Why do we put wedding tins on the getaway car?

Weddings can be traditional or completely modern and unexpected. It’s about putting together the right details that will work for you and your partner. And while tying a number of tin cans to the back of a getaway car may not be as common as it used to be, the tradition certainly still stands for many couples.

What is the tradition of cans on the getaway car?

This tradition follows the idea of ​​letting everyone know that a couple recently got married when they drove away from the reception location. Cans are tied on strings and attached to the back of the getaway car for putting on a show and making some noise.

While inserting tin cans on the back of a getaway car may not be as popular with more modern weddings, the tradition is certainly picked up in a variety of ways. “It helps keep the special day going, whether it’s from church to venue or from venue to hotel,” said Lindsey Hartsough, owner of Magnolia Event Design.

Meet the expert

• Lindsey Hartsough is the owner of Magnolia Event Design, an event planning company based in Santa Barbara, California.
• Elizabeth Lutz is the owner of Glass Event Planning, an event planning boutique based in Rhode Island.

Ready to learn more about the importance of including wedding tins in the getaway car? Read on to learn more about the history of this tradition and the unique ways it can still be carried out.

The history and meaning of wedding jugs on the getaway car

According to Hartsough, the tradition of tying cans to the bumper of a getaway car is said to be derived from the French word charivari or shivaree, which means to make a loud mockery and celebrate a newly married couple. “It was used to loudly calm the couple as they drove away,” she says. But at first, tin cans weren’t the way to make noise. According to Elizabeth Lutz, owner of Glass Event Planning, wedding guests would serenade the bride and groom with a mixture of noises made from pots, pans and other noisemakers. “It has evolved over the years, and those cacophonic serenades included guests who followed the newlyweds to their house and stood outside while they performed the shivaree,” says Lutz. Fortunately, this is no longer a practice that we see today. When the cans became a tradition, the splendor of the announcement for the bride and groom was promoted at the same time as the writing of “Just Married” on the back of the window of the getaway car.

In this day and age, couples still sometimes fly away in decorated getaway cars. However, it is common to see additional items attached to the tin cans to make them even more personal. “Every time we have a getaway car, we like to tie something on the back so passers-by can join the celebration,” says Hartsough.

Wedding jugs on the Getaway Car FAQS

Who should decorate the getaway car?

Anyone ready for the job can be tasked with decorating the getaway car and adding the cans. According to Lutz, when the couple requests the tin can tradition, the job is usually done by a family member, friend, or member of the bridal party. A couple can also enlist the help of their wedding planner.

Having cans on your getaway car won’t come automatically. If you want to partake in this tradition, let your wedding planner or a member of your wedding party or family know your desire for wedding tins.

When should cans be attached to the back of the getaway vehicle?

The cans should be prepared in advance if you want to include painted cans to match your wedding pallet. String the cans before the big day and have someone tie them in the back of the getaway car after the ceremony, before your reception comes to an end.

What are some creative ideas for decorating the cans?

In addition to painting the cans, Hartsbough suggests adding colorful ribbons and flowers to the cans in a row. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to decoration. “Get creative and have fun with it!” says Lutz. “Make it personal for the couple – if they share an interest, maybe pick that up and of course don’t forget to set their wedding date on some.”

If you’re renting a getaway car, or even borrowing it from a friend, be sure to ask about how to put tin cans on the car. Not all landlords will allow it, and it is better to be on the safe side.

How many cans should be attached to the back of the getaway car?

It’s not hard to imagine how loudly clinking tin cans could be as you drive into the sunset. So you don’t want to go overboard. Getaway cars usually contain six cans, possibly up to eight, to add some noise to the celebration.

What else should be integrated into the getaway car display?

Since the tradition of wedding tins has always been to boldly announce the couple’s marriage, a large, beautiful sign or lettering could also be placed on the car. Putting a nice “Just Married” sign on the back of the car can make the display even more special.

How to put wedding tins on the getaway car

The last thing you want, of course, is for your beautifully decorated cans to fall down when the car is lifted off. Make sure you are set for success. According to Lutz, pre-made cans can be purchased on Etsy if you’re looking for a quick fix. However, if you are planning on making your own, there are a few important points to keep in mind. “The key is that you use different line lengths,” says Lutz. “This will create this iconic look.”

Choose a strong line for the cans, e.g. B. String, and secure the string by either punching a hole in the can and tying it through, or you can wrap the string around the can several times with hot glue to secure it in place. When it’s time to secure the cans, tie them to the getaway car’s bumper or towbar and tie your knots very tight.