33 Ideas For The Perfect Wedding Send Off And Exit

There are lots of moments within a wedding which are really memorable. From walking down the aisle, to saying your vows, to your first dance and cutting the cake.

There are many aspects of a wedding to consider. However, you don’t want to neglect how you are going to exit.

A wedding exit or send off goes through phases of popularity and decline.

At the end of your wedding, you may wonder what you can do for a perfect exit. You could not do anything, but that would be quite boring.

There are in fact lots of options for you to choose from. This includes fake snow, bubbles, glow sticks and even lightsabers.

You can make your exit really special to you and the groom, while also being a lot of fun at the same time.

This will produce unique and happy photographs to look back on. 

In this article, we have collected 33 send off ideas for you to choose from.

You will be able to find at least one send off idea in this article to use in your own wedding to make the perfect exit. 

Why Do People Have A Wedding Send Off?

Sending the newly married couple off is a big tradition for a lot of people that they wish to be a part of.

This is because sending the new couple off at the end of their wedding reception and onto their honeymoon is a tradition that is believed to date back to the Ancient Romans. 

It is a great way to signal the end of the wedding and the celebration of the married couple. It is also seen as a statement that the couple are now entering a new chapter in their lives together. 

Not everyone participates in this tradition, so you may not see it at every wedding you go to.

However, if you want to have as many pictures of this big day as possible, then a send-off is a great way to create some more memorable images to look back on. 

Your wedding send off is the last memory your guests will have of your big day, so it’s important to make it a memorable one!

Amazing Wedding Ceremony Exit Ideas

Once you have said ‘I do’, now you can go and celebrate at your reception with your friends and family.

However, as you walk back down the aisle, this is another great photo opportunity, which can be made even more exciting. 

The following are great ideas you may use as you walk down the aisle after you have said your vows. 

Flower Petals

Flower petals are the perfect romantic send off for any wedding. Most people may think of using rose petals, but you could use any flower petals that you wish.

Throwing rose petals looks fantastic in photographs. In addition to that, they will give your pictures the familiar end-of-a romantic comedy wedding scene appearance.

Have a modest sign visible that instructs guests if they are receiving tiny cones of flower petals when they come for the ceremony.

You want it to read something like, “After the ceremony, shower the newlyweds with these flower petals as they go down the aisle. Throw them high above the newlyweds.”

The ability to color-coordinate flower petals with your wedding’s colors and theme is one of their many advantages.

However, before the wedding, check with your venue to make sure that flower petals are permitted.

Bubbles

One of our very favorite wedding departures is with bubbles. Yet, bubbles can be used for either after the ceremony or at the end of your wedding reception.

They are inexpensive and accessible. Most wedding venues have no problems with their use, and they look fantastic in pictures.

We would highly recommend that you use bubble guns. This is because they are simple for everyone to use. While also, they generate a lot of bubbles in a short space of time.

The end results always look dreamlike and really impressive.

The loudest individual you know should be in charge of directing the bubble send-off and announcing the appropriate time for everyone to begin blowing bubbles.

This is necessary because you would like everyone to release bubbles simultaneously right before the pair leaves.

The most bubbles and the greatest pictures will emerge from this. 

If you let the guests decide, they’ll usually start blowing bubbles as soon as they notice the couples beginning to depart.

The bulk of the bubbles reach a height where they can be photographed, but the couple has already moved past them.

Blow lots of bubbles right before the pair leaves for the best bubble exit.

If you use bubbles at night, then your photographer will need different flashes behind and to the side of you.

This is to ensure that you can clearly see the bubbles while adding more detail and texture to the images. 

Rice

Ancient Romans used to throw rice when the couple left the wedding ceremony.

As a representation of starting from the ground up, guests showered the newlyweds with rice, oats, or wheat. This always varied depending on what was available.

The simplest and least expensive send-off idea is definitely tossing rice.

The fact that rice is quite slick when trodden on when on a hard surface such as concrete or wood must be noted. Use with caution in these environments.

Ribbon Wands Or Streamers

Since they don’t create a mess and are simple to find, streamers or ribbon wands make excellent marriage send-off decorations.

You may easily create your own or get them on Etsy. Since the couple can match the streamers and ribbon wands to the bridesmaids’ outfits and wedding decorations, we adore using them. 

They are available in various colors and styles. In addition, they produce stunning photographs. Also, guests can keep the ribbon wands as a momentum of the big day itself.

Birdseed 

As mentioned above, rice is a classic thing to throw at the end of a wedding ceremony.

However, there is a lot of debate around whether it is right to throw rice, due to birds eating the rice that is left on the floor.

Therefore, birdseed is a safer option you may wish to consider. 

Birdseed is really easy to get a hold of and cheap. Also, just like with rice, you must be careful when throwing birdseed.

As it can cause some surfaces to become slippery after.

Leaves

Although you may use leaves for a send-off at any time of year, choosing autumn leaves for a fall wedding is a no-brainer. This is due to their vibrant colors. 

Either cut the leaves up into smaller pieces, or have guests hurl whole leaves at the couple.

Another fantastic idea is to make your own fall leaf confetti by purchasing a hole puncher that produces either circles, stars or hearts.

This adds a more romantic effect to this option. While also being really easy and affordable to create in large quantities. 

Handkerchiefs

You can pick up or make your own handkerchiefs really easily. In addition to this, you can get handkerchiefs that are in your wedding colors so that everything matches.

You may even embroider the handkerchiefs so that they have the newlyweds couple initials on it and the date of the wedding. 

All you have to do is give all the wedding guests a handkerchief at the start of the ceremony.

Then as the couple walk back down the aisle at the end, everyone should wave their handkerchief around. This will create really colorful and vibrant pictures. 

Although, if the handkerchiefs are white, this will create gorgeous and clean images instead. It will make the bride and groom stand out a lot more.

Pom Pom Balls

For something a bit different yet colorful, you should consider guests throwing pom pom balls. They are a great alternative to confetti and can be brought easily online or from any craft store.

You can purchase them in various sizes and colors. Hence, you may wish to purchase the pom pom balls in various colors or the colors of your wedding theme. 

Furthermore, pom pom balls are really easy to clean up. They take a matter of minutes to gather up.

Smoke Bombs

The last few years have seen a huge increase in the use of smoke bombs.

We like that you can match the smoke’s color to the hues or theme of your wedding. They also produce really colorful and interesting images. 

Although, you do need to be careful with certain smoke bombs, as some are known to dye clothes if they get into contact with them.

Hence, you should be mindful about ensuring the smoke bombs are pointed away upwards and away from anyone’s clothing. 

Horse And Carriage

A classic way to leave your wedding ceremony or wedding reception is by a horse and carriage.

Feel like a prince or princess, as you ride away in style. This is great for any themed wedding, but looks really fantastic for a rustic or country wedding. 

There Is little to no planning involved and is a great alternative if you don’t want to have a car.

However, it is always important to double-check weather conditions, as no one wants to ride in a horse and carriage whilst it’s raining.

Butterflies

If done correctly, releasing butterflies during a wedding ceremony can be beautiful. Be sure to consult your butterfly farmer and heed their advice for what they suggest. 

We advise performing butterfly releases only in the spring and summer. This way, the butterflies will have plenty of blooms and nectar to consume after they have been released. 

Releasing butterflies could be seen as a more unusual wedding exit, but it creates a really natural and beautiful display.

Also, this idea does not harm nature in any way, instead you are supporting it by releasing more butterflies into nature. 

Doves

Just as with butterflies, why not release doves as you leave your wedding ceremony. This can create a really magical and fairy tale ending to your wedding.

Doves have a great significance with weddings as it shows the union that the couple have made with one another. 

It is important to make sure you hire a professional when it comes to releasing the doves and that they know the right time to let them loose.

This would look really elegant for a couple leaving a church wedding or for any type of outdoor wedding. 

Paper Airplanes

Paper airplanes are a unique and different send off that not many people utilize. With paper airplanes, they are simple to create, and you can make them in whatever colors that you wish.

Hence, you can spend time creating airplanes in your wedding colors or colors that fit your wedding theme.

Then these paper airplanes can be kept by anyone at the wedding ceremony as a reminder of the big day.

There are a couple of tips to follow when using paper airplanes for your wedding ceremony exit. It is best that all guests start throwing their airplanes at the same time.

This way, you will have more airplanes in the air at once, which should produce much better and interesting photos. 

Also, as soon as the airplanes have been thrown into the air, the couple should stop and kiss. This option is really easy to tidy up after use and is a lot of fun for everyone involved. 

Lavender

Toss lavender at the newlyweds as they come down the aisle to create a really enchanting way to wish well on their journey together.

The best thing about tossing lavender is that it will leave you with a sweet scent afterward.

Not everyone enjoys the scent of lavender, but if you do, this may be the perfect send off option for you to select. 

Dirt Bike Or Motorcycle

If the happy couple want some thrill of excitement, then they would leave their wedding ceremony and enter their wedding reception on a dirt bike or motorcycle.

This is a more usual vehicle choice, but that doesn’t mean you can use them. 

They are perfect if you are having a barn or farm wedding and want to enter or exit in style.

Olive Leaves

We mentioned doves previously in this section, and while doves are known for peace and harmony, so are olive leaves.

Therefore, have all your guests at the ceremony wave an olive branch at the happy couple as they exit the ceremony. This will promote positive vibes, harmony and peace with this new union. 

Beach Balls

If you happen to be getting married outside with a beach theme or on the beach, then beach balls are a no-brainer for the perfect wedding ceremony exit.

Not only are beach balls super easy to find and purchase, but they are easy to clean up afterwards. 

Even better, you can use the beach balls for your wedding ceremony exit.

Then the beach balls can be brought along to your wedding reception to be played with, on the dance floor. 

Classic Cars

A really stylish way to enter or leave your wedding ceremony is with a classic car.

However, you could choose any type of car of your choice. It is always great to have some pictures taken by the car. 

There are a lot of options out there for you to choose from. Some of the more popular cars we have seen include a Harely Davidson, a Hummer, a DeLorean and a 65 Mustang.

If you are a couple who likes classic cars, you will love this option. 

Swords

Create some fascinating images, by having the groomsmen creating an arch out of swords for the happy couple to walk under.

This is a great option to create some unique photos, and can create a more royal aesthetic.

Perfect Wedding Exit Ideas For After The Wedding Reception

All the following ideas will be perfect for at the end of the night when you are ready to wrap the wedding reception up.

Consider one of these options for the newly-weds to walk out to, so they can go and start their new married life together. 

Sparklers

The most typical method to conclude a wedding reception is with a send-off using wedding sparklers.

About 75% of the weddings we have witnessed over the last few years have finished with a sparkler exit. They are so common since they always create gorgeous images. 

It is important to make sure that you coordinate with your photographer and wedding party before you light the sparklers.

This will ensure that everything goes smoothly. You want your wedding party to form two lines on either side of the aisle and light their sparklers.

It is important that they move their sparklers to create some really beautiful shapes and patterns as you walk down the aisle. 

If you are able to get larger sparklers, you will be able to walk down the aisle twice and have twice photo opportunities to get the best images. 

With all that being said, you do need to think about safety precautions when it comes to sparklers.

At the location of the sparkler exit, be sure you have one or two buckets containing water or sand.

Your visitors will have a secure location to store the sparklers after use using the buckets provided. 

It is also important that someone makes a declaration before lighting them. This way everyone will be paying attention to what is happening and fewer chances of accidents forming. 

Glow Sticks

An excellent substitute for wedding sparklers are glow sticks.

Glow sticks are one of our favorite party favors since they can be used on the dance floor for the remainder of the reception and again for the grand exit.

Plan your glow stick exit in advance with your photographer for the greatest results.

The shutter speed on the photographer’s camera must be slowed down slightly to somewhere between 1/30 and 1/4 of a second.

Then they can freeze you and your spouse while capturing the motion of the glow sticks by adding a pop of flash. If done properly, it has a really beautiful appearance.

Make sure that the couple pause midway through their departure, so the couple can kiss each other. Everyone will start to cheer as a result, which will make the pictures appear much more lively.

Sky Lanterns

Sky lanterns might appear quite stunning in photographs, but they may also require a lot of upkeep.

We have observed numerous couples battle to make them work. Given that it can take a while, we have witnessed weddings when attendees began to leave.

It can take between 20 and 30 seconds for a lantern to go up once they have properly warmed up.

If you’re going to do this during your wedding, we advise conducting your research. You can’t wing sky lanterns, but if you get them right, they look amazing. 

We advise only the bride and groom, wedding party and the family to ignite the lanterns.

You have a greater chance of achieving those go up simultaneously if you do this, and this will provide you with better photos. 

Additionally, this allows the remaining guests to just take in the scenery.

The most important thing is to make sure you capture both a close-up photo of you igniting the lantern. Then a broader photo of the lantern rising into the night sky above the crowd.

Before you buy any lanterns, be sure to consult with your venue.

In addition to the fact that many venues forbid such activities, several states, like California, also forbid it on a state-wide basis.

If you’re getting married in an area with wildfires or grass fires, you can guarantee that you may not be allowed to do them. 

For a lantern send-off that is safer, choose a battery-powered light in contrast to an open flame.

Lightsabers

For any couple that loves Star Wars, then lightsabers are a great way to incorporate this beloved film series into your wedding.

There is nothing more grand than all your guests holding a lightsaber up high as you walk out. 

What can make this moment even better is having your favorite Star Wars theme song being played as you leave.

We would highly advise either the main theme song or the ending theme song. 

Fake Snow

Faux snow might be the best choice for your wedding reception exit if you’re organizing a winter wedding.

However, if you can’t get your hands on a snow machine, then you could always use silver or white confetti.

Although, we would advise using biodegradable and environmentally friendly confetti.

Ensure that you ask your venue about their rules and regulations for your snow machine send-off. This is important whether you wish to use confetti or a snow machine.

Biodegradable Confetti

For the big day, confetti is a very popular send-off option because it looks beautiful in images and is simple to find.

Yet, you could always create your own confetti. The use of biodegradable confetti is advised, as it is better for the planet.

When it comes to the pictures of the send-off with the confetti, you need to ensure that someone organizes everyone.

This way, everyone will know when to toss their confetti at the right time as you are walking down the aisle.

It is important to stop halfway to have a picture of you kissing your new spouse with this confetti flying around you. 

It is important to make a cleanup strategy. Ask your venue right away if they provide the service, or if you must do it yourself.

It’s preferable to be aware in advance. That way, you can have a plan in place of who or how this confetti will be cleaned up afterward.

If you don’t want people to throw confetti, then why not consider confetti poppers. This adds another element of excitement to your exit. 

Silly String

A nice alternative for a send-off is a silly string. Use this exit just for the reception area.

Otherwise, you will spend the next 30 minutes trying to remove the silly string from yourself if you do this straight after the ceremony.

To further highlight the string and help it stand out, ask your photographer to add a second flash from behind you.

This is the perfect option for a couple who like to be silly and have a little fun. 

Glitter

If you are wanting to add a bit of sparkle to your send-off, then why not have your guests throw glitter.

This is a great idea for a wedding reception exit, as glitter can go everywhere and stick to clothes or hands etc. You can easily purchase glitter in various colors and in large quantities. 

Create a really special exit by having your guests toss glitter at you. In the images, you will see flecks of sparkle from the glitter, that will make your images look magical.

You don’t need a lot of glitter to produce this effect, but you need to make sure that you have enough light for the glitter to reflect off. 

If glitter isn’t your thing, then you could also consider sequins. They will produce similar effects to glitter, but they won’t stick to you like glitter does.

Although, with both options, you will need to ensure that you have chosen someone to clean up the mess afterward. 

Cheerleading Pom Poms

Using cheerleading pom-poms for your wedding reception send-off.

This may be a good way to stage your magnificent exit if you’re planning a wedding that includes your college’s mascot or colors into the theme.

This is quite popular among Penn State Alumni and alumni from other similar universities. You could even use these pom poms for your wedding reception entrance. 

Cheerleading pom poms with your school’s colors can be ordered from Etsy or easily created yourself at home.

Boats

Again, this is quite an unusual one, but the bride and groom could leave their wedding on their own boat if they have one.

For example, one wedding we are aware of, we saw a couple get in their boat and drive to the other side of a lake. This is where their private cabin was waiting for them.

This option isn’t possible for a lot of couples, but if you have your own boat, why not leave your wedding in style. 

Fireworks

Fireworks are a great way to end any type of celebration. Everyone enjoys a good fireworks display. 

If fireworks are important to you, it is best to inquire during your venue tour, since many venues do not permit them.

If the venue will permit them, they should be able to direct you to a business that offers them. We advise only working with very respected businesses.

Here are some suggestions for taking the greatest pictures if you happen to have the space and money for a firework send-off:

The pair ought to be standing in front of the visitors, by just a couple of feet. It is also important to take as many pictures as possible, this way you won’t miss anything.

As the fireworks go off, plan with your photographer to get some pictures of the couple either  cuddling or dipping. These will make stunning album images.

Also, it is a good idea to get your photographer to play around with different shutter speeds. This will help produce a wider variety of images for you to choose from. 

Candle Path

Create a simple candle lined path for the couple to walk out through as they exit their wedding reception.

This is a really simple option, but it is really effective, as candles are known for being romantic. 

Although, it is important to assign someone to light the candles well in advance.

This is a dreamy yet romantic way for any new couple to walk out of their wedding and start the next chapter of their lives with their new partner. 

Read more: Emerald Green And Gold Wedding Inspiration

Final Thoughts 

When you leave your wedding ceremony or wedding reception, you can leave with style.

All the ideas we have offered above will provide you with the perfect wedding send off or exit.

You will also gain beautiful and eye-catching pictures to remember the moment. 

Whether you want to use sparklers, lanterns, handkerchiefs, bubbles, candles or fireworks, there is an idea above that will suit your style.

We hope this article has been useful, and now you have 33 ideas for the perfect wedding send off or exit to choose from.