Ideas for your Wedding Send-Off
When working with my wedding coordinator he told me that one of the most forgotten wedding details is your send off. So to save you the headache close to the wedding, I wanted to share some ideas now to help make the decision easier. I also wanted to make sure there are ideas here for every budget because the priority you put on this detail of the wedding is totally up to you!
the tradition alternate
In every class movie wedding scene, you see people throwing rice. However, we’ve learned that rice can’t actually be digested by birds and other creatures so might we suggest bird seed? Same granular idea as rice, but nice to the wildlife.
2. other things to throw
These are all fun ways to create an arch around you and your new spouse as you run between your guests. Any of these will create such great photos with an almost halo effect. For this you will just have to make sure to have plenty of whatever you choose for each guest:
Bubbles
Flower petals, dried florals, or leaves
Confetti (or confetti canons)*
Streamer poppers
Glitter* or sequins
Paper planes
*Be sure to get the biodegradable version!
3. Things to hold
Much like the above suggestions, these ideas get your guests interacting with your exit. However, these are the objects they will be holding on to and NOT throwing:
Flags (either custom with your initials/monogram or maybe the countries you’re from if you’re international)
Glow sticks
Ribbon wands
Bells
Sparklers (your planner will NOT be happy about this idea as drunk people + fire = usually not great things, but you need to know your options)
4. The release
Probably the most unique suggestion on the list: butterflies! Butterflies symbolize new beginnings and happiness.
5. Transportation
If you want exit photos that will really make a statement, rent a vintage car to have waiting out in front of your venue or (if you’re on the water) rent a boat! These are exits that you can also mix with ideas 1-3 to create a very memorable experience!
6. The party bus
Piggy-backing off the point above: For my recent wedding we bussed all of the guests back and forth from the hotel to the venue because we were in the backroads of Kentucky and I wanted a PARTY. There were 2 trips back and forth before the ceremony, and as many trips as needed for people wanting to leave anytime after the ceremony. The last bus left when the reception was over and that was the party bus! Everyone got on and my husband and I were the last people to get on this bus. That moment is one of my many favorite memories of the night! From there one group of people got dropped off at the hotel and the rest of us were dropped off at a bar downtown where we continued to dance the night away. I highly recommend this “exit” if you are wanting a fun way to continue the night with your people.
7. The show
Give your guests a last minute “wow” moment with fireworks, a light show, or air show (this one would have to be done in the daytime)! Just be sure to check with your venue first to make sure it’s permitted.
8. The irish exit
The introvert’s dream exit… leave without telling anyone! If you are already a little uneasy about all of the attention you are going to get for the ceremony, first dances, and speeches, feel free to sneak away whenever you are done. You are the couple, you make the rules!
One thing to remember is that from my experience (and hearing photographer’s recommendation), if you are wanting photos of your grand exit you are going to have to fake this exit before the end of the reception. Most photographers do not stay until the end of the night because there are only so many photos you want to pay for of your sweaty drunk cousin on the dance floor. It’s totally normal to gather everyone together during the party to take exit photos.
Which grand exit are you planning to do for your wedding?
Lauren Allen, Author
Lauren is a wedding designer executive and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here
