The car pulls up outside the church covered in white ribbons and flowers, and guests reach for their phones. In Ghana and Nigeria, the bridal car is part of the spectacle. Decorating it well takes planning, and doing it safely matters as much as how it looks.
The car, ribbons and flowers
Many couples hire luxury cars for the bride and groom, while others use a family car. Choose a car that is clean, reliable and comfortable for the bride’s dress. Ribbons are the classic decoration, usually tied in a V shape from the front of the bonnet to the side mirrors. White is traditional, but many couples use their wedding colours.
Floral arrangements on the bonnet, roof or doors add elegance. Use artificial flowers or sturdy fresh flowers that can survive heat and wind.
Bows, plates and securing decorations
Large bows on door handles and the boot are easy to attach and remove. Some couples add a decorative plate with their names or “Just Married”. Make sure the official number plate remains visible, as hiding it is against the law. Match decorations with the bridal party’s colours and the venue decor for a coordinated look in photos.
Use soft ties, suction mounts or magnets designed for cars. Avoid tape that damages paint. Check that nothing blocks the driver’s view.
Decorators and the convoy
Car rental companies and decorators often offer decoration packages. Confirm what is included. Wedding convoys can be dangerous if drivers speed or block traffic. Brief drivers to drive safely and obey traffic rules. Decorate the car on the morning of the wedding, not the night before, to keep it fresh and clean. Plan a few photos with the car, such as the bride stepping out or the couple leaving the church.
Budget options and matching the theme
Simple ribbons and bows cost little and still look good in photos. Some couples borrow a friend’s car and decorate it themselves. Remove decorations carefully and return hired cars clean. For a traditional ceremony, some couples decorate cars with kente or aso-oke ribbons instead of white satin, linking the car to the day’s cultural theme.
A decorated car announces a wedding to everyone on the road. Driven safely, it carries the couple from vows to celebration in style.
