Consider carefully which type of transport will be most suitable for your wedding. If you have a full dress for instance, you'll need a roomy car to prevent it from getting crushed. A horse and cart may sound very romantic but if you're having a winter wedding the weather may work against you - or your reception venue may just be too far from your ceremony venue for the horse to make it.

Colour also plays a part. White dresses may photograph better in front of darker cars and vice versa if your outfit is a darker colour

Visit the transport/car company and see the particular mode of transport you've decided on for yourself.

Make sure that what you see is what you'll get on the day - not just a similar model. Confirming this in writing is a good idea.

If you're paying extra for a vintage car, make sure it classifies as vintage (made between 1917 and 1930). Cars made 'in the style of' older cars may look as good, but should be a lot cheaper to hire than an original.

Inspect the general condition of the car or carriage, including the seats.

Check that a large, white umbrella is a fixture.

Once you're happy about everything, book your transport well in advance. As far as price goes, expect to pay upwards of £150 depending on your choice.

Unless the car was made before seat belt laws were enforced, you will have to wear one and again it's worth bearing in mind that it could crush your dress.

Ask for written confirmation of the mode of transport to be provided, date, times, whether a chauffeur is provided, insurance cover and extra charges.

If you are arriving at the ceremony venue by horse and cart it is essential to do a dummy run beforehand along the actual route. Some brides have ended up more than an hour late because they hadn't anticipated the time the horse would take!