Transport mode to match the mood

From choppers to coffins – these are some of the outlandish transportation modes matric dance couples have employed to get to their end-of-school farewells.

And while gorgeous gowns and terrific tuxes can set parents back thousands of rand, the bill can rocket when transport costs are added.

The tradition for arriving in elegant or wacky style peaked a few years back when parents hired a helicopter for a matric couple.

A stretch limo for four couples would set their parents back R1300 for the evening, according to Limos Unlimited owner Brandon Higson.

Some East London schools no longer allow vehicles and carriages to deliver couples up the driveway because once grandstands have been erected for friends and family to cheer the red carpet couples on, there is little place for traffic jams.

Couples are now dropped off at the school gate and swish up the red carpet on foot.

This is also why many East London matrics now opt for party buses or taxis and split the cost down to about R100 per couple, said Hudson Park staff member Jackie Acton.