How to Have an Unforgettable, Unique, and Elegant Wedding Exit

Ceremony and reception entrances are always exciting, but don't forget about your exit! Your wedding send-off can be just as memorable and fun. Friends and family can create a receiving line and "send off" the couple with a celebratory item. From tossing flower petals to waving sparklers, there are endless creative ideas to choose from. The result is a photo-worthy moment that leaves a lasting impression. Trust me, it's easy to execute and will make your wedding day even more special!

According to my own experience in the wedding industry, you can customize the send-off in any way that suits your personality (as everything else in your wedding planning). Don’t get confused, a couple can have two send-offs, one at the end of the ceremony and one at the end of the reception, the second one being less common! A send-off in the end of the ceremony is very tradition, while a send-off at the end of the reception became famous in the past few years and is mostly done with some kind of light as most receptions goes throughout the night! It is also referred as “sparkler exit”, or “fake exit” because sometimes it is done only to allow the photographer to capture the photos and it doesn’t actually mean that the party has ended!

Now, let's explore some fun and unique ideas for your unforgettable, unique, and elegant wedding exit:

1. Toss Flower Petals: The tradition of the flower petal toss is not limited to just the flower girls at the beginning of the ceremony. It can also be a delightful and celebratory way to bid you farewell to the reception, after you have exchanged your vows and shared your first kiss. To create a harmonious look, choose petals in colors that complement your aisle decorations and opt for seasonal varieties. When your friends shower you with petals and you pause for a kiss, the radiant smiles of the newlyweds create stunning photographs. I cannot even begin to express how beautiful it is!

2. Launch Confetti: Setting off a canon of confetti will create an explosion of color and texture, leading to incredible photos. You can bring this idea to your dance floor, so friends and family can celebrate your new marriage while breaking it down to a killer soundtrack. I love silver and gold confetti for glamorous and contemporary nuptials.

3. Throw Glitter: For a truly memorable ending to your special day, consider walking through a shimmering sea of glitter. To ensure the best visual impact in photos and an easier cleanup process, opt for large-size glitter instead of the regular-sized one. However, it's important to note that if you choose glitter for your send-off idea, it is likely to stick to your hair and skin, particularly if you've been dancing and are sweaty. So, while it can create a stunning effect, be prepared for some glittery remnants on your body.

4. Blow Bubbles: For a unique and mess-free alternative, consider bubbles. They create a magical atmosphere and can double as favors for your guests. Bubbles aren't just for daytime celebrations; with enough lighting, they'll shine even in the dark. If you really want to up the ante, buy or rent a bubble machine.

5. Sparkler exit: The waving of sparklers is a timeless and classic way to bid farewell to the reception at a wedding. These mesmerizing flames can add a touch of glamour to a casual event or bring a sense of whimsy to the end of the celebration. To make the sparklers truly shine, hold them up against the night sky or coordinate them with the bright lights of a city backdrop. The less external light there is, the more impressive the sparklers will appear. Your photographer will be familiar with capturing sparkler exits, so don't hesitate to ask them to show you at least one picture they have taken of this type of send-off. It can be a bit challenging to capture the perfect shot! When purchasing sparklers, opt for the longest and biggest ones available, preferably at least 24 inches long. Regular-sized sparklers (10 inches) burn out quickly, and by the time the last person in line lights theirs, the first person's sparkler may have already burned out. This results in less light for photography and less excitement overall. As a thoughtful touch, consider presenting extra sparkler sticks in custom wrappers with your name or monogram as a wedding favor idea. Make sure to inform your wedding planner of the time and location of the wedding exit so that they can communicate it to the wedding party. Your wedding party should be equipped with long sparklers and EZ reach lighters, as regular matches won't suffice. Please refrain from purchasing cute and personalized matches, as they are not suitable for this purpose and may be too slow. Additionally, some people may light their sparklers faster than others, which can cause issues.

6. Wave Ribbon Wands: Give your guests ribbon wands to wave as you make your grand exit. This adds a rustic and whimsical flair to your wedding, and it's a great alternative to streamers. Plus, it won't leave any litter behind. You can easily make these colorful wands as a DIY project, adding a personal touch to your special day.

7. Rice Toss: This is the most traditional send-off idea. Showering the newlyweds with rice is a practice that dates back to Roman times. It symbolizes fertility and prosperity for your marriage. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also creates a cinematic feel in your wedding photos. Just be cautious if the send-off happens on a slippery surface.

Remember, your wedding exit should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Choose an idea that resonates with you and creates a memorable moment for everyone involved. Coordinate with your wedding planner or coordinator to ensure a smooth execution of your chosen send-off idea. Communicate the details to your guests so they can participate and be ready with the necessary items, such as petals, confetti, sparklers, or ribbon wands.

To capture the best photos of your wedding exit, work closely with your photographer. Discuss the timing, lighting, and positioning to ensure they capture the magical moments as you make your grand exit. They may suggest additional lighting equipment or specific angles to enhance the visual impact of your send-off.

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the moment! Your wedding exit is a celebration of your love and the start of your new journey together. Take a deep breath, hold hands with your partner, and soak in the joy and excitement as you bid farewell to your loved ones. It's a moment you'll cherish forever.