A wedding grand exit is the perfect finale to a couple’s special day, providing an unforgettable, picturesque moment that encapsulates the joy and excitement of their union. Whether it’s a dazzling display of sparklers, a cascade of confetti, or something else, the grand exit is more than just a beautiful photo opportunity.
Photo Credit: Edward Cisneros via Unsplash
It is a symbolic gesture that represents the couple’s first steps into their new life together, surrounded by the love and well-wishes of their closest family and friends. In this blog post, we’ll delve into different types of grand exits and explore the meaningful traditions behind this beloved wedding ritual.
5 Spectacular Wedding Grand Exit Ideas to Wow Your Guests
Set the stage for a memorable farewell
Setting the stage for a memorable wedding grand exit requires a bit of careful planning and creativity. Begin by choosing the right time and place for the exit, ensuring it’s easily accessible for both the newlyweds and the guests.
Consider the atmosphere you want to create – whether it’s a romantic, whimsical, or energetic vibe – and select props that complement this theme. Sparklers, confetti, flower petals, bubbles, (or something that makes noise like kazoos or bells) can add a magical touch.
Coordinate with your photographer so they can capture the perfect shots, and make sure there’s enough lighting for evening exits.
Communicate the plan to your guests so they know when and where to gather, and enlist the help of your wedding planner or bridal party to distribute props and guide everyone. With thoughtful preparation, you can orchestrate a grand exit that leaves a lasting impression and beautifully concludes your celebration.
Very Important!
If you’re wanting to do sparklers or toss petals (or anything that will end up on the ground for that matter) for your grand exit, make sure to get the okay from your venue first!
1. Sparkling Send-Offs
Sparkler exits are still a popular grand exit ideas because they create a magical, fairy-tale ambiance with their shimmering lights, perfect for capturing stunning photos. The sparkling lights add a festive, celebratory feel as the newlyweds make their dramatic departure, making it a memorable and visually captivating moment for everyone involved.
Tips for timing and important safety precautions
Have someone instruct your guests in the “proper” way to light, hold, and dispose of the sparklers. You may be thinking, “Our guests are grown-ups. They don’t need to be told.” Well, you’d be surprised at how often the simple act of holding a lit sparkler will transform an adult into a 5-year-old wild child. (And remember, they’ve been drinking and partying, so safety is probably not the first thing on their minds).
Timing is crucial for a sparkler grand exit, not just to ensure it fits seamlessly into the evening’s schedule, but that guests are lined up and sparklers are lit and ready for the newlyweds to make their dash through the shimmering tunnel of sparklers.
Equally important are safety precautions, especially for exits involving sparklers or confetti. You’ll want to provide clear instructions to guests and have fire extinguishers or cleanup tools readily available to prevent any accidents and ensure a smooth, safe departure.
Safety precautions and tips for lighting sparklers to have a successful wedding sparkler exit:
Holding sparklers
Hold sparklers high and at arm’s length, away from your face, body, clothing, and other people. Don’t wave them around. And never let anyone hold multiple lit sparklers, as this can cause them to explode.
Lighting sparklers
• Use a safe flame
Skip the matches (which can blow out) and use a lighter that keeps your hands away from the flame, (BBQ lighters with their long nozzles are safest). Only light one sparkler at a time. Once the lines are formed, have a few people pass lighters around so everyone can light their sparklers. Safer yet, recruit a handful of people (not guests or member of the wedding party) to do the lighting.
• Light quickly
Light all the sparklers at the same time to create optimum opportunities for photos. One of the best ways to do this is to designate 2-4 people to do the lighting, yet have them only light very 4-5 sparklers as the go down the line. The skipped guests with will then in light their sparkler off of the previous lit sparkler.
• Creating a safe space
Leave enough space between lines of guests so the couple can walk safely through. Instruct guests to hold sparklers up high, and but not directly above the couples’ heads.
Did you know that sparklers burn at temperatures between 1,100 F and 1,500 F?
Safe disposal of sparklers
• Have a plan
Have a plan in place to safely dispose of sparklers, even if they’ve completely burned out. Provide at least two buckets of sand at a centralized location, like the entrance of the venue. Ask the venue if this is something they can supply or if you need bring your own.
Some may recommend using buckets of water, however sand is a much better and safer option. Not only will the sand help extinguish smoldering sparklers, it also adds weight to the bucket, making it less likely to tip over. And, believe it or not, some types of sparklers can burn under water.
• Don’t throw them on the ground
Never throw sparklers on the floor or ground. Not only does this create an unnecessary mess, but they still may be a bit of spark in them, increasing the chance of something or someone getting burnt.
Capturing the magic on camera
To successfully capture a sparkler grand exit on camera, you’ll want to coordinate closely with your photographer so they’ll be aware of the need to adjust for low-light conditions and long exposure shots to enhance the sparkler effects. Prior to the wedding day, ask for your photographer’s input on where the sparkler exit should take place, and how to have guests line up to ensure the best photos.
2. Floral Finales
Flower Petal Toss: Adding a touch of romance with flower petals
Incorporating a flower petal toss to wedding exits adds a romantic and colorful touch to the celebration. Provide guests with small baskets or cones filled with petals, and coordinate the timing to ensure everyone tosses them simultaneously as the newlyweds make their exit. This creates a beautiful, cascading effect that’s perfect for capturing on camera and adds a whimsical, fairy-tale element to the departure.
What kind of flowers and how many per person works best?
Freeze dried such as dried lavender, or fresh like rose petals work well for a toss. You can also use pretty leaves (oak or maple for a fall wedding)1/2 to 3/4 cup if you’re putting the petals into pre-filled cones or sachets, and 1-2 cups per person if you’re placing them in a basket for guests to help themselves from.
3. Whimsical Wonders
Maybe you’re wanting a more whimsical and enchanting atmosphere for your grand exit. How about walking through a cloud of shimmering bubbles? It’s a fun, youthful touch that’s safe for all ages and provides a magical visual effect perfect for photos. Plus, bubbles are an eco-friendly option that adds a unique and playful element to the celebration.
Bubble Exit
• Individual bubbles
To set the stage for a bubble wedding grand exit, provide guests with bubble wands or small bottles of bubble solution and instruct them to start blowing bubbles as the couple makes their exit. Choose a well-lit area to enhance the visual effect of the bubbles in photos, and consider playing light, joyful music to complement the whimsical atmosphere. This creates a magical, fairy-tale moment that beautifully concludes the celebration.
• Bubble machine
For a stunning bubble machine grand exit, position one or more bubble machines along the couple’s exit path to create a continuous stream of bubbles. Ensure the machines are placed at a height that allows bubbles to surround the newlyweds without obstructing their path. Coordinate with your photographer to capture the magical effect, and enhance the ambiance with soft, romantic lighting to make the moment truly unforgettable.
Photo Credit: Pexels via Pixabay
Other non-flower grand exit ideas
• Biodegradable confetti
• Glow sticks
• Ribbon wands
• Bells
• Kazoos
• Birdseed
• Herbs
• Streamers
• Biodegradable balloons
• Butterfly release
4. Confetti Cannon
Want something with a little more drama? Then go for an idea that is exciting and adds a burst (literally!) of color with a Confetti Cannon Exit.
To ensure a spectacular effect, coordinate the timing so the cannons go off just as the couple steps out, and choose biodegradable confetti for an eco-friendly option. Communicate with your photographer to capture the vibrant moment from the best angles, creating a memorable and visually stunning finale. (Just make sure to have someone on the ready with a broom and dustpan on hand to clean up afterwards).
5. Personalized Partings
Customized Sign-Offs: Adding a personal touch to your grand exit
Add a personal touch to your grand exit by using items that have special significance, such as sparklers with your wedding date or petals in your wedding colors or from your favorite flowers. Consider incorporating cultural traditions, like a classic car adorned with a “Just Married” sign in a language meaningful to you, or using biodegradable confetti that matches your theme.
Customizing the exit with your favorite song playing in the background or using themed props makes the moment even more meaningful and memorable. Making your grand exit uniquely yours will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
DIY signage and décor ideas to make the farewell uniquely yours
Using DIY signage and décor for your wedding grand exit adds a charming, personalized touch to the celebration, and gives your guests a gentle reminder of what you want them to do. While you don’t want to overdo the use of signage at your wedding reception, handcrafted signs with messages like “Take a wand and wave it high” or “Take a handful of petals to toss at the bride and groom as they exit” can help guide guests and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Cleanup considerations for your wedding grand exit
First of all, don’t assume that your venue or wedding planner will take care of the cleanup after a grand exit. Because of the ensuing mess made from tossing petals, lighting sparklers, etc., it’s not unusual for a special clean-up fee to be added on.
Second, plan ahead
Have a plan in place before the event and know when you need to finish cleaning. Also, what supplies will you need to provide? It could be:
• Brooms/dust pans
• Trash bags
• Buckets of sand (for sparklers)
And third, delegate tasks
Assign people to help clean up after the grand exit, and let them know in advance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the grand exit is a cherished tradition that beautifully encapsulates the joy, love, and excitement of a wedding day. End your reception on a high note, leaving guests in a festive mood rather than letting it just fizzling out. (I mean, do you really want your guests to remember the end of your reception with the music coming to a stop and the lights being turned on?)
Whether through sparklers, bubbles, flower petals, or some other creative DIY touch, this final moment is a perfect opportunity to express your unique style and make a lasting impression. By thoughtfully planning and incorporating meaningful elements, your wedding grand exit can become a magical, unforgettable finale that celebrates the beginning of your new life together.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
Have questions about your wedding plans? Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
These are all wonderful ideas! I love how you went into detail with each one, especially for the sparklers and how to safely dispose afterwards. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks. Glad to provide information to help avoid any confusion, and to make the whole experience a positive one.
These are amazing and unique ideas. Love it!
Like most things in weddings, there’s no one way to do something. Always end the event on a high note. Glad you liked it.