Your wedding day is filled with unforgettable moments, but one of the most magical and photo-worthy is the wedding exit. It's that final flourish that sends you and your partner off into the beginning of your new life together. While traditional rice tosses are charming, there are countless creative and unique ways to make your wedding exit truly memorable. We've gathered the top 7 ideas from some of Wisconsin's most seasoned experts to help you create a send-off that will leave a lasting impression.
1. The Energetic Song Send-Off
One of the most exhilarating ways to exit your wedding ceremony is with a great song that radiates energy. The key to success, as suggested by Mitch of Mitch & Jenna Weddings, is to have your DJ wait a few seconds after your announcement as husband and wife before playing the song. Crank up the volume to ensure your chosen song is heard over the cheering and applause. While you wait, share kisses, making for great photo opportunities with your elated guests and wedding party in the background.
Katie Lee Photography
2. Vintage Car Grand Exit
To add an element of sophistication and timeless charm to your exit, consider a vintage car rental. Heather Farr of Heather Farr Events recommends this as a way to elevate your wedding and create fantastic photo opportunities. If you don't have access to a family member's vintage car, explore rental options to ensure a memorable exit.
The Paper Elephant
3. Champagne Toast Send-Off
To mark the start of your journey together, Twisted Radish Catering suggests concluding with a champagne toast is a wonderful way to bid farewell. Offer a variety of options, including champagne, prosecco, or sparkling wine, enabling guests to relish the bubbly effervescence and partake in the jubilant atmosphere. For an added layer of refinement, consider personalized champagne flutes or miniature bottles to infuse an extra touch of sophistication into the celebration.
Caynay Photo
4. Ignite the Night
Whether it involves sparklers, bubbles, a stylish getaway car, or any other element, it's crucial to consider the timing of your special day, the significance of that moment, and the logistical aspects. Suppose you have your photographer available only until 9 pm. In that case, it may not be practical to plan a midnight send-off. Ashley Kuehnel, an expert from The Midwestern Bride, offers valuable advice, especially when it comes to using sparklers. Her recommendation is to schedule the sparkler exit near the end of your photographer's coverage. It's wise to limit the participation to the wedding party, and meticulous planning is essential. Ensure you have an ample supply of extended-length sparklers, have buckets of sand on hand (to safely extinguish used ones), and position multiple triple-wick candles along the path so that they can all be lit simultaneously. Holding this exit at around 8 or 9 pm has the advantage of reduced alcohol consumption and a lower risk of accidents.
Sarah Glick Photography
5. Sensory Experiences
When choosing a send-off, C. Meredith of Films Nouveau recommends considering the power of sensory experiences to create a tapestry of emotion that will linger in your memories. "For example, one couple I recently worked with had guests ring delicate antique bells for their ceremony exit, creating an enchanting symphony of joy and celebration," noted Meredith.
Films Nouveau
6. Parade of Celebration
Create a festive and memorable wedding exit by turning it into a joyful parade of celebration, suggests Drew Hawley of Flowers for Dreams. As the newlyweds make their way to the cocktail hour, invite the wedding party, family, and close friends to join them, accompanied by a lively and entertaining band.
Lo McCarville Photography
7. Cold Spark Send-Off
Celebrations Entertainment's team recommends creating a magical grand exit using cold sparklers. This widely embraced and secure special effect produces a stunning show of sparks devoid of any flames or warmth. Whether your wedding exit unfolds under the radiant sun or beneath the starry night sky, the cold sparkler fountain's display promises to add an enchanting and unforgettable ambiance.
The Wedding Flashers, Christopher Foss
Your wedding exit is a moment to treasure and the options for creating an unforgettable one are endless. Whether you choose sparklers, vintage cars, glow sticks or explore other ideas, creating a wedding send-off that authentically mirrors your personality will leave an indelible mark on everyone who participates in your special day.