Your wedding will be over before you know it—make sure your send-off is as memorable as can be with alternatives to the traditional.
Before I started planning my own wedding, I felt like there were certain elements of any wedding that pretty much stayed the same across the board. One of those elements was the send-off—and I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Your wedding send-off is, as the name suggests, the final moment of your big day before you and your newly betrothed hop into your getaway car and officially begin your lives as a we. Traditionally, there have been exits dotted by handfuls of rice and birdseed, and more recently we’ve been waving our own friends off with a sparkler and a smile.
All of that is nice and fun, but there is definitely something to be said for the less traditional avenues—think of it as your first official curtain call as newlyweds. Below, find our ideas for send-offs ranging from new and unique to completely insane.
Wish Lanterns
When your guests light and release their wish lanterns into the night sky, they’ll be sending you off with a bright light to lead you wherever your new adventure may take you. Plus, they come in so many fun colors, so you can personalize your send-off to match your wedding!
Flower Petals
Not only are they utterly romantic (ahem, photo op), but they’re eco-friendly, making them a perfect choice for a send-off from an outdoor wedding. Bonus points if you use flowers picked from your own yard!
Bubbles
I love the idea of using bubbles for a daytime send-off, since they’re fun, lighthearted, and add an element of whimsy to your magical moment. Not to mention, your guests will love unleashing their inner child.
Ring a Bell
Who says your guests have to toss small items in the air for you to have a proper send-off? Use this fun and clever idea and let your guests “ring” you in as newlyweds! Just think: you’ll have your very own exit soundtrack.
Extreme(ly Fun) Ideas
Call me crazy, but imagine leaving your own wedding from the basket of a hot air balloon. The thought of being able to look down and truly take in the sheer size of the group celebrating your love is a one-in-a-million chance. If you can do it, do it.
If your big day comes to a close near the water, consider making your exit via (love) boat. You can’t deny the romance of sailing off into the sunset with your one and only.
That’s Not All…
It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for an alternative wedding send-off, you’re going to find one. That said, we’ve made it super easy for you to find one that works for you and your wedding—from the traditional to the truly unbelievable. From Star Wars lightsaber send-offs to Harry Potter wand waves, to riding off on a Christmas sleigh, we’ve got even more ideas for your farewell over on our Pinterest board.