Having a Horse and Carriage as Your Wedding Transport
Fairy tale wedding? Marrying your prince charming? Then a horse and carriage as your wedding transport may well be for you.
There are many things to consider and work out before it can become a reality. First and foremost is the welfare of the horses themselves. Distance is your primary concern as horses will only be able to draw a carriage for a maximum of six or seven miles and ideally this should be split into two journeys of three to three and a half miles i.e. from home to church and then church to reception. Also, a big concern is the terrain as long hills will considerably reduce the distance the horses can go and steep hills are a real no no. If distance or steep hills prove to be a problem then you need to consider hiring a nice classic or vintage car to drive you the remainder of the journey.
Having decided that the route should be OK (final decision will be made by the carriage company) you must now decide on the type of carriage you require. Below is a fairly comprehensive photo list of carriages generally available.
Next you have to find a reputable carriage company that looks after the horses and trains their Drivers and Footmen properly. You will usually find reputable carriage companies have several certificates of competency including:
British Driving Society
Road Driving Certificate of Competency
Comply with
Code of Practice for Horse Drawn Vehicles. The COP contains guidance jointly agreed and reviewed by The Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions, The British Driving Society, The British Horse Society, The Heavy Horse Driving Committee, The Joint National Horse Education & Training Council & the International League for the Protection of Horses.
Always go and talk to the carriage company, look at the horses and make sure they look healthy and well cared for. Try the various carriages they have for ease of access and dress room. Check that the Driver and Footman come suitably attired. Also look at the horses’ transport and make sure it is clean and large enough for the number of horses needed for your carriage. Finally make sure the carriage itself will be dressed as you wish.
Article by Wedding Transport Specialist David Jones
Images Courtesy of -
Landau and Brougham - www.westwayscarriagehorses.co.uk
Victoria - www.carandcarriage.co.uk
Surrey - www.learntocarriagedrive.co.uk
Vis-a Vis and Glass Landau - www.premiercarriage.co.uk
Royal Glass - www.weddingbureau.com
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