It is often noted that weddings are currently in the middle of a transitional period. While the traditional wedding is still very much in vogue, couples tend to customise their wedding to complement their own personal sense of style and tastes. While some brides may favour a pink fairytale style wedding, others may opt for a tried and tested classic, such as the white dress, veil and a towering wedding cake.

But there is one aspect of the modern wedding that everyone seems to be embracing whole heartedly, it’s the grand, conspicuous entrance. However you arrive, it simply has to be memorable. But what are the big trends in terms of pre-wedding travel?

Classic and Luxury Cars

Entering by Rolls Royce is the standby option for any bride. The journey is comfortable, there’s plenty of room and there’s ample opportunity for a pre-wedding tipple, if some dutch courage is required. Other common choices include Limousines, Bentley’s and other various vintage models.

Some brides may choose to arrive by convertible such as a Porsche 911, Bentley Continental or something similar. But there are things to consider before going down that route. Firstly, if it has an open top your beautifully styled hair could be disturbed in the wind as you drive. Secondly, these types of cars are usually very tight on space, which could crease or even damage the wedding dress.

Harley Davidson

If you and your partner are both motorbike enthusiasts, then perhaps arriving on a classic Harley would be more your style. Whilst this type of entrance would certainly attract attention, it might not be the most sensible option for a bride. Firstly, a helmet is advisable, and this will result in undesirable helmet hair. And if you choose not to wear a helmet, it can result in a similar situation as riding in a convertible.

Secondly, keeping your dress clean could become a problem if it isn’t a perfectly dry day. Mud and dirt tend to fling up off the ground as the motorbike is flying along. So unless you’ve chosen a fetching brown number for your big day, it’s probably a bad idea. Grooms should be okay, as long as they manage to keep themselves clean on the way, or bring a change of clothes.

Horse

Arriving on horseback, or cocooned inside a horse and carriage is actually becoming more and more popular. No matter how mature and sensible they seem in everyday life, many ladies have their childhood princess fantasies to live out, and there’s no better way to do it than turning up at their fairytale wedding in an elegant carriage being pulled by beautiful shire horses.

Be advised that as beautiful as horses are, they can be unpredictable. Also prices can vary depending on the type of horse and whether a carriage is used or not. And it’s well worth shopping around for the best price in your area.

London buses, camper vans and even aircrafts have been used to transport the bride and groom to the venue. But however you get there, it’s important to choose transport that adds something to the day, and suits your personalities.

The grand entrance is a modern wedding must have. So be unique with your choice, and make your big day as special as it can possibly be.

Written by Michelle Rider at Braxted Park. Braxted Park Estate is one of the top Essex wedding venues, set in an idyllic location in the heart of the countryside. With a capacity of 50-300, Braxted Park is a unique country house wedding venue catering for Essex wedding receptions of varying sizes, all year round.