Uber has launched stylish open-top convertible rides for newlyweds this August Bank Holiday, after research claimed 72% of couples suffer from severe stress over their big day.
Travel giants Uber say many are ditching traditional country-estate weddings and instead fleeing to sleek, fast-track town hall ceremonies like pop star Dua Lipa had.
Research reveals wedding stress
Research claims 72% of couples experience severe stress leading up to their big day and 42% have considered cancelling it completely. Top drivers for the shift include slashing exorbitant costs (28%), keeping the vows quick and meaningful (24%), and paring down the guest list (23%).
Despite this, 72% of brides still demand an 'iconic, internet-breaking photo moment', while 46% worry a low-key wedding lacks that signature 'wow' factor.
Uber's 'Hitch 'n Ride' service
Uber says it's stepping in to give registry office couples the ultimate post-ceremony upgrade via rides in their open-top convertible 'Hitch 'n Ride' service. Couples getting married during the August Bank Holiday are being promised a paparazzi-style entrance and exit from the registry office. They'll let couples step straight from their doorstep into a luxury convertible ride directly to their ceremony and onwards to their reception venue.
Uber say they're working with 'expert chauffeurs' who will provide direct transport for the couple and two witnesses. They add a chilled bottle of premium English sparkling wine will be provided for the drive between the registry and the reception.
Availability and costs
Uber say the experience is available to couples getting hitched at registry offices in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, Bristol, Sheffield and Leicester. This news comes as registry office couples say cutting the traditional guest list saved them an average of £2,171 in venue and catering costs. They say couples are opting to reallocate that budget where it actually counts, such as 28% putting it toward house deposits, while 22% are prioritising dream honeymoons.
Uber UK's general manager, Andrew Brem, said: "At Uber, we believe showing up for our riders matters, whether it's for the everyday trip or one of life's biggest moments. For couples saying 'I do' at their local town hall, 'Hitch 'n Ride' makes getting to the celebration easier, while adding a little extra magic to the journey."
'Hitch 'n Ride' will run exclusively over the August Bank Holiday [August 28-31] across the UK. Tickets will go live on www.hitchnride.co.uk at 10am on August 24 on a first-come-first-served basis.
