This year I’ll shoot my 200th wedding, so with all of those nuptials, I’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of fun grand exits! I often get asked for ideas, since more and more venues are laying down strict rules about what is and what isn’t allowed. Here are 10 of my favorite ways to say farewell at the end of your wedding night:
No.1 THE SPARKLER EXIT
By far the most popular, it’s a classic way to say goodbye, and photographs beautifully at night. If you’re planning a sparkler exit, I recommend longer sparklers (the short ones burn out too quickly), and designate 4-6 people with *working* lighters to help light all of the sparklers at once. Leave room for the couple to walk, and try not to catch the photographers hair on fire. 😉 And don’t forget to have a few buckets of water for your guests to extinguish their sparklers at the end.
No.2 BUBBLES
Bubbles have become more and more popular for the exit, as nearly all venues will allow them outside. The bonus is they photograph well in bright daylight or at night, so if you’re exiting from a ceremony site before heading to your reception, you may consider them as a daytime exit option.
No.3 ROLLED STREAMERS
Some instruction required, but they make for some really great exit shots, and the guests will love playing along with this one. Image HERE.
No.4 BEACH BALLS
Definitely not your traditional exit, but I loved it for this destination wedding in Hawaii, and would be fun for any beach wedding.
No.5 RIBBONS ON STICKS
Another fantastic option for venues with stricter rules on how you exit. No mess involved, easy to coordinate to your wedding colors, and a great impact.
No.6 THE HUMAN TUNNEL
Sometimes less is more, and all you need to do is rally up your friends in two rows with hands in the air for a warm and fun exit!
No.7 CONFETTI GUNS
Please someone use these. Such a big impact, and a colorful and exciting exit. Be sure to check with your venue to see if they’re allowed, and please consider biodegradable confetti. See images HERE and HERE.
No.8 COLORFUL SPRINKLES
This was such a big hit at the wedding, and made for some very colorful exit shots! The bride filled paper straws with candy sprinkles, and their guests tossed them in the air as they exited. Heat and moisture are a consideration in this one, as those candy sprinkles could leave some colorful mementos on your wedding dress.
No.9 BALLOONS
While I personally don’t think they are as effective at night, exiting down a balloon lined walkway for your daytime exit looks a bit whimsical and so much fun! Go big on color or keep it uniform with white or another color. Images HERE and HERE.
No.10 FLOWER PETALS
Flower petals will have the same colorful effect as confetti, (mix and match colors for a bigger impact) and are typically allowed outdoors and at most venues. Keep in mind you need A LOT of petals for the exit- better to have too many than not enough.
My best friends did the sparkler thing when they got married. It’s so adorable.