Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I book a carriage for my event? We recommend you book at least 4 months in advance for weddings and one week in advance for rides in St. Charles and West Port. This is especially important around any holiday and the most popular wedding months (May and October). Call Paragon Carriage today, toll free, 1-888-587-2502 and ensure perfection for your event! Gift certificates are available.
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How many people does your vis-à-vis carriage/ cinderella carriage/ wagonette seat? Our vis-à-vis carriages (both the traditional and Cinderella theme) are built to seat six average adults. However, please remember to allow for more room if a wedding dress is part of the plan. Most dresses take up additional space plus, the bride and groom will have a person seated with them if the carriage is rented for six. Our wagonette seats 12-14 people making it perfect for large wedding parties or guests. We recommend one carriage for the bride and groom and another carriage for the bridal party and or guests.
How far can a horse travel and in what amount of time? The average for horse travel is four to five miles an hour. This is very important. Planning time tables of an event and also the calculation of how long you will need the carriage depends on the length to be traveled. We have software that can find the best route and measure the distance for you! If the distance proves too far for timing or practicality, we can still come to one location and do pictures and a ride for you. Your dream wedding should include a horse and carriage- we aren't just for transportation.
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What kind of horses are used? We use quality Percheron Draft Horses. Ours are spectacular dapple grey or white colors. This means they are generally born black and turn whiter with age. Visit the Carriage Ride page for the link to the Carriage Horses to see actual photos of our horses and learn about them!
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Is pulling a carriage hard work for the horse? Percherons were bred to work and also for riding by heavily armored men into battle. Percherons can pull an object without wheels an average of two and one-half times their weight. Our horses' average weight is 1900 pounds. That means they can pull an object without wheels that weighs 4750 pounds! Our carriages only weigh 1500-1800 pounds.
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May I feed the horse a treat/ do you have food for the horse? We do not allow treats to be fed to our horses while working. 1. This behavior would be like you eating a candy bar while exercising (not good for the horse or you) not to mention treats are not a normal diet for horses. 2. This promotes an association between human hands and food which is not good for unwary human hands and fingers since we allow the horses to be petted. Water is always brought with us and offered appropriately to the horses. The horses receive proper diets and occasional carrots and apples at the farm. The best "treat" we can give them is love and care- which we do first class!
What color are the carriages? Our vis-à-vis carriages are sparkling white with beautiful burgundy velvet interior. (Just like the ones on the Home Page and our Photo Page- take a good look- they are top quality!) Our regal 12-14 passenger wagonette is black and burgundy with soft black leather seats. This carriage is also top quality. Take a look at the photos!
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Where can I view the carriages and horses in person? You can make an appointment to visit our farm or an appointment to meet us at WestPort Plaza or St. Charles when we are there.
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What if the weather is cold, rainy, or hot? No problem! Our vis-à-vis carriages are convertible. The top comes up to cover you in case of rain or too much sun. If the weather is a bit chilly, curtains can be added for extra warmth. If the weather proves cold, the doors can be added as well to totally enclose you in warmth. We also provide clean,warm, soft blankets in cold weather. See our photo gallery to view the carriage in all options.