The Blog
The “Getaway Car,” also known as the Exit Car, Departure Car, or Bridal Car, is the iconic vehicle that whisks newlyweds away from their reception. But how did it come to be known as the “Getaway Car”?
Though there’s no definitive evidence, stories from my parents, grandparents, and various interviews suggest an interesting evolution. As automobiles became more common, so did the playful antics of groomsmen. These men would line up their cars, engines revving, ready to follow and chase the newlyweds in an effort to delay their romantic honeymoon night. The honeymoon destinations were often kept secret to add to the thrill of the chase.
One such tale comes from my parents, married in downtown Birmingham in the late 1940s. Their reception was held in the church Fellowship Hall. My father recounted how he and my mother left the reception in a hurry to outmaneuver the groomsmen. He had carefully planned a route through downtown Birmingham and Southside to lose the pursuers. Eventually, they switched cars at a prearranged spot. My mom just laughed and shook her head as he told the story.
A dear 94-year-old friend shared her experience from 1952. After their reception at the Country Club of Birmingham, her father, a judge, concerned about the potential for accidents, asked the police to block the entrance and exit after they drove off. The groomsmen were thwarted by the police, and she and her husband drove away in peace. They kept their honeymoon destination, Chicago, a secret for two days.
Growing up, I attended weddings where groomsmen would go to great lengths to delay the newlyweds. They would block the getaway car with their vehicles, place watermelon rinds under the wheels, or cover the windows with shaving cream. These antics, while sometimes frustrating for the couple, provided great entertainment for the guests.
By the 1990s, these traditions had mostly calmed down. Limousines and fancy rental cars became the norm, and the playful interference of groomsmen subsided. Nowadays, everyone, including the groomsmen, simply waves goodbye to the newlyweds, signaling the end of an era of mischievous fun.