Horse-drawn carriage for wedding?

Question

I live in southeast michigan and my wedding is going to be next July. I was wondering if anybody knows of anybody knows of a place that has nice horse-drawn carriages for my wedding day (something along the lines of Cinderella) and also, about much would something like this run typically? If anybody knows of a place or has ever used one of the vendors...or even has advice against using a particular kind, I would really appreciate your help :)

Answer 1

I'm not sure where you live in SE Michigan so I can't give vendor specific advice, but vendors can usually be found in the yellow pages or internet directory.

A prime place to start is the site for the Carriage Operators of North America (www.cona.org) which lists contact information for companies in the United States, the Caribbean, and Canada. Wedding coordinators can also point you in the right direction.
Call early for information and reservations if your wedding will be on a Saturday between May and September, Fridays in the fall months, on Valentine's Day, holiday weekends, town festival weekends, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's or Mother's Day -- these are the high demand times for carriage companies, and they get booked up very quickly. So reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Know that some companies will not operate within major cities and crowded downtown areas, due to traffic issues. Ask your contenders if they'll be willing to come to the area you desire, including if they can do "off-road" paths like forest and beach areas.

Know that you can choose from different sizes of carriages, from the standard four-seater traditional model to larger versions and 24-seater trolleys pulled by two horses.

Never choose a design online. Always go to the company to inspect the carriages and the horses yourself. Look for quality and shine in the carriage, and healthy-looking horses.

Check with town hall for their rules and permits regarding horse-drawn carriages on the roadways. Many towns require written clearance from them, so that they can give you a police escort, if that's necessary traffic-wise, or clearance to go through residential areas.

Check with your chosen carriage operating company about their rules regarding the horse's safety. The company may say "no" to a route that will bring you onto highways or traffic circles. Also, find out their strict rules about weather conditions. They may reserve the right to cancel during times of ice, snow, heavy rain and extreme heat, all with the horse's safety in mind (as well as yours!).

Have a backup ride in place in case the carriage company uses their right to cancel when road and weather conditions are bad.

Ask how the carriage will be decorated (see their sample pictures from recent weddings they've done) or if you'll be allowed to hire your florist to decorate the carriage for you. Some companies offer ornate "Just Married" signs for the back of the carriage.

Ask how the driver will be dressed. Some companies offer a range of driver wardrobes, including Olde English or romantic Victorian costumes, or a tuxedo with a top hat. Your driver needs to be dressed in a style that works with your wedding's style, not jeans and a windbreaker with a baseball cap.

Ask about "drop bags" that catch whatever the horse might -- um -- leave behind.

Be sure the carriage company has complete liability insurance.

Hire the carriage just for your ride to the ceremony and to the reception, keeping your per-hour charges to a minimum. Arrange other transportation to get you home at the end of the night.

Make great use of the carriage as a backdrop for your wedding pictures.

Remember to ask about the name of the horse pulling your carriage. That's one of those sentimental things brides and grooms always want to know. Years from now, you can tell your kids the horse's name was Jasmine when you're all looking at your wedding pictures together.

Answer 2

It depends on where the wedding is taking place, I think. I attended a ceremony that took place at a country club type facility that had the bride entering in a carriage. It was very elegant and well received. But if you're going the Holiday Inn sort of route, it might be a little over the top.

Answer 3

Try Pinecrestpercheronsand carriageservice.com. They have the white Cinderella carriage and all type of horse drawn carriages. Check them out and they are in Michigan.

Answer 4

What a lovely idea. But I am sorry that I do not know of any one that rents carriages for this purpose in Michigan. You could contact Henry Ford Museum, perhaps they might know where you could find this accommodation. Just an idea.

Answer 5

I don't know anything about Horse carriages but I wanted to let you know that sounds like a great idea. I hope you find a way but I'm sure almost anything would be appreciated. Good luck and congrats!!

Answer 6

ughhh I want one also, but in my area, they will likely not allow them.
I want to take pics in a classic car that day, on the back of a train, in a horse and buggy. Course im sure i wont get them all, but that would be amazing.

Answer 7

Do something different. Be original..Horse-drawn carriages have been done

Answer 8

It makes me think of Paul Bernardo (Teal) and Carla Holmolka.

Answer 9

Sorry, I don't know but I just wanted to say it sounds really pretty. I hope you do it.

Answer 10

just use a ghetto escalade car