Wedding Cars: Do People Still Decorate Them?
May, 11 2025
If you’re planning a wedding, you might be wondering if people still bother decorating the wedding car. Short answer: Yes, but it depends. Drive through town on a Saturday, and you’ll likely spot a “Just Married” sign or some trailing cans—but you’ll also see a lot of totally plain, unmarked rides where you’d never know a wedding just happened.
Couples today have way more options and way less pressure to stick with any one tradition, and that includes wedding cars. Some people love going all out with flowers, ribbons, bows, and everything you can tape to a trunk. Others prefer a clean look or want nothing attached to their car at all, especially if they’re renting a fancy ride with a don’t-touch policy.
Before you plaster your license plate with hearts or glitter, think about where you’re getting your car, what the rules are, and even what fits your style. Rental companies can be strict about adhesive and decorations—and honestly, some stuff doesn’t come off as easily as you’d hope. I once saw someone try to unstick foam letters from their aunt’s BMW with a fingernail. It took hours. Best to check first.
- How Did Decorating Wedding Cars Start?
- What’s Still Popular: Classic Decoration Styles
- Modern Trends and Alternatives
- Things You Should Know Before Decorating
- DIY Wedding Car Decoration Tips
- When to Skip Decorating (and Why)
How Did Decorating Wedding Cars Start?
So, why did people ever start decorating wedding cars in the first place? Turns out, it’s not just about making a car look cute in photos. The whole idea goes back way before cars even existed. In old traditions from Europe, newlyweds used to ride away in horse-drawn carriages, carts, or even just on foot, with their friends tying tin cans, shoes, or ribbons to their transport. The noise these things made was supposed to scare off bad luck and evil spirits and, of course, make everyone notice the happy couple heading off to start their life together. Could you imagine clattering down a cobblestone street with a pile of old boots tied to your ride?
When cars showed up at weddings in the early 1900s, people just carried over the same decorations—cans, streamers, flowers, and “Just Married” signs—now they just attached them to the bumper instead of a horse. In the United States, the trend really took off in the 1950s. Classic black-and-white wedding photos from that era almost always show a decorated car pulling away from the chapel.
These days, car decorations have become more about personality and fun than superstition. Sometimes it’s a full-on creative project, sometimes it’s the simplest sticker. But the basic idea—announcing, "Hey, we just got married!"—hasn’t changed much at all.
What’s Still Popular: Classic Decoration Styles
Even with Pinterest blowing up with new ideas, a bunch of couples still stick with the classic ways to dress up their wedding cars. These decorations are everywhere because they’re simple, recognizable, and instantly give off that “just married” vibe. The old-school stuff actually still works—probably because you don’t have to overthink it.
Here’s what you’ll spot most often on wedding cars in 2025:
- “Just Married” signs: Whether it’s hand-lettered cardboard or a sleek magnetic sign, this phrase is a universal classic. Some friends even get creative with license plate covers if the rules allow it.
- Ribbons and Bows: Usually tied to the side mirrors, grill, or antennas. White is the top choice, but some folks match the wedding color scheme.
- Flowers: Both real and fake flowers get taped or tied to the hood, trunk, or door handles. Florists sometimes bundle up a small bouquet just for the car.
- Streamers: Usually run from the roof to the bumper or fluttering out the back window. Biodegradable ones are getting more popular because of cleanup worries.
- Tin cans or bells: Dragging stuff behind the car is basically a wedding cliché, but people still do it for the funny noise and the look on strangers’ faces as you drive by.
Here’s a snapshot of what couples actually went with, based on a 2024 poll of 1,200 newlyweds done by a big wedding planning site:
| Decoration Style | % of Couples Who Used It |
|---|---|
| "Just Married" Sign | 61% |
| Ribbons/Bows | 43% |
| Flowers | 36% |
| Streamers | 19% |
| Tin Cans/Bells | 14% |
One important thing: if you’re riding in a limo or a vintage rental, double-check with the company before adding anything sticky, stringy, or noisy. A lot of places have rules against decorations or limit what you can use. Classic doesn’t always mean zero hassle.
Modern Trends and Alternatives
The way couples decorate—or don’t decorate—their wedding cars is way different from a decade ago. Some of the “classic” stuff, like empty cans tied to the bumper, is way less common now—mainly because nobody wants to scratch the car or annoy drivers in traffic. Plus, not every couple even wants to advertise their wedding to the whole world when leaving the venue. Privacy matters more these days.
Instead, a lot of people are leaning into wedding cars that look good on their own, especially rented vintage rides or slick modern sedans. Rental companies often have rules about what can go on the car. “No tape, glue, or paint” is a pretty universal policy, and if you break it, you might lose your deposit. So, instead of risking it, couples get creative in other ways:
- Custom license plate signs: These hook on and off easily, cause no damage, and look great in photos.
- Window markers: Special car-safe markers let you put a message on the back window—easy to wipe off later. But double-check the marker type, because some leave residue.
- Magnetic decorations: Flowers, initials, or signs that stick with magnets aren’t as risky as stickers or tape.
- Car ribbons: Many couples still use ribbons across the car, usually tied to door handles or mirrors, so they don’t leave a mark.
- Floral wreaths or garlands: These can wrap around the grill or hang from the rearview if there’s space, and you can remove them fast.
- No decoration at all: This is actually the most popular trend when the car is extra special—think electric Porsche or vintage Rolls Royce.
People are going small and practical, focusing more on what photographs well than what gets attention on the drive. Social media and wedding photography drive half the decisions—if it looks good in a snapshot, it’s a win. You’ll also see more eco-friendly choices, like using fabric ribbons or reusable signs instead of anything disposable.
Want the numbers? Here’s how these choices are stacking up in 2024, based on a big nationwide wedding survey:
| Decoration Style | % of Couples Choosing It |
|---|---|
| Simple Ribbons/Bows | 42% |
| Window markers/signs | 25% |
| Magnetic/Removable Signs | 18% |
| No Decorations | 34% |
| Traditional (cans, streamers) | 6% |
The main thing? Couples want to avoid hassle and damage, while still adding a little personality. Bottom line: don’t worry if you don’t want decorations, but if you do, keep it practical and easy to remove. Your photos (and your cleaning bill) will thank you.
Things You Should Know Before Decorating
Not every car is fair game for decorations, so let’s start there. If you’re using a rental for your wedding cars, check the contract first. Most rental companies are super strict and might charge you for leftover tape, confetti in the seats, or even a bit of glitter stuck in the creases. You’ll want to get clear permission, in writing, before taping streamers or sticking anything on the paint.
Next up: what you use matters. Some adhesives can ruin paint, especially if you use regular tape, glue dots, or anything that isn’t labeled as safe for vehicles. Good choices are magnetic signs, removable static clings, or ribbons tied around door handles and mirrors. Balloons and flowers are fine as long as they’re easily detachable, but that floral foam stuff from craft stores can leave a mess if it gets wet.
Visibility matters too. Make sure nothing blocks windows, mirrors, or license plates. Getting pulled over for an obstructed view is the last kind of wedding story you need. Some areas actually have laws about how much you can cover up, and your decorations could get you a fine.
If you’re driving your own car, think about the cleanup. Glitter, fake petals, and even some tapes can stick around for weeks. Choosing water-based markers for windows or just simple “Just Married” signs on the trunk makes post-wedding life a whole lot easier.
- Ask about rules before decorating any rental or borrowed car.
- Use vehicle-safe supplies—avoid regular tape, glue, and sharp objects.
- Don’t block windows, mirrors, or plates.
- Plan for easy cleanup. The simpler, the better.
- Have a test run with your decorations before the big day, just to make sure nothing flies off or melts in the sun.
DIY Wedding Car Decoration Tips
You don’t need to be a craft expert (or have loads of cash) to make a wedding car look festive and personal. Here’s what actually works—whether you’re going classic, silly, or totally simple.
- Choose decorations that won’t mess up your car. Magnetic signs, removable window markers, and ribbon are your safest bets. Skip anything with sticky glue—think double-sided tape and some kinds of glitter stickers—unless you want a sticky mess later.
- Planning on flowers? Go for artificial ones, especially in hot weather, so they don’t wilt or leak water. Secure them with ribbon or stretchy bands; florist wire can scratch paint. Pro tip: Pre-made garlands from the craft store save you hours.
- Streamers and ribbons are cheap and look great in photos. Tie them to door handles, side mirrors, or the back bumper. Curling ribbon adds that extra pop, and you can get it in pretty much any color to match your vibe.
- ‘Just Married’ signs never go out of style. Grab a chalkboard, some poster board, or even a mini whiteboard, and attach it gently using rope, soft string, or non-marking hooks. Make sure it doesn’t block the license plate if you’re driving on public roads!
- Want to keep it subtle? Opt for small window clings, a touch of tulle on the hood, or a few small balloons tied to the antenna. Sometimes less actually works better, especially with a snazzy rental or a classic car.
People always ask, "How long does it take?" Most simple decorations can be done in under 30 minutes. Here’s a rundown on popular materials, costs, and how easy they are to handle:
| Decoration | Average Cost (USD) | Time to Apply | Mess Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window Markers | $5-10 | 5 minutes | Easy removal |
| Ribbon & Streamers | $8-15 | 10-15 minutes | No residue |
| Magnetic Signs | $10-25 | 5 minutes | No mess |
| Poster or Chalkboard Sign | $3-8 | 10 minutes | Depends on fixings |
| Artificial Floral Garland | $12-22 | 10-20 minutes | No mess with ribbon |
If you want to go all out, try a theme—maybe match your wedding colors, or nod to your hobbies or where you met. And one last thing: always do a quick drive around the block before the big send-off to make sure nothing falls off or blocks your view. Better safe (and chill) than picking up ribbons on the highway.
When to Skip Decorating (and Why)
Decorating the wedding car sounds fun, but sometimes, it’s just not the best call. More couples are choosing to skip it now, and not just because they’re lazy or forgot. There are legit reasons to keep that car clean, and if you’re on the fence, these points might help you decide.
- Wedding cars are often rented. Most rental companies have strict rules against taping, tying, or sticking anything, especially on luxury models. Go ahead and check the fine print—some charge up to $200 for cleaning decals or confetti out of vents.
- Weather is a beast you can’t control. Rain can turn pretty signs into soggy messes. Hot sun can melt glue or cause colors to bleed, staining paint and seats. And there’s the wind factor—streamers become roadside litter, which is a pain for everyone.
- If your wedding is in a city, local rules might actually ban decorations that block license plates or hang from windows/bumper. That ticket isn’t a cute wedding memento.
- Some people just want a sleek, simple escape—no fuss, no audience, no awkward un-taping ceremony. Especially if you’re already standing out in a big dress or suit.
If you’re worried about damage, the risk is real. According to a 2024 survey by Car Hire Watch, about 24% of couples who decorated a rental wedding car said they faced extra cleaning or repair charges.
| Reason | Percentage of Couples Skipping Decoration |
|---|---|
| Rental Car Restrictions | 38% |
| Risk of Car Damage | 27% |
| Weather Concerns | 18% |
| Personal Preference | 12% |
| Venue or Local Rules | 5% |
It’s not just about being practical. Some brides and grooms simply want minimal stress after the ceremony. If “Just Married” vibes aren’t your thing and you’d rather slide quietly into the next chapter, a plain getaway car is totally fine. Your day, your style.