Upcoming legislation - wedding cars
Discussion
During the middle of last year some talk regarding the use of occasional hire of classic cars for special occasions was raised. Another E.U. piece of legislation which proposed far stricter regulations which would, in practical terms, force many occasional hirers off the road so far as hiring out is concerned. Has anyone heard any more about this? Seen lots of classic/vintage 'wedding cars' for sale lately.
The problem has been that a few have spoilt it for the rest by not sticking to just doing weddings, that would have been fine, but some have ventured out into doing prom nights, executive hires and airports, all with no CRB/plate/badges for taxi/private hire work, eventually the taxi trade got hacked off seeing unplated cars dropping at airports and the case for regulation has gotten stronger
there is a law commission looking at all this as we speak
No-one in the taxi trade objects to a classic car taking a bride to a wedding then the couple to the reception, etc but then theres the trip to the airport after.....
there is a law commission looking at all this as we speak
No-one in the taxi trade objects to a classic car taking a bride to a wedding then the couple to the reception, etc but then theres the trip to the airport after.....
Edited by Upatdawn on Monday 21st January 13:58
Upatdawn said:
The problem has been that a few have spoilt it for the rest by not sticking to just doing weddings, that would have been fine, but some have ventured out into doing prom nights, executive hires and airports, all with no CRB/plate/badges for taxi/private hire work, eventually the taxi trade got hacked off seeing unplated cars dropping at airports and the case for regulation has gotten stronger
there is a law commission looking at all this as we speak
No-one in the taxi trade objects to a classic car taking a bride to a wedding then the couple to the reception, etc but then theres the trip to the airport after.....
I fully agree, so we continue to wait for an outcome. there is a law commission looking at all this as we speak
No-one in the taxi trade objects to a classic car taking a bride to a wedding then the couple to the reception, etc but then theres the trip to the airport after.....
Edited by Upatdawn on Monday 21st January 13:58
not that all licensed hackney/private hire operators want to see the whole wedding trade become licensed for H&R as it obvious the slide of work wouldnt mean brides taking X reg Datsuns to the church, rather it could see some of the newly plated "special events" upmarket cars getting more of the taxi work...
I do the odd wedding car run in my 1928 Vauxhall, I don't advertise or anything like that. I arrange the insurance for the day and thats it. My vintage car is MOT tested and I take pride in its upkeep. My vintage tin would never in a month of Sundays come up to modern levels of 'hire standards' though.
crankedup said:
I do the odd wedding car run in my 1928 Vauxhall, I don't advertise or anything like that. I arrange the insurance for the day and thats it. My vintage car is MOT tested and I take pride in its upkeep. My vintage tin would never in a month of Sundays come up to modern levels of 'hire standards' though.
and thats 100% fine, not what the "trade" are objecting to, its the stretch tartcarts, late model mercs and beemers that take the peecrankedup said:
I do the odd wedding car run in my 1928 Vauxhall, I don't advertise or anything like that. I arrange the insurance for the day and thats it. My vintage car is MOT tested and I take pride in its upkeep. My vintage tin would never in a month of Sundays come up to modern levels of 'hire standards' though.
ooooh David, can I hijack proceedings and ask you about your wedding service? I have a vintage Lagonda which I was thinking of sdoing the same think with. Nothing much just 4 - 6 a year but I have no idea of what to charge and the pitfalls etc....Upatdawn said:
One problem for the owner is normally theres the bride and 3 or 4 bridesmaids, so 2 cars are required, so the 1 car owner has a problem
£200-£300 per car is quite normal
The daughters car broke down so a 3rd had to be sourced
was thinking maybe the family Range Rover (modern) would do as back up and carriage for the bridesmaid party? Or would that get a serious frown?£200-£300 per car is quite normal
The daughters car broke down so a 3rd had to be sourced
Mr. Magoo said:
crankedup said:
I do the odd wedding car run in my 1928 Vauxhall, I don't advertise or anything like that. I arrange the insurance for the day and thats it. My vintage car is MOT tested and I take pride in its upkeep. My vintage tin would never in a month of Sundays come up to modern levels of 'hire standards' though.
ooooh David, can I hijack proceedings and ask you about your wedding service? I have a vintage Lagonda which I was thinking of sdoing the same think with. Nothing much just 4 - 6 a year but I have no idea of what to charge and the pitfalls etc....1. Make sure your insurer knows that you are 'on hire' for the day. Mine charge an extra ten pounds per day and limit those days during one year to six occasions only.
2. Ensure you are fully insured for public liability, its not expensive but is essential.
3. Ensure you have a back up plan should your car breakdown on the 'big day'. A luxury cab hire (not stickered) on the other end of a phone or a reliable pal with appropriate car.
4. Take the booking and ask the 'Bride' if she would like to see the car and try for comfort.
5. Arrange that you will ring the 'Bride' a week or two before the big day, it reassures them, advise that you will be early but tell them you will be early to 'dust off the car'. Reassures nervous bride.
6. Always arrive early, I arrive about half hour before for dusting off the car.
7. Always dress smart with polished shoes, jacket and tie.
8. I always do a trial run from the brides house to the wedding Church or venue using my daily runner. It is useful to know the roads and how long it will take for the journey. Same for Church to reception venue.
THE CAR.
1. Make sure that the car is as clean as possible, absolutely no grease on door hinges or shuts! no exposed grease points at front of car or rear, we dont want the brides white wedding dress flapping in the breeze touching the front of the car whilst photoes are being taken!
2. Courtesy is everything to all guests on the day.
3. Champagne after the weddings service, you've seen the images of Bride and Groom toasting the flutes in front of the car, inside the car. Check beforehand making sure that is what they prefer, it could be the Bride prefers non alcohol. Just check when you take the booking.
4. Drive nice and smoothly and take your time, no rush. Better by far be early and do the drive around the block. The last thing you want is to be late.
5. I notice your car is open top, consider the Brides hair styling she won't thank you id she arrives like she has been dragged through a hedge backwards. You may need to consider hood up going to Church, ask them pointing out reasons why. In any case 20mph is fast enough for the journey, unless you have a massive mileage to do of course!
6. Make sure you have a couple of umbrellas in your car, white ones. Handy on a baking hot day for the bride or rain of course.
Thats how I like to offer service, others may have different ideas. I always above all else have in front of my mind that its a major day for the Bride and you must make sure that your part in the day goes smoothly without fuss. Its easier than what it reads TBH.
PAYMENT.
I will pm you.
We have been known to do the odd wedding in the MK2 Jag for friends and family. we wouldn't advertize as the stress of doing it is incredible. What I mean is what happens in the event of a breakdown / fail to proceed while Bride is en route.
TBH the wedding hire companies are very brave taking on such a demanding job and all credit goes to them.
TBH the wedding hire companies are very brave taking on such a demanding job and all credit goes to them.
crankedup said:
Alec, I am not a pro' hirer just the odd wedding here and there but I always :
1. Make sure your insurer knows that you are 'on hire' for the day. Mine charge an extra ten pounds per day and limit those days during one year to six occasions only.
2. Ensure you are fully insured for public liability, its not expensive but is essential.
3. Ensure you have a back up plan should your car breakdown on the 'big day'. A luxury cab hire (not stickered) on the other end of a phone or a reliable pal with appropriate car.
4. Take the booking and ask the 'Bride' if she would like to see the car and try for comfort.
5. Arrange that you will ring the 'Bride' a week or two before the big day, it reassures them, advise that you will be early but tell them you will be early to 'dust off the car'. Reassures nervous bride.
6. Always arrive early, I arrive about half hour before for dusting off the car.
7. Always dress smart with polished shoes, jacket and tie.
8. I always do a trial run from the brides house to the wedding Church or venue using my daily runner. It is useful to know the roads and how long it will take for the journey. Same for Church to reception venue.
THE CAR.
1. Make sure that the car is as clean as possible, absolutely no grease on door hinges or shuts! no exposed grease points at front of car or rear, we dont want the brides white wedding dress flapping in the breeze touching the front of the car whilst photoes are being taken!
2. Courtesy is everything to all guests on the day.
3. Champagne after the weddings service, you've seen the images of Bride and Groom toasting the flutes in front of the car, inside the car. Check beforehand making sure that is what they prefer, it could be the Bride prefers non alcohol. Just check when you take the booking.
4. Drive nice and smoothly and take your time, no rush. Better by far be early and do the drive around the block. The last thing you want is to be late.
5. I notice your car is open top, consider the Brides hair styling she won't thank you id she arrives like she has been dragged through a hedge backwards. You may need to consider hood up going to Church, ask them pointing out reasons why. In any case 20mph is fast enough for the journey, unless you have a massive mileage to do of course!
6. Make sure you have a couple of umbrellas in your car, white ones. Handy on a baking hot day for the bride or rain of course.
Thats how I like to offer service, others may have different ideas. I always above all else have in front of my mind that its a major day for the Bride and you must make sure that your part in the day goes smoothly without fuss. Its easier than what it reads TBH.
PAYMENT.
I will pm you.
regarding your post above re champagne... if you dont have a licence to supply alcohol you could be on very shaky ground, better to allow them to bring their own.1. Make sure your insurer knows that you are 'on hire' for the day. Mine charge an extra ten pounds per day and limit those days during one year to six occasions only.
2. Ensure you are fully insured for public liability, its not expensive but is essential.
3. Ensure you have a back up plan should your car breakdown on the 'big day'. A luxury cab hire (not stickered) on the other end of a phone or a reliable pal with appropriate car.
4. Take the booking and ask the 'Bride' if she would like to see the car and try for comfort.
5. Arrange that you will ring the 'Bride' a week or two before the big day, it reassures them, advise that you will be early but tell them you will be early to 'dust off the car'. Reassures nervous bride.
6. Always arrive early, I arrive about half hour before for dusting off the car.
7. Always dress smart with polished shoes, jacket and tie.
8. I always do a trial run from the brides house to the wedding Church or venue using my daily runner. It is useful to know the roads and how long it will take for the journey. Same for Church to reception venue.
THE CAR.
1. Make sure that the car is as clean as possible, absolutely no grease on door hinges or shuts! no exposed grease points at front of car or rear, we dont want the brides white wedding dress flapping in the breeze touching the front of the car whilst photoes are being taken!
2. Courtesy is everything to all guests on the day.
3. Champagne after the weddings service, you've seen the images of Bride and Groom toasting the flutes in front of the car, inside the car. Check beforehand making sure that is what they prefer, it could be the Bride prefers non alcohol. Just check when you take the booking.
4. Drive nice and smoothly and take your time, no rush. Better by far be early and do the drive around the block. The last thing you want is to be late.
5. I notice your car is open top, consider the Brides hair styling she won't thank you id she arrives like she has been dragged through a hedge backwards. You may need to consider hood up going to Church, ask them pointing out reasons why. In any case 20mph is fast enough for the journey, unless you have a massive mileage to do of course!
6. Make sure you have a couple of umbrellas in your car, white ones. Handy on a baking hot day for the bride or rain of course.
Thats how I like to offer service, others may have different ideas. I always above all else have in front of my mind that its a major day for the Bride and you must make sure that your part in the day goes smoothly without fuss. Its easier than what it reads TBH.
PAYMENT.
I will pm you.
hedgefinder said:
crankedup said:
Alec, I am not a pro' hirer just the odd wedding here and there but I always :
1. Make sure your insurer knows that you are 'on hire' for the day. Mine charge an extra ten pounds per day and limit those days during one year to six occasions only.
2. Ensure you are fully insured for public liability, its not expensive but is essential.
3. Ensure you have a back up plan should your car breakdown on the 'big day'. A luxury cab hire (not stickered) on the other end of a phone or a reliable pal with appropriate car.
4. Take the booking and ask the 'Bride' if she would like to see the car and try for comfort.
5. Arrange that you will ring the 'Bride' a week or two before the big day, it reassures them, advise that you will be early but tell them you will be early to 'dust off the car'. Reassures nervous bride.
6. Always arrive early, I arrive about half hour before for dusting off the car.
7. Always dress smart with polished shoes, jacket and tie.
8. I always do a trial run from the brides house to the wedding Church or venue using my daily runner. It is useful to know the roads and how long it will take for the journey. Same for Church to reception venue.
THE CAR.
1. Make sure that the car is as clean as possible, absolutely no grease on door hinges or shuts! no exposed grease points at front of car or rear, we dont want the brides white wedding dress flapping in the breeze touching the front of the car whilst photoes are being taken!
2. Courtesy is everything to all guests on the day.
3. Champagne after the weddings service, you've seen the images of Bride and Groom toasting the flutes in front of the car, inside the car. Check beforehand making sure that is what they prefer, it could be the Bride prefers non alcohol. Just check when you take the booking.
4. Drive nice and smoothly and take your time, no rush. Better by far be early and do the drive around the block. The last thing you want is to be late.
5. I notice your car is open top, consider the Brides hair styling she won't thank you id she arrives like she has been dragged through a hedge backwards. You may need to consider hood up going to Church, ask them pointing out reasons why. In any case 20mph is fast enough for the journey, unless you have a massive mileage to do of course!
6. Make sure you have a couple of umbrellas in your car, white ones. Handy on a baking hot day for the bride or rain of course.
Thats how I like to offer service, others may have different ideas. I always above all else have in front of my mind that its a major day for the Bride and you must make sure that your part in the day goes smoothly without fuss. Its easier than what it reads TBH.
PAYMENT.
I will pm you.
regarding your post above re champagne... if you dont have a licence to supply alcohol you could be on very shaky ground, better to allow them to bring their own.1. Make sure your insurer knows that you are 'on hire' for the day. Mine charge an extra ten pounds per day and limit those days during one year to six occasions only.
2. Ensure you are fully insured for public liability, its not expensive but is essential.
3. Ensure you have a back up plan should your car breakdown on the 'big day'. A luxury cab hire (not stickered) on the other end of a phone or a reliable pal with appropriate car.
4. Take the booking and ask the 'Bride' if she would like to see the car and try for comfort.
5. Arrange that you will ring the 'Bride' a week or two before the big day, it reassures them, advise that you will be early but tell them you will be early to 'dust off the car'. Reassures nervous bride.
6. Always arrive early, I arrive about half hour before for dusting off the car.
7. Always dress smart with polished shoes, jacket and tie.
8. I always do a trial run from the brides house to the wedding Church or venue using my daily runner. It is useful to know the roads and how long it will take for the journey. Same for Church to reception venue.
THE CAR.
1. Make sure that the car is as clean as possible, absolutely no grease on door hinges or shuts! no exposed grease points at front of car or rear, we dont want the brides white wedding dress flapping in the breeze touching the front of the car whilst photoes are being taken!
2. Courtesy is everything to all guests on the day.
3. Champagne after the weddings service, you've seen the images of Bride and Groom toasting the flutes in front of the car, inside the car. Check beforehand making sure that is what they prefer, it could be the Bride prefers non alcohol. Just check when you take the booking.
4. Drive nice and smoothly and take your time, no rush. Better by far be early and do the drive around the block. The last thing you want is to be late.
5. I notice your car is open top, consider the Brides hair styling she won't thank you id she arrives like she has been dragged through a hedge backwards. You may need to consider hood up going to Church, ask them pointing out reasons why. In any case 20mph is fast enough for the journey, unless you have a massive mileage to do of course!
6. Make sure you have a couple of umbrellas in your car, white ones. Handy on a baking hot day for the bride or rain of course.
Thats how I like to offer service, others may have different ideas. I always above all else have in front of my mind that its a major day for the Bride and you must make sure that your part in the day goes smoothly without fuss. Its easier than what it reads TBH.
PAYMENT.
I will pm you.
Le Mans Visitor said:
We have been known to do the odd wedding in the MK2 Jag for friends and family. we wouldn't advertize as the stress of doing it is incredible. What I mean is what happens in the event of a breakdown / fail to proceed while Bride is en route.
TBH the wedding hire companies are very brave taking on such a demanding job and all credit goes to them.
Yes it is very stressful, stress which must never be noticed by any guest on the day. Its the reason I only agree to the occasional booking. If you provide the service to the required level nobody will notice you at all, hopefully its the Bride in the car that is noticed!TBH the wedding hire companies are very brave taking on such a demanding job and all credit goes to them.
crankedup said:
Yes it is very stressful, stress which must never be noticed by any guest on the day. Its the reason I only agree to the occasional booking. If you provide the service to the required level nobody will notice you at all, hopefully its the Bride in the car that is noticed!
David,thats all really interesting and as always there is much more to these things than initially thought. I would really enjoy being part of someones big day, I guess I would prefer a back up car too. Then it starts looking like a serious concern.
Don't be put off by what I or others have said. It always looks tougher written than in practice, give it a go. Apart from some beer money you can meet some really very friendly people, and the feeling of satisfaction having completed a job well done is great. (don't eye up the Bride to often 
)
)Pretty much what crankedup said with one addition.
Find out what the colour scheme for the wedding is and ask if the bride wants the car ribbons to match.
You can't see it too clearly in this picture but the bride wanted silver rather than white to match everything else. I've done weddings with pink and purple (not together) in the past.
Find out what the colour scheme for the wedding is and ask if the bride wants the car ribbons to match.
You can't see it too clearly in this picture but the bride wanted silver rather than white to match everything else. I've done weddings with pink and purple (not together) in the past.
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