Wedding reception send-offs can be a little controversial. From harming the environment to venue bans, it may pose a challenge to find the best wedding exit for your big day. So, here are 9 of the best send-off alternatives to end your wedding that don’t cause a fire hazard or cause damage. These make for great photo ops and wedding favors for guests to take home. Let’s explore!
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9 Best Send-Off Ideas to End Your Wedding
Did I just crush all your hopes and dreams, saying you shouldn’t do sparklers or smoke bombs for your reception? Don’t worry; I have a list of my favorite wedding send-off alternatives. These are more eco-friendly, easy to clean, and make for the cutest photos. You can still have a fun and joyous getaway to end your wedding day. Let’s look at some options.
Bubbles
Who doesn’t love bubbles? You can get personalized wedding bubbles (affiliate) or cheap ones from the dollar store. Give everyone their own small container, and let your guests blow wishes your way as you leave.
You can also make homemade bubbles that bounce! That way, they don’t pop so quickly, and you can get really nice photos. If you do them outside, the light also catches the bubbles well. Or you can just get a bubble machine (affiliate) to do the hard work for you. Cheap, easy, cute, and kid-friendly? Yes, please!
Streamers and Ribbon Wands
Using ribbon wands (affiliate) gives your guests something they can keep as a wedding favor. Have everyone take a ribbon wand and wave it as you run to your getaway car. Some have also done this as you walk back down the aisle together after your ceremony.
You can have ribbon wands in your wedding colors (affiliate) to add some color. Or you could do them in all white or black. You can also attach bells to them so they ring your love.
This is also an easy DIY that your bridesmaids and groomsmen can help with. You just need some skewers, ribbon, and hot glue. Then you have no cleanup.
Paper Airplanes
I loved paper airplane wedding send-offs on Pinterest. It seemed to encapsulate our long-distance relationship and move to a new country. But make sure you know how to fold them so they actually fly.
I had a paper airplane send-off. It was so much fun! But … they didn’t fly. The photographer counted down from three for us all to throw our planes, but they went straight into the ground.
I asked a groomsman to help us fold 50-70 airplanes the night before the wedding. So, I didn’t get a chance to test them. But after several tries, we got some decent pictures. However, we did have to ask everyone to help us pick them up afterward. But that was pretty easy and quick.
You can personalize it by printing or writing a note to your guests on each airplane. It might also help to use thick paper like cardstock. You can also do this as part of your bridal shower or bachelorette/bachelor’s party.
Fold your airplanes and have a contest to see whose goes farthest. They win a prize, and you know which ones will work best for your send-off.
Leaves
Using leaves can make a great eco-friendly alternative to confetti. You can even use some dried leaves from flowers you had at your bridal shower or other event. Or if you have an outdoor wedding, gather some leaves from that local area.
Dry them and use a paper hole-punch to cut them into confetti shapes. Put them in small bags or pouches. Then, give each guest a small amount of confetti to toss. We just ask that you sweep it up or make sure to Leave No Trace afterward.
Flower Petals
Flower petals can look so beautiful, gently falling over you. You can use fake ones indoors (affiliate) and quickly sweep them up to reuse them later.
Or better yet, use real ones from your bouquet or florals you already have that you don’t want to keep. I also found this eco-friendly dried flower confetti (affiliate) that comes pre-packaged for you.
Don’t use too many, though that would make it more difficult to clean up after. Also, remember some venues ban flower petals as well. Ask your venue first before throwing anything for your send-off.
Glowsticks or Lights
You can give your guests glowsticks (affiliate) while dancing. Then they can take them with them for your send-off. Have them wave the glowsticks rapidly in the air and get some fun neon shots as you party the night away.
You could also have them use the flashlights on their phones. This could make nice lighting and fun concert-esque photos.
Bells
I think using jingle bells could be so fun for a winter wedding send-off. But you could also use them any time of year. Whether you use jingles or small bells (affiliate), they can ring for love as you run into your new life together.
It can also be cute in your wedding video. You can also personalize them as wedding favors for your guests to keep.
Handkerchiefs
This is a simple and cute way to do a send-off. You could also get monogrammed or personalized handkerchiefs (affiliate) for your guests to keep.
Have each person wave goodbye as you get in your getaway car. Your mom might even need one to wipe her tears.
Cars, Boats, or Bikes
Instead of having an object for each of your guests to use during a wedding send-off, you can simply have a getaway car.
Just have your guests follow you outside and wave goodbye. You and your spouse can get in a decorated getaway car, hop on a motorcycle, a tandem bicycle, or even a boat.
I just think of the Mama Mia movie where they row off into the moonlit night in a small row boat. How romantic!
Or, if you have a car, add some window paint (affiliate), flowers, or tassels to decorate it. Or check out this wedding car decoration kit (affiliate). Then, ride off into the sunset. You can also rent a vintage car for extra classy and cute photos.
Make a Grand Exit With a Wedding Send-Off
All of these alternative wedding send-off ideas can also work for your ceremony or grand entrance. And remember, you don’t need to spend any money on your send-off.
Simply have your guests come outside and say goodbye. Give everyone a hug, blow a kiss, and go. That can make a cute photo-op, too. That way, you can see all your guests’ faces.
And don’t forget to stop for a dip and a kiss on your way out!
Love, Laurel
