Click to see more on Wedding Car Decorations
 Lot of 2 Double Heart Just Married Car Magnet Wedding Reception Decoration US $9.89  |
 Double Heart Just Married Car Magnet Wedding Decoration US $6.29 |
 Honeymoon or Bust Car Flag Wedding Decoration US $7.99 |
 Wedding Just Married Safe Easy Car Decorating Kit US $14.99 |
Decorating the Wedding Car: History And Suggestions
Decorating the wedding car is one wedding custom which creates untold anxiety in a bride and is the tradition of groomsmen. Many brides have put their foot down and strongly requested that their wedding car not be decorated.
It is important not to get rid of this fun tradition, just keep it fun. Remember that the tradition of decorating the wedding car is meant to protect, celebrate and honor the newlyweds; not to start their honeymoon off on a sour note. This custom can be salvaged and enjoyed if some simple ground rules are followed.
Why We Decorate the Wedding Car
Like many things in our U.S. culture, decorating the wedding car is a culmination of traditions. The idea of tying shoes comes from an Egyptian custom where wedding guests tossed shoes at the newlyweds. The Egyptians believed it lucky if the couple were hit by a shoe.
Today, newlyweds consider themselves lucky to find the shoes tied to the back of the automobile rather than aimed at their head. The other culprit to decorating the wedding car — cans tied to the bumper — evolved from an earlier custom where the wedding party would create a clamor to scare evil spirits from the newlyweds.
As expected in our melting pot society, these traditions blended to create the custom of shoes and tin cans tied to the back of an automobile bumper. As traditions continue to evolve the idea of decorating the wedding car with tin cans and shoes grew to include a sign announcing that the couple was just married.
Because the bridesmaids were busy attending to the bride — and everyone knows the groom does not need the same attention — decorating the wedding car soon became the groomsmens responsibility. Before you could say decorate the wedding car, mischievous groomsmen began playing pranks on their newly married friends.
What began as a simple custom grew to be a major event; many brides will remember hiding their car or crying to their soon-to-be that his friends had better not do anything mean or destroy their special day. Many men will remember heading to the car wash before they could begin celebrating their honeymoon night. It seems that what began as a way to ward off evil spirits and wish the couple luck, has grown to be something that is anticipated, expected, dreaded and feared.
Have Fun Decorating the Wedding Car
This tradition is meant as a final send off from friends. A chance to ward off evil not start a fight. As you choose options for decorating the wedding car avoid the following:
- Shaving or whipped cream - these will both melt paint off of a car
- Paint in any form
- Vaseline on the door handles Vaseline anywhere!
- Unpleasant odors in the car
- Cellophane wrap around the car
- Completely filling the car with any item
- Completely blocking the drivers vision
While it may seem difficult to have fun without using these items, you are certain to come up with some fun safe and non-inflammatory options. Here are a few suggestions:
- Streamers or antenna toppers consider getting these in the wedding colors or a topper that expresses the newlyweds interests
- Soap or wax on the windows - most stores carry a special window writing pen that can be used, just be careful not to obstruct the drivers vision
- Tin cans and shoes tied from the bumper, you might get creative and come up with some other options to add to this tradition
- Banner announcing the newlyweds
- Balloons in the back seat - a subtle reminder they can wait until the hotel room
- Purchase a kit from any wedding store - they come with everything you need to decorate a wedding car
Incoming search terms:
- ideas for decorations on back of car for wedding
- decorating the wedding car
- shoes in the back of a wedding car
- shoes and tins at car
- floral car decorations
- decorating the newlyweds car
- car decorating ideas for weddings
- ideas for decorating newlyweds cars
- newlywed car decoration ideas
- items to decorate wedding cars