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If you’re ready for the era of sparkler exits to end (like us!), use this list of original ideas for your wedding send off to make the final moments of your wedding memorable and personable.
In recent years, sparkler or grand exits have become a staple in wedding day traditions. But we’re here to tell you that you don’t need one. The truth? Sparkler exits can feel a bit staged, as if they are just for the sake of the photo. And as wedding photographers, we pride ourselves on creating imagery that is authentic to you as the couple, rather than staging moments for an overdone photo opportunity. We encourage you to find wedding send off ideas that feel sincere and meaningful (or just really on-brand for you and the life you actually live).
The end of sparkler exits: why you need new ideas for your
wedding send off
Every moment of your wedding should be focused on your relationship, down to the final goodbyes. Here is a list of some of our favorite, unique wedding send offs.
Original ideas for a wedding send off
Have your grand exit after the ceremony
Although the days of rice tosses are gone (a beautiful tradition, but not as pretty to clean up), you can still make your ceremony exit special! Swap the rice for lavender, or eco-friendly confetti poppers. Not only will it be a fun way for guests to interact with you, but the photographs are immersive and exciting.
Liz and Eddie chose eco-friendly confetti poppers for their ceremony exit, which created some of my favorite images I've ever captured!
Firework finale
If you love the shine of a sparkler exit but want something with more excitement, a firework show at the end of the night will be both great entertainment for your guests and a showstopping way to kick off your marriage.
Mariah and Kyle had a fireworks show for their guests at their reception at EPCOT in Disney World. Guests were treated to coffee and desserts while they had a front row seat to one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in Central Florida!
Dried florals
If you’re looking for a more sustainable alternative for your wedding send-off, dried florals are the ideal choice. And the prep is easy too. Simply choose some small blooms to dry out then bag them up for easy tossing. Plus, they’re totally biodegradable too!
Gabby and Trey chose lavender for their exit in Virginia! Guests were given a paper cone with an their monogram embossed and it held fresh, fragrant lavender to toss!
Sail away
For waterfront weddings, a boat send off for your wedding will perfectly tie into the setting of your venue. Personalize the send off with a vessel that coordinates with your wedding, whether it's a vintage motorboat or a luxurious yacht.
After their brunch wedding at Capen House, Caroline and Paul took the Winter Park boat tour for their grand exit! Guests joined them on the sidewalk as they walked through a petal toss and on to their departure boat for a private boat ride around the lake!
Decorate a getaway car
Whether you hire a luxury vehicle or speed away in your own car, this is a classic for a reason! Decorate the car with streamers, window paint, or even a custom sign to personalize your exit. (Or keep it classic with just you, your new spouse, and a bouquet in tow!)
You could even do this post-ceremony! Hop in your getaway car and enjoy a few quiet moments with your new spouse as you make your way to the reception venue. (For that country club-chic vibe, you could even opt for a decorated golf cart!)
Take your time to say goodbye
For those with a more intimate wedding and a tight-knit family, taking it slow and giving your heartfelt goodbyes to your guests might be the way to go. As the evening comes to a close, your emcee can announce the final goodbyes and that can be your guests' cue to line up for final well-wishes and hugs as you leave the venue.
This is a great way to ensure you can greet and thank anyone you may not have had the chance to throughout the day. This can be in a line format, in a chic and comfortable lounge area, out by the fire — make it true to you, but don’t linger too long unless that’s what you want! (Just be sure to start your goodbyes about 30 minutes before your coverage ends so your photographers can capture all the sweet moments!)
A final toast
At the end of the evening, with the last round of champagne, thank and bid your guests farewell. This is a great option if you want to avoid the rush or line of hugs, and simply want to make a grand and curtain-style exit.
Nick and Rob chose to do a toast to all of their guests following their ceremony! They popped a bottle of champagne and celebrated everyone who joined them on their wedding day!
Have an After Party
There's no good reason to say goodbyes when you can continue the party! Have another smaller ballroom set up with the perfect club-atmosphere, or swanky cocktail lounge. Some of our clients even bring in an entire football theme! This is also the perfect time to grab a cute change of clothes (and shoes) and get ready for the best after-party ever!
Have a night shoot
If your photographers are scheduled to leave before the party ends, schedule their last 10 minutes to be a cute "flash" night shoot! We love taking our couples out of the party for a few final end shots!
