23 Wedding Car Decoration Ideas so You Can Drive in Style

Honk if you love being married!
Couple in decorated getaway car
Photo: Sandra Åberg Photography
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
by
Chapelle Johnson
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
Chapelle Johnson
Associate Editor
  • Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering celebrity engagements and fashion.
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
  • Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.
Updated Jul 16, 2024

You've seen it in all your favorite wedding movies: tin cans trailing off the bumper and "just married" scribbled on the back window. But wedding car decoration ideas don't have to stop there—they can be as unique as the couple themselves. Whether you're planning for a couple's grand entrance or want to spruce up your getaway car, there are numerous ways to make the happy news known. To help, we've broken down the who, when, how and why of wedding car decorations, along with our favorite decorative picks.

Wedding car decoration 101: Where to Buy | "Just Married" Decor | Flower Decor | Vintage Decor | Simple Decor | How to Decorate | FAQs

Where to Buy Wedding Car Decorations

Finding the right tools to decorate the wedding car doesn't have to be hard. Try one or all of these stores below and get the supplies you need.

  • Amazon: From fluffy bows to glittery banners, Amazon has wedding car decorations galore. You can easily search for items by color, eco-friendliness, business type and more. Just add what you need to your already growing Amazon shopping cart and be on your way.
  • Etsy: For those looking for personalized options, Etsy is your best bet. Some of our favorite decorations are custom license plates, car decals and tin can garlands.
  • Michaels: Another place to find wedding car decorations is Michaels. This craft store is ideal for people who don't mind doing a fun DIY project. You choose from dozens of artificial flowers to make arrangements or colorful markers to write on the car's windows.

"Just Married" Car Decoration Ideas

We love the classic "just married" signs on the back of wedding cars. Here are six ideas for your wedding transportation that tell everyone newlyweds are on board.

1. "Just Married" Car Decorations on a NYC Taxi

    At this Brooklyn wedding, the bride and groom left in a creative take of the wedding getaway car––a taxi cab. A handmade "just married" sign was taped to the trunk with floral, yellow and checkboard-decorated tin cans hanging from the license plate.

    2. Custom "Just Married" Car Wedding Decoration

      Lush flowers and ribbons were everywhere at this Southern wedding. That's why we weren't surprised to see one of the car decorations for the wedding with ribbons tied to the bummer. The illustrated "just married" sign was a nice touch too.

      3. "Just Married" Car Wedding Decal Sticker

        You don't need to go over the top with your "just married" car decorations. Consider buying a decal sticker that shows the happy news and adding a few tin cans and streamers.

        4. "Just Married" Car Decoration With Seasonal Greenery

          Flowers are great for decorating a car for a wedding, but you can also opt for greenery for your "just married" car ideas. White ribbons held the foliage together a stark contrast to the red calligraphy.

          5. "Just Married" License Plate as Wedding Vehicle Decoration

            For those who want to show off their ride, here's a wedding transportation tip. Buy a custom license plate for your getaway vehicle that says "Just Married," as this couple did.

            6. "Just Married" Banner for Wedding Car Decoration

              Adorning their light blue convertible, the grooms had a pennon-shaped banner. The "just married" sign is a sweet addition to this newlywed photoshoot.

              7. Creative "Just Married" Car Decorations

                The couple borrowed a friend's car and decorated it from top to bottom. From the large "just married" sign to the colorful paint cans tied the bummer, the couple went all out.

                Flower Wedding Car Decorations

                People who love the smell and look of flowers should definitely have some blooms on their wedding car. Below are seven stunning ways you can have flowers at your wedding exit.

                8. Rose and Eucalyptus Wedding Car Garland

                  Getaway car with roses and eucalyptus
                  Photo: Judy Pak Photography
                  ,
                  Florist: Orange Blossoms

                  We love elegant and ethereal garden-themed weddings like this one. It's fitting that this couple had a gorgeous rose and eucalyptus garland draped across the back of the car.

                  Find your kind of venue

                  From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.

                  9. Preppy White Flower Wedding Car Decoration

                    You can have flowers without buying the real thing. At this preppy getaway, the couple had blue and white striped ribbons tied to the artificial white roses.

                    10. Draping Rose and Greenery Wedding Car Decoration

                      Pink and white roses popped against the green foliage on this wedding getaway car. We love how the garland isn't perfectly aligned with the bummer and instead drags along the car.

                      11. Rose Bouquet Wedding Car Decorations

                        Rose bouquet wedding car decoration
                        Photo: Annamarie Akins Photography,Florist: Amanda Veronee

                        Get creative and sustainable with your car decoration wedding ideas. Consider reusing the bridesmaid bouquets from the ceremony to adornments for your wedding exit car.

                        12. Dramatic Flower Car Decoration on Electric Blue Antique

                          Dramatic floral decorations on electric blue antique car
                          Photo: Ashleigh Coleman Photography,
                          Florist: Root Floral Design

                          The bride wanted lots of flowers in unique arrangements and colors and her florist was 100% successful. The natural and dyed flowers along the side of the car were perfect complements to its vibrant blue hue.

                          13. Traditional Indian Baraat Wedding Vehicle Decorations

                            Traditional Indian baraat wedding car decorations
                            Photo: Pearl Paper Studio

                            One of the many beautiful Hindu wedding traditions is the baraat, which is the groom's ceremony entrance. Instead of using the traditional horse or elephant, this couple decorated their Jeep with delicate flowers.

                            Vintage Wedding Car Decor Ideas

                            Many to-be-weds dream of arriving or riding off in a classic car. If you've evaluated the transportation cost and can include it in your wedding budget, check out these options for decorating your vintage wedding car.

                            14. 1954 Corvette Car Decoration Wedding Idea

                              Renting a classic car wasn't necessary for this couple. Instead, the newlyweds used the bride's father's white 1954 Corvette and added a "just married" sign, white ribbons and tin cans filled with pink flowers to the back.

                              15. 1960s White Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce Wedding Vehicle Decorations

                                1960s Silver Cloud Rolls Royce with wedding car decorations
                                Photo: Delbarr Moradi Photography

                                To not take away from the vintage car's beauty, the couple had an understated but stylish greenery wreath on the grill. "I had never been one to daydream about my wedding, but this elegant car felt like a fantasy come true," the bride recalls.

                                16. White and Pink Wedding Car Decorations for Antiques

                                  Pink and white vintage wedding car decorations
                                  Photo: Tracey Ann Photography

                                  The bride and groom hired a car service to transport themselves and their wedding party. We like how the hot pink and white bows make the vehicles seem like gifts.

                                  17. Ford Model A Getaway Wedding Car Decoration Idea

                                    After saying their "I dos" at a church, the couple drove off in marital bliss in their Ford Model A car to their barn venue. Strings held the "just married" sign and flower garland in place.

                                    18. Ford Model T Wedding Vehicle Decorations

                                      Ford Model T with floral decorations at wedding
                                      Photo: Shutter Sam Photography

                                      At this glam wedding, the new spouses hopped into a dark green Ford Model T. The back was decorated with a decal sticker that read "going to the chapel," which was above a small white flower arrangement.

                                      Simple Wedding Car Decoration Ideas

                                      Keeping your wedding car decorations simple isn't a bad thing. Use one of the ideas below as inspiration for your vehicle.

                                      19. Rustic-Themed Car Decoration Wedding Idea

                                        The couple's monogram was everywhere at their rustic estate wedding so it wasn't a surprise it was on their getaway car. We also noticed the wreath matched the ceremony arch design too.

                                        20. Couple's Names as Wedding Vehicle Decorations

                                          No one said you had to follow tradition and have "just married" on your car. Steal this couple's idea and have your names in banner form on the car.

                                          21. Burlap Flags as Car Wedding Decorations

                                            We haven't seen many couples do this so we definitely think you should grab this idea before it's too late. Get a sign that says your married prefixes and place it on the spare tire (lots of SUVs have this).

                                            22. Marker Car Decoration Wedding Idea

                                              Marker wedding car decoration
                                              Photo: iZO Photography

                                              Whether you have an artistic friend or want to make your wedding car decoration easy and quick, grabbing markers is a good idea. Get an assortment of colors and go to town on the windows.

                                              23. Christmas-Themed Wedding Car Decoration

                                                Looking for Christmas-themed wedding ideas for the exit car? Then a pine wreath with a plaid bow, pine cones and cranberries is the perfect touch.

                                                How to Decorate the Wedding Car

                                                This depends on the type of vehicle. While booking, ask the transportation company if there are decoration restrictions before unintentionally adding a cleaning fee to the bill. If it's a car that belongs to you or a wedding party member, feel free to have a little more fun, but don't use materials that'll damage the car's finish. The avoid-at-all-costs list includes spray paint, whipped cream (anything containing sugar could ruin the paint) and electrical and masking tape.

                                                For the tin cans behind the car after the wedding, proceed with caution. These can spark when they're dragged against the pavement, which may be dangerous (or even illegal in your area). The good news is, there are plenty of other materials to make the car stand out. Think: tissue paper flowers, organza ribbon and burlap bows. You could also write on the windows with markers made just for cars.

                                                Wedding Car Decoration Frequently Asked Questions

                                                If you've never decorated a wedding car before, you probably have some questions. Keep reading to get the answers you need ASAP.

                                                Why Decorate the Wedding Car?

                                                You don't have to decorate the wedding car. But if you've ever seen one drive by, you know the commotion it causes: People honk their horns, yell their congratulations or wave from the sidewalk. It's a fun and exciting way to arrive at the ceremony or exit the wedding reception. Plus, it makes for yet another Instagram-worthy photo op.

                                                Who Decorates the Wedding Car?

                                                Traditionally, decorating the wedding car is done by the wedding party, but that's not to say it has to be a total surprise. Nowadays, lots of couples want in on the action, and they're also free to take matters entirely into their own hands. Some even enlist the help of a decorator or event stylist.

                                                When Do You Decorate the Wedding Car?

                                                Every wedding timeline is a little different, so you'll want to determine when the grand arrival or exit will be. If you're the couple, a planner or coordinator can help you pick the right time. Otherwise, ask around or use the invite details as your guide. Then, plan to decorate the car well in advance. Don't forget to confirm which car you're decorating, as well as where it'll be. When in doubt, talk it out to make sure your plan aligns with the rest of the day's organized schedule.

                                                Naoimh O'Hare contributed to the reporting of this piece.

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