If you’re like us, then you’ll be planning your wedding down to the last detail. Many people think of the big items like music, décor, and food. But one detail you don’t want to overlook on your big day is a magical way to depart from your reception that will leave your guests in awe. Our wedding experts have curated twenty unique and memorable ways for your friends and family to see you off as you leave for your honeymoon!
Affordable Send-Off Ideas
Bubbles
Fun for adults and kids alike, give your guests bubbles to blow around you to truly put love in the air! Blowing bubbles doesn’t require any cleanup, and they look beautiful in pictures, whether in the middle of the day or against the night sky.
Ribbon Wands
A less dangerous version of the sparkler sendoff is a streamer sendoff. This works better in a well-lit venue or during the day, as opposed to sparklers. Ribbon wands can be bought or crafted in a variety of styles, and you can personalize them just to your wedding’s theme. Leave one for each of your guests at their seat and prepare for a colorful send-off!
Glow Sticks
These are Perfect for fun weddings. Get ready to light up the night with a glow stick send-off! Glow sticks are an affordable option and don’t require anything ahead of time to get them ready. Your photographer should take long-exposure shots of this to capture the glow in motion.
Glitter
For a sparkly send-off, give your guests glitter to toss at you and your new spouse! It can be collected in small envelopes or in party poppers for a truly dramatic sight. You can even get some great photos of the two of you throwing glitter at the photographer or videographer.
Beach Balls
Is your wedding going to be fun in the sun? Leave small (already inflated) beach balls under the chairs at your ceremony, and let guests know to throw them up in the air as you walk back up the aisle. The colorful balls will make for a beautifully bright scene!
Balloons
Balloons are a romantic and playful way to end your special day! You can either have your guests hold onto them for a nice photo-op or release them into the sky. If you’re letting the balloons float away, look into a biodegradable option, as they’ll be less likely to cause harm to the environment and any wildlife that comes across them.
Sprinkles
If allowed by your venue, a sprinkle send-off is as sweet as can be! Your photographer will be able to get some amazing photos of the colorful sprinkles falling around you. If you’re looking for color recommendations, we believe a rainbow, or a color scheme that matches your wedding would perfectly.
Eco-Friendly Send-Off Ideas
Flower Petals
Place petals (could be fresh or dried) into cones for your guests to shower you with! You can coordinate with the rest of your wedding blooms, and have them match your bouquets and boutonnières.
Biodegradable Confetti
For an outdoor wedding, look into eco-friendly confetti for your send-off. Usually made of cornstarch, this confetti will break down when exposed to high humidity or water. It’s a great option for any outdoor wedding, safe for the environment, and you can avoid a big cleanup!
Bird Seed
Another Mother Nature-friendly option for your send-off is bird seed. Make sure to purchase small soft seeds and that they’re safe for birds or other animals near the area around your venue to eat. Many outdoor venues prefer this option to anything else as it’s safe for their local animals. No doubt they’ll enjoy the treat!
Lavender
If purple goes with your color scheme, dried lavender is the perfect item for your send-off! The delightful scent of lavender in the air is a big bonus. Just make sure you check with your venue ahead of time, as this might require a bit of cleanup later.
Bells
Ring in your new marriage with jingle bells, perfect for a Christmas wedding or if you love the sound of bells. For a DIY option, you can get some bells, attach them to small batons, and even wrap ribbons on them to keep with the festive wedding flair. This will look and sound adorable in the wedding video!
Fresh Herbs
Having your guest shower you with fresh herbs is not only good for the environment but it’ll smell amazing. If you plan far enough ahead you can even grow them yourself. Many herbs have symbolic meaning to them; for example, mint is believed to represent virtue and wisdom, while rosemary is said to symbolize loyalty.
Over The Top Send-Off Ideas
Colored Powder / Smoke Bombs
If you’ve ever seen photos from a Color Run, you know how unique the photos can be! Supposing you (and your guests) are okay with having some color on your clothes, this is a one-of-a-kind send-off idea. Holi powder can be tough to get out of clothes, but the earlier you wash it the better. Your guests might get worried about staining their clothes, offer up ponchos for them to cover up with.
Sparkling Wine Spray
Make sure the cameras are ready for this fun idea. Get a few friends set up with bottles of sparkling wine, and then have them time their big “pop” moment. Let the sparkling wine fly freely over you, your wedding party, and anyone who’s in the “splash zone.” This one works best outside, and you should warn guests ahead of time to run for cover if they’re dressed up.
Sparklers
Let your love sparkle with this popular and classy option. To make the most of your sparkler send-off, ensure you time it right, based on the season and natural light. See to it that there are enough matches to go around (speed will be key!) and a safe place for guests to dispose of them afterward. This may not be the best option if your reception is in a park or an old plantation-type home. It’s best to be aware of your surroundings.
Paper Lanterns
For anyone who’s in love with the paper lantern scene of Disney’s Tangled, you can make all your dreams come true. Watch the lanterns fly off into the night sky as you leave for your honeymoon. It’s not the best option if you’re near powerlines or trees, as you don’t want the lanterns getting caught in anything.
Include a Second Line
If you’re from New Orleans, then this is something you’re already aware of, but if not, allow us to explain. The second line is where a procession of a brass band and a grand marshall lead the bride and groom to the reception.
Salute with Swords
Also known as the Arch of Sabers or Arch of Swords, this is a traditional send-off for military weddings. Immediately after the ceremony, outside the front of the church or wedding venue, about eight or so service members will create a tunnel with swords for the newlyweds to walk under. Before the couple reaches the last set of swords, the swords at the end are lowered to block the couple. The tradition requires a kiss from the couple before swords are lifted.
Fireworks Grand Exit
End the night with a bang! If you’re a couple with no budget, then this is a dramatic way to end your evening. Invite everyone outside for the fireworks, and enjoy a moment you won’t forget. For this send-off, you’ll need to make sure the venue is insured for it, and check your local and state laws around fireworks.
If you and your future spouse are all about changes in tradition for your wedding day, consider these non-traditional wedding send-off ideas! Just make sure your guests anticipate what’s to come! Either frame a sign with instructions, have your DJ announce it, or include it within the program of your day. Whether your wedding send-off is from the ceremony or the reception, think outside the box for a new tradition that is uniquely yours, and congrats on the big day!!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2019, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Lucy is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork, Ireland. Originally from America, she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and Corgi-mix puppy Dug (yes, like from Disney’s UP!). It’s the simple things in life that matter, so give her a bag of M&M’s and she’s happy. She loves to relax with a good book, cozy up on the couch for a movie, or go to the park for a stroll with the family.
