23 Unforgettable Wedding Send-Off Ideas | Legacy Farms
Planning your big day? Don’t forget about the grand finale – your wedding send-off! It’s the last hurrah, the cherry on top of your perfect day, and the culmination of all the hard work you put in for your celebration. Luckily, I’ve got 23 amazing wedding send off ideas that’ll make your exit just as memorable as your “I do” moment!
From trendy eco-friendly options to quirky surprises and classics like glow sticks and bubbles, we’ve got something for every couple. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect way to say “see ya later” to your guests and “hello” to your happily ever after!
Daytime Classics
Butterfly Release
- Imagine this: You and your new spouse step out, hand in hand. Suddenly, a flurry of colorful butterflies takes to the sky. It’s like magic! I once saw this at a spring wedding. The bride’s face lit up. I’m sure the wedding photos came out spectacular, too! Just make sure to use native species and work with a pro.
Lavender Buds
- Lavender isn’t just pretty—it smells amazing, too! I’ve seen guests toss handfuls of dried lavender for a ceremony exit. The purple shower looked stunning in the wedding photos. Plus, the scent lingered in the air, making the moment even more special.
Bubbles
- Bubbles aren’t just for kids! Picture hundreds of shimmering bubbles floating around you. At one wedding, guests had bubble guns. It was like walking through a fairy tale!
Balloon Toss
- Picture a sky full of colorful balloons. It’s like the opening scene of “Up”, but it’s your love story! Just make sure to use biodegradable materials for your balloon release.
Ribbon Wands
- Imagine a sea of colorful ribbons waving in the air. It’s festive and makes for great photos. I once saw ribbon wands in the couple’s wedding colors. It tied everything together beautifully.
Pinwheel Spin
- Give guests colorful pinwheels to spin as you exit. It’s whimsical and perfect for a spring or summer wedding.
Themed Cutouts on Sticks
- Wave cutouts of the couple’s pets or a caricature of them together. It adds to a cute and personal vibe that can be incorporated throughout the venue. Especially if you opt for a destination wedding and you’re missing your fur-baby!
Nighttime Classics
Glow Stick Wedding Exit
- Want something fun for a night wedding? Pass out glow stick necklaces to your guests during the wedding reception and instruct them to make a glowing archway for the couple upon their exit. It’ll be a neon dream come true!
Ribbon Streamers
- Long ribbon streamers create a colorful tunnel effect. Guests can wave them as you pass by. It’s simple but stunning. You can also collect guests’ ribbon wands after the exit and re-use them at another time to cut down on waste.
LED Balloons
- It’s like lit lanterns, glow sticks, and balloons had a baby! Have your wedding party or vendor fill clear balloons with LED lights before releasing them. Then watch your love light up the night sky. Just make sure to use biodegradable balloons!
Lightsaber Tunnel
- Think an arch of sabers… Star Wars edition. A lightsaber wedding exit is the best choice for couples looking to showcase their nerd. It’s fun, and you can even let guests choose their color. Dibs on purple! You can also tie in other sci-fi décor throughout the wedding ceremony venue.
Unique Wedding Exit Alternatives
Waving Flags
- Have guests wave small flags as you exit. You could use your country’s flag or design custom ones. I once saw a couple use flags with their new family crest. It felt so regal!
Tinsel Curtain
- Create a shimmering curtain of tinsel for you to run through. It’s perfect for a New Year’s Eve or winter wedding. The photos will be glittering! Tinsel streamers as décor is also a great touch to tie everything together.
Soap Bubble Machine
- Ready for a bubble fest?! Take bubbles to the next level with a bubble machine. It creates a constant stream of bubbles. I saw this at an outdoorwedding, and it was magical. The bubbles caught the sunlight beautifully.
Dried Herb Toss
- Try herbs like eucalyptus, rosemary, or sage for a fragrant exit toss ideas. It’s eco-friendly and smells divine. I once attended a wedding where they used herbs from the couple’s garden. It felt so personal and special.
Smoke Bombs
- A smoky exit is getting up there in the wedding trends for couples looking for something a bit more moody. This is great for nighttime and the wedding photos come out so cool!
PAPER AIRPLANE TOSS
- Have guests fold paper airplanes and toss them as you leave. You could even have a contest for the plane that flies the farthest!
Festive Noise Makers
- Give guests party horns or other noisemakers. As you exit, they can create a joyful racket! I saw this at a New Year’s wedding, and it was a blast.
Twinkling Lights
- For a night wedding exit, give guests strands of battery-operated fairy lights. As you exit, they can wave them to create a sea of twinkling stars. This allows for a spectacular sparkling moment without the litter that comes from something like a sequin toss.
Flower Lei Toss
- For a tropical touch, have guests toss flower leis. You’ll end up draped in beautiful blooms!
Umbrellas
- Give guests umbrellas or parasols to create a tunnel effect over you and your partner. This creates a romantic, vintage look that’s a great exit choice.
Cheer Pom Poms
- Give guests small pompoms in your wedding color palette to wave. It’s like having your own cheering squad!
Monstera Leaf Wave
- For a tropical or boho wedding, have guests wave large monstera leaves. It creates a lush tunnel effect with a twist.
Canceled Send-Offs 🚫
While many wedding traditions stand the test of time these “classic” exits don’t fit any wedding theme…
Fire Hazards
When most people think “wedding send-off” they think of wedding sparklers, roman candles, sky lantern ceremonies, a fireworks display, or cold sparkler machines. While these options pack a punch, many venues have prohibited them due to their safety hazards and increased wildfires in recent years. No wedding photo is worth putting you and your loved ones in danger! The only sparks flying should be between you and your partner. ;)
A Messy Wedding Exit Toss
Gone are the days of littering to celebrate… What were we thinking?! While birdseed/rice/flower petal/oatmeal/confetti tosses had their moment, I’m over it. The same goes for party poppers! Most venues don’t allow these anymore due to the intense cleanup that comes with them and also their effects on the environment. No snacks should be airborne on your wedding day!
FAQs: Planning Stylish Send Offs for Weddings
What are some alternatives to sparkler sticks or a fireworks show?
- LED sparklers: Battery-operated wands that mimic the effect of a sparkler exit.
- Glow stick exit: Guests wave or form a tunnel with glow sticks.
- Laser light show: Use professional laser equipment for a dazzling display that’ll match any wedding style.
- Light-up foam sticks: Guests wave colorful, flashing foam batons.
- Synchronized smartphone lights: Guests use a special app to create a coordinated light show.
- Illuminated drone show: Choreographed drones with LED lights (where legal).
- Light-up hula hoops: Performers can create mesmerizing patterns.
How much does a wedding send-off usually cost?
They honestly vary widely. Simple options like bubble send-offs can cost as little as $50-$100, while more elaborate ones like umbrellas or butterflies can run $500 or more.
When should we plan the send-off?
It seems obvious that your send-off should be saved for the very end of your reception. It’s your grand exit, after all! However, some couples opt to do it upon leaving their ceremony location to ensure all their guests are present.
How many items should we provide for the send-off?
A good rule of thumb is to have enough for 75% of your guests. It’s not likely that everyone will participate, but you want enough people for it to be a memorable moment.
Are there any wedding exits that work well for both day and night weddings?
Yes! Options like ribbon wands, balloons, or tinsel work great any time of day.
What are some eco-friendly wedding ceremony send off ideas?
Choose biodegradable options like dried flowers, leaves, or herbs. Avoid releasing anything into the environment that won’t break down naturally.
There are too many ideas… What should I pick for my wedding exit?!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed here’s a cheat sheet of some of my personal favorites from the above and their cost/prep time/and environmental impact level:
*If you’re viewing this chat on mobile, flip your phone sideways.
|
Send-off Idea |
Cost Range ($) |
Prep Time |
Eco-Friendly |
|
Waving Flags |
50-200 |
Moderate |
Moderate |
|
Tinsel Curtain |
20-100 |
Low |
Low |
|
Glow Stick Exit |
100-300 |
Low |
Low |
|
Ribbon Streamers |
30-150 |
Low-Mod |
Moderate |
|
LED Balloons |
200-500 |
Moderate |
Low |
|
Butterfly Release |
300-1000 |
High |
Moderate |
|
Lavender Buds |
100-300 |
Low |
High |
|
Bubbles |
30-150 |
Low |
Moderate |
Note: Cost ranges are estimates and may vary based on the number of guests, quality of materials, and specific vendors used. The eco-friendliness rating considers the potential for reuse, biodegradability, and environmental impact.
BYE! *CUE THE BUBBLES*
Whether you go viral-video wild or keep it sweetly simple, pick something that screams “you” for your grand exit. And hey, if you’re still hunting for the best wedding venue to host your epic send-off, check out Legacy Farms in Lebanon, Tennessee. It’s a full-service event venue with space for all your creative exit ideas, plus they serve such good food, you might not want to leave! Click on the button below to contact the venue via their website form. Remember, your exit is the exclamation point on your big day. Make it bold, make it you, make it unforgettable. Now go slay that send-off, hop in your getaway car, & enjoy your honeymoon!
