No Small Details: Tips for Getting In and Out of the Limo or
Car
There she is wearing the most expensive gown she is likely to buy in her lifetime. There it is . . . white, delicate, fragile, weighing in at thirty pounds or more, and, sporting a train that may be ten feet or longer. Add crinoline, tulle and lace and "top" it with more of the same in the form of a veil.
Now try getting out of a limousine or car in a ladylike
fashion while keeping the gown and veil safe from harm. No easy task, but there
are some tips which may help.
Make certain that someone is available where you embark and
debark (i.e., get in and out). Have that someone open the door for you. Bunch
up as much of the dress as possible, pushing as much of the skirt out in front
of yourself. Have someone behind you, lift and hold your train. Make sure that
whoever touches your gown is wearing clean, white gloves so that no oil or dirt
will mar the gown.
When getting into the vehicle, stand as close to the car as
possible (we will assume that the car is freshly washed), turn your back to the
door and gently lower yourself onto the seat; feet on the street, while you
bend at the waist to make room for your shoulders, head and body. Once you are
comfortably in the vehicle, straighten out your upper body, and turn slowly,
making sure the person holding your train moves with you. This will help to
avoid tearing and/or wrinkling your gown. At one time and in one movement, try
to bring your feet up and into the car. By this point, you should be sitting
correctly.
Sit back and gather your skirt up onto your lap, leaving
your train draped across your skirt and lap. This too will minimize winkles and
"de-cease" the possibility that your high heels will catch your
dress. You're done for a while, so sit back and relax. Allow everyone else to
enter through the opposite door, while watching for oncoming traffic.
Maintain your position. You defeat your efforts if you move
over or slide around. Keep your flowers next to you or on the seat across from
you, never on your lap. Flowers may be wet.
When you get to your destination, instruct the driver to pull up tightly to the curb. Allow everyone else in the vehicle to get out before you. Ask someone to take your flowers, as they exit. Instruct someone to open the door and wait for you to hand that person your train. Start to exit the vehicle. Turn your feet and your body toward the curb. Put your feet on the ground or the curb and then, head first, followed by shoulders, "lift" yourself out of the car. Then you may let go of your dress, train and skirts. You and your gown have made it!
For information about selecting a limousine company for your wedding, visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide article at http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/transprt.htm
