While it is preferable to match your transport to the wedding theme, you also need to take practicalities into account.

Transport could be organised through a professional hiring or tourist company, a family member or friend, or even a vintage car club. While using a vehicle belonging to a friend or relative is convenient and cuts costs, there is nothing like making a memorable entrance in a jaunty London taxicab or a stately and dignified Bentley.

Don't leave arrangements too late though, or you might find that the Rolls Royce or sports car you had in mind isn't available on your special day. Consider having a back-up plan in case your first choice isn't possible.

Follow your leader

When transporting the wedding party, there is a particular protocol that needs to be followed. It is customary for the main car to take the bride and her father to church, with a second car taking her mother and perhaps the bridesmaids and/or flower girls, and the third reserved for the groom and his best man and possibly the attendants too.

After the church ceremony the newly weds are driven to the photo session or to the reception venue in the main car, with the parents of the bride travelling in the second car, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen in the third.

Hiring checklist

While it's a good idea to go on the Internet to find transport you like the look of, don't rely on pictures alone. Pay a visit to the hiring company and check the vehicle itself to make sure it is in good condition. Remember that negative features such as a shabby interior might not show up in a picture.

A hired vehicle has to meet certain criteria, so ensure that the company you are dealing with has a legal carrier permit and passenger liability insurance.

Ask for the booking in writing, stating details such as the number of passengers and where they need to be picked up, and call to confirm a week before the wedding. If a chauffer is provided, ask your car-hire company exactly what they will be wearing and also find out whether any decorative details, such as ribbons or decorative flowers, will be used on the car. Remember that as the car may be used in the photographs it shouldn't clash with your colour scheme.

Staying on track

Ensure that the drivers are aware of the precise location of the church and reception venues, the time they are expected, and the names of those requiring transport. It's worthwhile to investigate the route beforehand, preferably under similar traffic conditions to those which will prevail on your wedding day, and get a fairly accurate estimate of driving time between venues.

Classic cars

Cars which you could consider hiring range from a dazzling stretch limousine to Vintage models and other classics such as a Rolls Royce or Model T Ford. For something a little different, you could arrive in a white wedding taxi or hire a really cool car like a racy Mini Cooper.

And if you want to be totally over-the-top, what about driving off into the sunset in a Grease-style pink Cadillac?

A hired limousine is useful in that it can accommodate most of the bridal party. Being driven by a chauffer also means that you get to your chosen destination safely, both before and after the wedding. Soft drinks and cooling facilities are provided on board, but you'll have to take your own bubbly, as carrying alcohol is against the law.

Carried away

Your choice of wedding-day transport doesn't begin and end with an automobile. You could also be carried away on a motor bike, tractor, golf cart, yacht or speed boat. Ride in on a snow-white steed like a true fairytale princess, or transport yourself and your groom to a bygone era in an ever-romantic horse-drawn carriage.

Another innovative option could be to use a bus to transport your guests from the ceremony to the reception venue.

Out of the blue

The sky's the limit when it comes to novel wedding transport. Remember, it needn'’t be only the rich and famous who get to travel by helicopter, so have your flights of fancy come true and make a grand entrance. Imagine taking off at sunset, against a dramatic mountain backdrop, or being swept away over the deep blue ocean on a summer's day.

A helicopter can also be practical, especially if you are getting married near, or on, the beach. A "whirlybird" looks particularly striking in wedding photographs too. Just make sure to ask the pilot to either shut down the aircraft and bring the blades to a standstill, or wind the revs down, so you don't get completely blown away and ruin your hairstyle and veil.

Other options could be to glide off gracefully in a hot air balloon, waving goodbye to your guests. This could make for some dramatic video footage too. Factors to consider here are where you are planning on having your wedding. Hot air balloon companies only operate in certain areas, and the time of the year and weather conditions will also play a role.