A cut above

I wonder how many of you realise how stressful chauffeuring can be.  Well it's only driving the car isn't it?  It would be nice to think that's all there is to it, but there are a few more considerations:

1. Clean & polish the car to a high standard.
2. Check around the door mehanisms, make sure they are free from oil and grease (and the nightmare that would ensue)
3. Double check your timings and locations.
4. Check that the chilled Champagne, glasses, mints, tissues are on board.
5. Ensure that you have contact details for the pick ups.
6. Double check your back up plan should the unthinkable happen.

That's it then - ready!

Of course you have allowed sufficient time if traffic is encountered, or a diversion.

On one occasion, with all these checks behind me, I arrived in good time at the bride's house.  I was patiently waiting on what was a very steep drive.  Now, normally I don't bother using the handbrake as the Rolls Royce is an automatic, but on this  occasion I thought it prudent to apply the brake.  A guest came out of the house and needed to get his car out, I duly started the car and released the handbrake which, on a Rolls is in the form of a lever that retracts under the dashboard.  Unfortunately for me the tip of my index finger was hanging over the edge of the lever, so as the lever retracted it trapped my finger. 

Well blood - you wounldn't have believed it! 

This presented me with quite a problem as no matter what I did to stem the flow, it just kept on coming and as it's usual to assist the bridge in ensuring that all of her dress is collected inside the car to avoid being trapped in the door or worse, be on the outside.  The last thing I wanted was a giant red smear up the side of a beautiful wedding dress.

Fortunately the bride came to the front door and invited me to wait inside, seeing my finger immediately offered me a plaster, so after a cold rinse and the application of said plaster, I was once again 'fit for duty'.  You just never know what's going to happen!  I made an immediate note to self - tomorrow, go and buy a first aid kit to keep in the glove box!

Until next time - Have a great Christmas.

Tales of a Chauffeur

As I Said last time - It's suprising what a chauffeur gets asked to do.  This particular Saturday I collected a Bride from the Chesterfield area, It was a very pleasant sunny morning, and as is usual I arrived in good time and advised the excited/stressed household of my arrival.  You can often see a visible sigh of relief at your arrival, "Well at least we can get to the Church".

We set of in good time for a very nice location not far from Alfreton.   About 20 miniutes into the journey, with about 2 miles left to go, I detected a great deal of 'fidgeting' in the back of the car.  Eventually the Bride asked if I could pull over, fortunately I was approaching a large lay by, so I dutifully stopped the car.

The Bride then explained to me that she had a 'wardrode malfunction', namely one of these had become detached!

She quite matter of factly asked if I could help her to reconnect the offending object as it was round the back and the 'fullness' of the dress was preventing her from doing this herself!  All part of the duties of a chauffeur.  I made sure my hands were warm and knelt down next to the rear door while she leaned over, and after a couple of attempts the clip was restored to it's rightful place. Phew!

With the Bride now feeling 'secure' once again, we proceeded on to the venue, where she thanked me for my assistance, giving me a knowing smile, "All part of the service" said I.

Before there is a huge rush of applications to be a chauffeur, I have to say that this doesn't happen very often!

Ribbons Wind & Smoke

Blogging again so soon I hear you ask, will I burn out? 

I found this photo of the decoration I used on the front of the Rolls Royce.  This decoration in particular always needed plenty of attention when securing, as the wind pushing against it could sometimes spin it round!  I tried various methods , until I found that wrapping the ribbon round in a crossover two directional manner ensured that it never moved, even after a long journey.

Only once did I have to remove the ribbons for travelling.  The wind was so strong (trees falling over strong) that the resistance of the ribbons was pulling back the mascot (which is sprung loaded) to such an extent it was in danger of damaging the car!  I really felt for the Bride that day, we had all on keeping her veil etc in place let alone the dress on the floor.

Fortunately by the time the service was over the wind had subsided.  Which was also fortunate for what seemed like the exceptionally large number of guests that literally burst out of the church in a desperate bid to get a nicotine fix, the relief on their faces was obvious.  Long service I guess. Happy days!

I used to regale my friends and family with the days events, it's sometimes quite surprising the things a chauffeur is asked to do!  But a professional chauffeur can turn his hand to many a task.  

But that's for next time...

Start at the very beginning - a very good place to start

We have been involved with wedding car hire since 2003 when we started with 2 classic cars. Since I was a boy I had always wanted a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.  My opportunity came when I heard about a local car coming up for sale.  With much anticipation on a cold & wet February night I travelled to see the car.  As  I entered a large garage there she was! Looking gorgeous, even in the half light of the day, a deep rich blue with cream leather.

Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II

Our other vehicle was a complimenting Mercedes S500 long wheelbase, the ride in this vehicle was just amazing.  Quiet & effortless in the comfortable leather heated 'armchairs' electrically adjustable front & back. Complete with double glazing!

Mercedes S500

I expect, like many other wedding car hire companies, we often received enquiries for vehicles we didn't have. Not wishing to disappoint the callers, we would try to help them source the vehicle they were looking for.  After many conversations it became apparent that there was a need for a directory that helped people find what they were looking for. This may sound obvious, but who wants to look at a list of companies, when really what you want to look for is a type or a colour or both!

Hence wedding car hire from Wedcars was born.