Tin Cans on Wedding Cars: What Started This Clangy Tradition?
Carlos Kirby
· 4 min read
Weddings across the world are known for their customs and quirks. Some traditions are
handed down through the generations
. Many old wedding traditions have all but disappeared, but there are a few that remain consistent well-honored rites of passage. One of those is tying tin cans to the bumpers of wedding cars.As the happy couple drives off into their future after the ceremony, the clanging cans follow after them. This cacophony announces to all within hearing distance that the newlyweds are on their way.
Where the popular tradition of tin cans on wedding cars began
Tying tin cans to the back of the wedding cars is purposely meant to put on a show, according to
brides.com
. Though not as popular as it used to be, the tradition has both persisted and evolved. Lindsey Hartsough of Magnolia Event Design says the tradition is derived from the French custom of charivari later referred to as shivaree.
It is a joyous mock performance by wedding revelers with much banging and brouhaha. The purpose is to serenade the married couple as they drive away into the sunset.
It is also a way of having the community join in the celebration. The wedding car's decked-out spectacle, tin can cacophony, and big "Just Married" sign are hard to miss. The actual serenading is gone, but the grandeur of the occasion continues with the simple addition of noisemakers on the back of the wedding car.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
What is the best way to use cans on wedding cars?
MORE: America's Favorite Classic Cars
Decorating the wedding car, including the tin cans, is usually the job of someone at the wedding party or a family member. The cans are more often than not considered part of the traditional car decorations. Couples, of course, can request they be omitted or customized in some way.
The cans should be assembled and ready to tie onto the back of the wedding car ahead of time. Elizabeth Lutz, the owner of Glass Event Planning, suggests using different lengths of line to create a classic wedding car look. Painting the cans to match the wedding palette or incorporating fanciful ribbons and flowers helps to personalize the noisy display.
It is important to make sure the cans are well secured to the car. Using strong twine and even hot glue to attach the cans to the bumper or the trailer hitch is a good idea. The wedding car in all its glory is part of the traditional wedding ritual, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Getting creative with wedding car decorations
MORE: What’s the Best Way To Pack a Smaller Car for a Road Trip?
There are no set rules for decorating a wedding car. Some couples prefer to expand on the tried and true and others change it altogether. Lutz notes that getting creative and exploring the couple's interests with the wedding planner can help them decide what is best for them.
A customized "Just Married" sign on the back of the wedding car is also a great addition. If the getaway car is rented or borrowed, it's smart to check with them before attaching tin cans or using any paint. Streamers, flowers, and shoes are sometimes used as an alternative to tin cans.
Letting everyone know a couple has recently been married as they drive away is expected. It is as much a time-honored tradition as the bride wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue. With a little planning, the clanging noise of colorful tin cans will make the marital celebration even more special than it already is.
Drive into the future with affordable insurance from Jerry
Wedding memory books are filled with images of smiling couples waving and driving off into the future, tin cans trailing behind. Making sure the wedding car has the right insurance coverage is a smart way to start their life.
Jerry
is your number one resource for finding the best prices on car insurance. Make sure you are covered today by downloading our app and comparing rates from the top 50 insurance companies. 
