From carriages to limousines: how wedding transportation has changed in Lithuania
Each era in Lithuania had its unique wedding transportation, reflecting the social structure of the time. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, in Lithuanian villages, newlyweds were transported in decorated two-horse carriages – carriages called brikas. Horses were adorned with bells and ribbons not only for beauty – it was believed that the noise would ward off evil spirits.
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Between the wars, the temporary capital was flooded with Western fashions. Since only a few had private cars, wealthy city dwellers hired Kaunas taxi cars for weddings – official dealership-imported models like “Ford,” “Chevrolet,” or “Fiat” operated by “Amlitas” in Kaunas. These cars turned into wedding works of art: their engine hoods were densely decorated with garlands of fresh flowers, and a wreath of green rue symbolizing youth and purity was obligatorily attached to the radiator grille.
In the Soviet Union, cars were a scarce commodity, so wedding transportation became a clear demonstration of social status and connections. The most coveted but practically unattainable for ordinary people was the “Soviet seagull” – the “GAZ-13” or “Chaika” limousine. After serving in state institutions, they were transferred to Marriage Palaces after 10 years. In the late Soviet era, renting a “Chaika” for a wedding cost about 20-25 rubles. For comparison, the average salary of an LSSR citizen ranged between 120-150 rubles. So, not a cheap pleasure.
In typical proletarian weddings, the newlyweds rode in decorated “Volgas,” while the crowd and guests were squeezed into “Latvia” (RAF) minibuses. Two intertwined plastic golden rings were tied to the engine hood.
Open demonstration of financial status
After regaining independence, Lithuania was flooded with a wave of used cars from Western Europe. It was a time of drastic contrasts. Soviet cars were quickly replaced by luxurious Western cars with leather seats and natural wood dashboard trims, such as the “Mercedes-Benz W140” or the seventh generation “BMW (E38)”.
Celebrations moved from homes and apartments to banquet halls, cafes, and canteens, and transportation no longer served as an archaic protection against evil spirits – it became an open demonstration of financial status.
At the end of the first decade of our century, couples solidifying their eternal union traveled to celebrate with giants from across the Atlantic – nine-meter-long “Lincoln Town Car,” “Lincoln Navigator,” or “Hummer H2” limousines. Maximalism also solved a logistical issue. The entire entourage of bridesmaids and groomsmen fit inside, neon lights flickered in leather interiors, and a bar area was installed. If you saw a limousine on the street, you could almost be sure that wedding guests were inside.
However, these luxurious giants are now seen less and less on Lithuanian streets. How has the wedding transportation market changed, and what has pushed limousines off the road?
Today, newlyweds seek their own character
Wedding planner and founder of “Amber Idėja,” Tautvilė Raudytė-Ivaškevičienė, notes that the attitude towards wedding transportation is undergoing a huge shift. According to her, couples are moving away from the notion that there is one rule about which car must be used for the wedding.
“Limousines have not disappeared, but their popularity is no longer what it was 10–15 years ago. Previously, a long white limousine almost automatically associated with weddings,” says T. Raudytė-Ivaškevičienė.
She also emphasizes that two distinct extremes are visible in the market today. Some do not emphasize the car – choosing their own or relatives’ transport and allocating the saved budget to other parts of the celebration. Others look for a vehicle that creates a certain “wow” effect and tells a story.
“Even electric cars can be a choice, especially if sustainability is important to the couple. Most people look for transportation that has emotion, history, or visually complements the celebration,” shares T. Raudytė-Ivaškevičienė.
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Moreover, aesthetic perception is also changing. The car gradually becomes an expression of the style and taste chosen by the newlyweds themselves and becomes a key decoration of the celebration.
“For example, for classic or elegant weddings, a more restrained, luxurious car is chosen; for retro styling – an antique one; and for a more modern celebration – a sports car,” the interviewee explains.
Retro cars, convertibles, and personal transport – what’s trendy now
The fact that Lithuanians have gone crazy for retro spirit is confirmed by Julius Puidokas, head of the specialized car rental fleet “RetroNILL / VestuviuAutomobiliai.lt.” Asked which models are booked first, he unequivocally highlights American cars produced between 1950-1975 that resemble ocean waves.
“First and foremost, vintage retro American cars are booked. Convertibles are the most in-demand product on the market. An old, uniquely styled American convertible associates with a festive mood for Lithuanians,” he says.
Although there is huge pressure from “Instagram” culture worldwide, Lithuanians are not inclined to blindly follow social media trends. The car is chosen not by popularity but also considering the opinion of the other half.
Interestingly, Lithuanians rent cars not only to look good in front of the camera. Most often, a full package with a driver is ordered – the car is solemnly driven to the ceremony, church, then to a photoshoot in nature, and finally to the celebration venue. According to J. Puidokas, couples are not too demanding in this regard.
“Usually, the newlyweds’ wishes are simple, they are flexible and just choose from what we can offer at the time,” emphasized the interviewee.
Limousines in Lithuania are undoubtedly losing their leading position. Modern fashion revolves around elegant modernity, nostalgia-evoking past-century romance, and minimalism.
But the most significant shift has occurred in the mindset of the newlyweds themselves. Wedding planner T. Raudytė-Ivaškevičienė emphasizes a key trend prevailing today: Lithuanians have finally shed the pressure that weighed on them for decades.
“I think the main trend is that newlyweds today are less guided by the rule ‘a luxurious car is needed for the wedding.’ If they spend money on it, they usually want the car or other transport to simply have its own character,” says the founder of “Amber Idėja.”
Newlyweds no longer need a huge car emphasizing status. Now the couple tells their own authentic story. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a beloved personal car or a rented old convertible. In the end, what wins is not the price or size of the car but genuine, unfeigned emotions and comfort on the most important day of life.
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