With almost 42,000 couples set to walk down the aisle this August, research out today suggests brides and grooms-to-be should worry about their motors instead of being jilted at the altar if they want to get hitched.
With almost 42,0001 couples set to walk down the aisle this August, research out today suggests brides and grooms-to-be should worry about their motors instead of being jilted at the altar if they want to get hitched.
New research from RAC reveals that the mode of transport breaks down in more than one in 10 (11%) weddings, meaning motoring mishaps affect almost 5,000 weddings each summer.
Despite this, planning for transport problems comes way down the list of wedding priorities for engaged couples. Only 4% worry about their car breaking down on their special day.
Instead, top wedding day worries are:
- Fears that bad weather will rain on the parade (26%)
- Being stood up by their partner (13%)
- An embarrassing wedding day speech (10%)
- The best man losing the rings (6%).
But in reality, couples are almost three times more likely to breakdown en route to the church than the best man is to lose the wedding rings.
Wedding planner Siobhan Craven-Robins comments: “Wedding clichés like the best man losing the rings or the groom having a change of heart are common currency in films and television shows so it’s little surprise they weigh heavily on people’s minds. As this research shows however, there are far more likely occurrences that can jeopardise a couple's big day. You can bet Ashley and Cheryl planned their transport carefully and it’s important that other couples do the same.”
Last summer, RAC patrols attended more than 1,000 wedding-related call outs and in preparation for a busy couple of months, RAC has teamed up with Siobhan Craven-Robins to provide brides and grooms with tips and advice for getting to the church on time.
Prakesh Patel, RAC patrolman, comments: “Nerves, tension and the summer heat can make for an explosive combination and best kept to a minimum. In my experience of rescuing distraught brides and grooms stranded at the side of the road, I’ve always been surprised at how easily people can forget to check their car before setting out. As our survey reveals, almost a quarter of couples don’t check their vehicle is in good working order the night before getting married and with more than one in six people travelling to weddings in their own car, that’s just asking for trouble!”
Siobhan Craven-Robins’ top tips for couples include:
- Ensure the hire company checks and cleans their cars before each hire, and that the driver does a dummy run the week before your wedding so that he or she is familiar with the route and any road works etc
- If you breakdown en route to the ceremony, ensure someone calls the best man to alert him to any delays
- Remember that weddings are nearly always delayed. Many other people will have been in similar situations
- If you plan on travelling in a family member’s car, ask them to have it thoroughly checked over and to make sure that they have adequate breakdown and insurance cover in the event of any problems
- RAC membership covers you as a driver or passenger in any vehicle so you can be guaranteed peace of mind no matter whose car you’re travelling in
- If the breakdown occurs on the way from the ceremony to the reception venue, then again call ahead to the venue. Someone there will be able to come and collect the couple equipped with some chilled champagne to calm their nerves.
-ends-
1 Based on average numbers of weddings in the month of August from 1993 to 2003, taken from Office of National Statistics figures
RAC Press office contacts:
Jasmine Agbulos or Chris Lauwerys at Lexis PR on 0207 908 6402 or 0207 908 6465
Jon Day at RAC Press Office on 07800 690555
Notes to editors:
Case studies available on request.
ICM interviewed a random sample of 1002 adults aged 18+, by telephone across the country between 12–13 July 2006. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one-in-seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.
RAC’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.