The reception is over and it’s time for the bride and groom to depart. Plan ahead for the perfect send off. Everyone has been to receptions where guests shower the bride and groom with bubbles or line the path with sparklers as they run to the car (or waiting carriage). If that is your style, then go for it. If you want to do something a little different, here are a few ideas.
Balloons
Create magical photos of your departure with balloons. If it is at night, gorgeous balloons with an LED light inside of them create a magical effect. Guests can line up and let the balloons go in unison or gradually as the bride and groom walk past. The lighted balloons give the look of lanterns without the fire hazard. As a bonus, the balloons can be used as a decoration during the reception. A typical LED balloon glows for 12-24 hours. The LED lights are white, but can be put into any color of latex balloon. Local party stores or florists stock lighted balloons and can deliver them on the day of the event ready to go. If the ceremony is in the daytime, try balloons in your wedding colors as you exit the church or ceremony the effect is equally as stunning.
Ribbon Wands
Set a sign out with two vases full of adorable ribbon wands. The sign can read, “Please take a ribbon wand and give a wave of good wishes to the new Mr. and Mrs.” The ribbons can be in our wedding colors. It’s a good idea to let guests know what time the sendoff is so that they’re not holding their ribbon wand all night waiting for the right time to wave it.
Glow Sticks
For a fun summer look, give long glow sticks to guests (the necklace length). They can wave them as you come past. The photos look like a brilliant light show. Stick with your wedding colors, or go multi-color for a festival look.
Confetti
Metallic is a hot trend in weddings. Choose gold confetti to give a sparkly effect to your exit photos, or get it in one of your wedding colors, and add glitter. Guests can shower you with their well wishes as you depart on your new lives together.
If you are counting on having photos of the exit, be sure that the photographers’ contract includes staying until the end of the reception. Many photographers will contract for a set amount of hours. Double check to be sure that you’ll have gorgeous photos of the final moments of your celebration, or if you’re short on “photo time” have a daylight exit after the ceremony instead of waiting until the end of the reception.