But leaving aside vintage fire engines, pink Cadillacs and other eccentric and individualistic options, what are the differences between the principal alternatives, and what are the pros and cons of hiring a classic car from Summer Wine Classics?

Manufactured in the 1960s and 1970s, our classic cars are now between 29 and 47 years old and the main reasons people choose them for their weddings are their timeless good looks and photogenic qualities. Classic cars have understated style and charm and they are also a part of our national heritage and hold an important place in many of our lives. Very often one of the Jaguars is dad's favourite car, or perhaps granddad had a Rover 100 just like ours.

On duty at wedding and reception venues they attract comments from guests and passers-by on the lines of "They don't make them like that any more,", "Now that's what I call a 'proper' Jaguar," or simply "When cars were cars!"

What is a classic car?
A 'classic car' is any motor vehicle no longer in production that is still popular and the term is usually used to describe cars from the 1940s to the 1970s. SWCCH is a member of the Historic and Classic Car Hirers' Guild and the guild's vehicle age eligibility cut off is set at 25 years.

The definition of a 'veteran' car is a vehicle made before the end of 1918 and, strictly speaking, a car has to have been manufactured between 1919 and 1930 to be called 'vintage', although cars built before the Second World War are often described as such.

Vintage cars make wonderful wedding cars and if they are fastidiously maintained they can be reliable machines, but veteran vehicles are perhaps a little too old and rickety to be practical for more than very occasional use.

Cars described as 1920s or 1930s 'style' are relatively new cars made from kits to look like period vehicles. They are often open topped, which can be an attractive feature, but although they appear to be old fashioned, they are usually based on rebuilt Ford Sierras or similar vehicles.

Technically, a limousine is an enclosed vehicle with a partition behind the driver. Traditional classic limousines such as 1950s Rolls Royces and Bentleys are splendidly grand and spacious wedding cars. Expensive to buy and maintain, they are usually operated by highly professional companies.

A modern Bentley gives a contemporary look and stretched limos are highly effective people carriers that offer a completely different and extraordinary experience. The best of them have huge and luxurious interiors complete with sophisticated sound systems, well stocked drinks cabinets, stunning lighting systems and mind blowing laser displays!