caldwell says. “[Not only will it give] the wedding party enough time to relax, but if something goes wrong in the lead up to the ceremony, [you] won’t lose [valuable] photo time.”

Caldwell also advises couples to find out how often the company maintains its vehicles, as well as where its parts are sourced from. “A good question to ask classic and vintage car providers is ‘where do you get your spare parts to maintain the cars?’,” he says. “It can take months for small providers to source the parts required, [which is why] we keep our own supply of spare parts, engines, gearboxes and panels.” Excellent service never goes out of style, and neither will a classic wedding car.

Image Credit: Kevin McGinn Photographer