The wedding car is more than just transport—it’s part of the celebration. It features in your grand entrance, your exit, and often ends up in some of your favourite wedding photos. Styling it right adds personality, ties it to your overall theme, and brings an extra level of polish to your big day.
Here’s how to decorate your wedding car in a way that looks beautiful in photos—without going overboard or clashing with your wedding aesthetic.
Key Takeaways
- Ribbon, floral accents, and number plates are the most common ways to decorate wedding cars.
- Always match the decoration style to your theme, car type, and overall wedding aesthetic.
- Less is often more—minimalist styling can look more refined in professional photos.
- Always confirm with your hire provider what is and isn’t allowed before applying any decorations.
- The right styling can help turn your car into a backdrop for the best wedding car photo idea.
Ribbons and Flowers
Elegant, timeless, and easy to match to any theme—ribbons and flowers are the classic go-to for wedding car decor. Whether it’s a single white ribbon stretched across the bonnet or a full floral arrangement on the back bumper, these choices always photograph well.
Ribbons work especially well on sedans, SUVs, and limousines, creating a polished visual from the front. They’re also relatively easy to apply and remove, making them ideal for hired vehicles.
Floral accents add a natural softness to the vehicle’s aesthetic. Consider a bouquet on the boot, mirror wraps, or a garland for the front grille.
Coordinating with Colour Schemes
To avoid clashing in photos, match ribbon and floral colours to your bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ dresses, or even the invitation suite. For example, pastel ribbons work well with white or silver vehicles, while deep tones like burgundy or navy can elevate black or grey cars.
Don’t forget to consider car colour and finish. A matte-black Lamborghini needs a different ribbon choice than a glossy white Rolls-Royce.
If you’re unsure where to start, think of it as matching your wedding car to the theme—the car should complement the styling choices you’ve already made for the day.
Personalised Number Plates
Want a modern twist on the traditional “Just Married” sign? Custom plates are a stylish way to personalise your wedding car and make it stand out in photos.
You can opt for temporary novelty plates with phrases like:
- “MR & MRS”
- “HITCHED”
- Your wedding date or initials
They’re typically fixed over the standard plate for photos and removed before regular driving resumes. Keep in mind that NSW road rules require the car to display its legal plate during transit, so make sure any decorative plates are removable or photo-only.
These plates are ideal for ceremony arrivals, getaway moments, or even styled shoots involving the car.
Minimalist vs Extravagant Decor
Your car’s design should reflect your wedding’s tone. A luxury car doesn’t need to be over-decorated to make an impression—in many cases, its clean lines and glossy paintwork do the talking.
On the flip side, if you’re planning a large, statement wedding, you might want the car to be part of the show.
Best Wedding Car Photo Idea
One of the simplest and most effective ways to get a stunning shot is to position the decorated car just outside the venue, angled for natural light. Minimalist setups—white ribbon, soft florals, polished surfaces—create the perfect canvas for portraits or candid arrival shots. Avoid cluttered backdrops and let the styling speak for itself.
Supercars like the Ferrari 488 Spider or Lamborghini Huracan often need very little decor. Their presence alone can carry the photo, so keep it subtle—maybe just a mirror floral tie or ribbon on the boot handle.
Rules for Decorating Rental Cars
When hiring a wedding car, always check with the provider before adding any decorations. Some surfaces are delicate, and certain adhesives can damage the paint or leave residue.
Here’s what’s usually acceptable:
- Soft fabric ribbons tied gently
- Suction cup mounts for floral arrangements
- Magnetic or temporary number plates
- Lightweight florals on external handles
What to Avoid
Steer clear of:
- Sticky tape or anything with strong adhesive
- Glitter, confetti, or powder sprays
- Paint pens or permanent markers
- Heavy items that could shift while driving
Most providers include basic ribbons and optional floral setups as part of their wedding car packages, so it’s often easier to work with what’s offered.
If you’re hiring from a premium fleet, such as Wedding Cars of Sydney, speak with the team early—decorations can usually be arranged as part of your package.
Final Thoughts!
Styling your wedding car is a small detail that adds big visual impact. It ties the journey into the celebration and makes those arrival and getaway moments extra special. Whether you choose simple ribbons, lush florals, or custom plates, the goal is to keep it elegant and in line with your wedding’s look.
And remember—don’t overdo it. Your wedding car is already a luxury feature. A few well-placed accents can make it shine without distracting from the bigger picture.
Enquire at Wedding Cars of Sydney Today!
Thinking about how to style your wedding car? I’ll help you find the right balance between elegance and personality. From luxury sedans to supercars and stretch limos, our fleet is designed to impress—and yes, we can help with decorations that look amazing in your photos.
With flexible packages, custom styling options, and over 30 years of experience, you can count on us to get the details right.
👉 Request a quote or check availability now
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I decorate a hired wedding car myself?
Some providers allow it, but you’ll need to use approved materials. Avoid adhesives or anything that could damage the paint.
2. What are the best decorations for a wedding car?
Ribbon, florals, and personalised number plates are the most popular. They’re simple, elegant, and photograph well.
3. Are certain decorations banned for rental cars?
Yes—anything that can leave marks or residue, like glitter, confetti, or strong adhesives, is usually not allowed.
4. Should my wedding car decor match the rest of the wedding styling?
Yes, consistency makes everything look more refined. Consider your colour palette, florals, and dress code when decorating.
5. Can the car be used in our wedding photos?
Absolutely. Whether it’s your arrival shot or a styled photo shoot later in the day, decorated cars can play a big role in your visual storytelling. Refer to our guide for the best wedding car photo idea to make the most of it.