Why Do People Tie Cans to Cars After Weddings? The Tradition

Are tin cans tied to wedding cars good luck? Experts dish on the meaning behind why people tie cans to cars after their wedding, including if it's legal.
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by
Jenn Sinrich
Jenn sinrich headshot
Jenn Sinrich
The Knot Contributor
  • Jenn writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a speciality in planning advice and travel.
  • Jenn also writes for a myriad of other large-scale publications, including SELF, Women's Health, and more
  • Prior to becoming a freelance writer, Jenn worked as an on-staff editor at WhatToExpect.com, American Baby, Fit Pregnancy and FreshDirect.
Updated Jan 13, 2025

If you've ever heard the distinct clinking and clattering of tin cans tied to the bumper of a vehicle carrying newlyweds, you've probably asked yourself: Why do people tie cans to cars after weddings? It's a familiar sight in movies, TV shows and real-life weddings, but what does it all mean? Why do people attach cans to the back of the couple's getaway car, and how did this practice become a beloved wedding ritual? This tradition is more than just a fun, noisy send-off. In fact, it has deep roots in history, stemming from ancient customs meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the newlyweds.

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In this article:

Why Do People Tie Cans to Cars After Weddings?

The tradition of tying tin cans on a wedding car is a fun and festive custom that dates back to ancient times, symbolizing well-wishes for the newlyweds. It's basically a way to announce to the world that two people just got married, explains Craig Peterman, owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography based in Phoenix. "The clanging noise of the cans is meant to grab attention and celebrate the newlyweds as they drive off to their new life together," he says. "It's fun, lighthearted and a little nostalgic."

This practice itself is thought to have originated from an old superstition meant to ward off evil spirits and ensure a happy marriage. "In Ancient Israel, Hebrews would exchange sandals at the end of a land agreement or inheritance to signify that the business transaction was complete and legally binding," explains Kimberly Sisti, owner of SISTI & CO in San Diego. "As sandals fell out of fashion in colder climates, shoes replaced sandals, but the significance remained."

What Is the Meaning Behind Tying Just Married Cans on a Car?

The clattering of just-married cans tied to the back of a newlywed couple's car traces back to an old French custom called "charivari." This tradition involved making loud, celebratory noises to honor and draw attention to the newlyweds, symbolizing joy and well-wishes for their marriage, Sisti goes on to explain. "The men of a community initially used charivari (meaning uproar in French) to disagree with a marriage agreement and would use pots and pans to make loud noises and draw as much attention as possible to the newlywed couple," she says. "Years later, we see the throwing of shoes at the backs of carriages in 15th-century England as a symbol of good luck to the new couple and, somehow, the tradition of making lots of noise and bestowing good luck on the couple morphed into tying tin cans on wedding cars."

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How Many Cans Do You Need Behind a Wedding Car?

The number of cans tied behind a wedding getaway car isn't set in stone, but typically, Peterman notes that people use around six to eight cans for a good balance between making noise and being manageable to tie securely. "You want enough to make noise and look festive but not so many that they become a hazard," he says. "The cans are often lightweight, such as aluminum soda cans, to ensure they don't damage the car or pose a hazard while driving, and you want enough to create a fun, festive clatter without being overwhelming or cumbersome." Avoid making these wedding transportation mistakes.

How to Tie Cans to Wedding Car

Incorporating this fun, simple and time-honored tradition into your big day isn't all that hard. Follow this step-by-step guide for tying cans on a car for a wedding (you can always look at some wedding car decoration ideas for a little bit of inspiration). Materials needed include six to 10 empty cans (soda cans work well), string or twine (about six to eight feet per can), duct tape or masking tape and scissors.

  1. Rinse and clean the cans well to remove any residue, removing labels if you prefer a cleaner look.
  2. Decorate the cans with paint, stickers or ribbon to match the wedding theme and attach six to eight feet of string to each can.
  3. Tie one end of the string around the neck or through the tab of each can. For added security, you can add some duct tape.
  4. Gather the free ends of the strings together and tie them into a large knot or secure them by adding more tape.
  5. Open the trunk of the car slightly and place the bundled knot or taped strings inside, leaving them hanging outside when you close the trunk.
  6. Tug gently on the strings to ensure they're securely attached and make sure the cans aren't too close to the ground to avoid dragging or getting caught while driving.

Technically, driving with something attached to your car is illegal because it could come loose and damage another vehicle, explains Sisti. She recommends reaching out to your police department if you're concerned about being liable for a ticket. Whether or not it's allowed is certainly dependent on location. If it's legal, keep the route short and drive slowly to minimize any potential hazards.

Is Decorating Cars for a Wedding Still a Thing?

Yes, having a wedding car with tin cans is still a popular tradition, although it can look different. Some couples opt to include fresh flowers or greenery to create a more elegant and romantic design while others opt to write messages or doodles on the window with washable markers to avoid the loud noise created by the cans banging on the ground. "A fun option is to tie colorful streamers or affix a 'Just Married' sign," Sisti adds.

In today's world, using cans for a wedding car remains a beloved tradition, though its prevalence and style may vary depending on cultural practices, personal preferences and regional trends. While some couples opt for grand, elaborate decorations, others may choose more minimalistic or modern approaches, reflecting their unique personalities and wedding themes.

Despite evolving styles and wedding transportation ideas, the essence of this tradition endures—spreading joy and signaling the start of the couple's new journey together. Whether you decide to tie cans to your car, adorn it with flowers or use creative decals, this custom offers a fun and festive way to celebrate your union. For those planning their big day, decorating the getaway car is a charming nod to tradition that continues to capture the excitement and happiness of weddings. So, if this idea resonates with you, go ahead and embrace it as part of your celebration—it's a timeless way to share your joy with the world.

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