Decorating a wedding car: ideas and what the rental company allows

Decorating a wedding car: start with the rental company

A decorated wedding car instantly makes your day feel festive. Everyone on the street can see there is something to celebrate. Even so, you don't start at the florist, but with the rental company. It is their car, and paintwork, chrome and upholstery are delicate. Looking for ideas to decorate your wedding car? First, here is what to agree. After that come ideas for each spot on the car and for each type of car.

Can you decorate a hired wedding car?

Usually yes, but not always. According to ThePerfectWedding.nl, not every classic car owner allows decorations, and some decorations cause problems when the car is handed back. So ask already when you request a quote, and put these points in writing:

• Are decorations allowed, and where? On the bonnet, on the mirrors, inside only?
• Who decorates, and when? The rental company itself, your florist, or you on the morning of the wedding?
• How is it attached? Suction cup, ribbon or something else.
• Who pays if there is damage? Agree this before anything goes wrong.

Suction cup, ribbon or magnet

Trouwen.nl writes that suction cups and ribbons are almost always fine, while tape and magnets often are not. The classic floral arrangement is held in place with suction cups or with ribbons through the grille. On magnets, the sources disagree: a florist such as Boeketterie Binnenweg works with magnetic systems as well as suction cups and ribbons. If you want a magnet, always ask the rental company first.

Strong tape, glue, wire and metal clips do not belong on the paintwork, advises the British wedding car company Premier Carriage. That company uses waterproof ribbon, because the colour of some fabric ribbons can run in the rain on a light-coloured car.

Is decoration included in the price?

With many providers part of the decoration is already included in the price, writes Trouwen.nl. With others you pay for the flowers separately, or you hire a floral arrangement from the rental company. So ask what is included before you order flowers yourself. That way you don't pay twice. If you are comparing several cars in the wedding car selection, ask each rental company the same question.

Decoration for each spot on the car

Bonnet: bow or floral arrangement

The bonnet is the largest and most visible spot. Choose between a floral arrangement and a large bow. According to an inspiration article by Trouwen.nl, a tulle bow usually runs from both wing mirrors to the middle of the bonnet. A floral arrangement can be an arch, a heart or a garland. On a small car, a little bouquet in front of the windscreen is already enough. For photos while the car is parked, put a soft cloth under a large piece. While driving, it can shift slightly, and according to the British rental company that friction can mark the paintwork.

Photo: Volkswagen Kever Cabrio Diamond Blue from We Love Oldtimers

Grille and badge

On vans and classic cars with a large badge, the front end is a lovely spot. A garland or tulle in a V towards the badge draws the eye. Do keep fresh flowers a little way from the grille. The heat of the engine can make them wilt quickly, warns the same rental company.

Door handles and mirrors

Small bouquets or bows on the door handles are mostly seen from the side. The British rental company advises choosing: bows on the door handles or on the mirrors, not both. Hang mini bouquets at the last moment, just like a large floral arrangement. Boeketterie Binnenweg recommends this in hot weather or for a long drive.

Rear, window and parcel shelf

At the back you can put a sign or a message on the window. The parcel shelf of a classic car is a sheltered spot for flowers, away from wind and rain. The British rental company recommends silk flowers there: they need no water, and the sun through the rear window makes that spot warm. That company also advises keeping the number plate, the lights and the chauffeur's view clear whatever you add. For what the rules say about this, see the wedding car checklist.

Decoration for each type of wedding car

Classic car with chrome

A classic car often has chrome, badges and old paintwork. These are expensive to repair, warns the British rental company. So discuss your ideas beforehand. On a small classic car, a little bouquet often looks better than a large garland, according to the same company.

Photo: Porsche 911 S from Trouw Porsches

Modern car with glossy paintwork

Modern paintwork is delicate too. A large piece that moves while driving can leave marks. A bow or a few small bouquets move less, and are therefore a sensible choice. Some modern cars no longer have protruding door handles. In that case the mirrors are the better spot, according to the British rental company.

Wedding bus and Volkswagen camper van

A wedding bus or a Volkswagen camper van has room for more. Garlands suit vans especially well, thinks that rental company. You could also think of bunting on the front and ribbons on the mirrors. Balloons and long garlands, however, move unpredictably at speed, according to the same company. Use them while the car is parked, for example for the photos.

Photo: Volkswagen T2 Sandy from We Love Oldtimers

Floral arrangement for the wedding car: fresh or artificial?

What does a floral arrangement cost?

According to Bruiloft Inspiratie, a floral arrangement for the wedding car costs €100 to €150 on average, roughly the same as a bridal bouquet. That figure comes from an article from 2023, updated in 2024. Trouweninderegio.nl quoted a minimum of €100 in 2019. A recent example: on 17 October 2026, Boeketterie Binnenweg charged €85 for a car posy and €35 for car decoration with white ribbon. Those are the prices of one florist, not an average.

Resistant to wind and sun

According to Trouweninderegio.nl, artificial flowers are often indistinguishable from real ones, a lot cheaper and more resistant to heat, cold, rain and wind. The British rental company also prefers good artificial flowers on the outside of the car, because fresh petals can blow off. Still want fresh? Then have the arrangement fitted at the last moment and don't park the car in full sun. If you are driving a long distance, take the arrangement off the bonnet during the journey. According to ThePerfectWedding.nl, also bring plastic covers and cloths.

Choosing a colour for the paintwork

Think in terms of contrast, advises the British rental company. On a black wedding car, white, ivory and champagne stand out. A white or cream car, on the other hand, leaves room for colour. Looking for colours that suit 2027, such as silver or warm earth tones? Then read the wedding car trends for 2027.

Just Married on the car: tin cans and a message

A Just Married car with rattling tin cans is an old tradition. People already knew around 1926 that it could go wrong. The painting 'Just Married' in the Louwman Museum shows a couple waiting for help with a burst rear tyre. Tin cans and old shoes had damaged the rear wheel. So tie cans to a ribbon, not to the bumper, and take them off before you join the motorway. Also check whether the venue allows tin cans. On gravel it works badly.

You write a message on the window with a chalk marker. Bruiloft Inspiratie gives a handy tip: write on the inside of the rear window, tracing a mirror image from a printout. That way rain won't wash the letters away. Better leave shaving foam and toothpaste at home: according to the British rental company, they can stain or damage the paintwork.

Got your ideas ready? Save the cars you like in your favourites and ask straight away, when you request a quote, what decoration is allowed.