You’ve spent months planning your wedding, honing in on every fine detail and laboring over every major decision. You’re thinking about everything from when you should wake up that morning to when you’ll steam your dress. Perhaps one of the last things you’re thinking about is leaving. Nevertheless, your grand exit awaits you, so let’s make it as awesome as possible!

When it comes to great wedding exits, I have a few criteria I look for.

1. It needs to be interactive for guests. People generally look less awkward in photos when they have something to do with their hands.
2. It shouldn’t harm the bride and groom (I’m looking at you, sparklers). Depending on the exit item, this might require some coaching from your photographer or coordinator, but I believe in you! Or your wedding guests, I suppose.
3. There is minimal cleanup. Many different exit items have been banned by venues for this very reason. I’d like to suggest ideas that are acceptable across most venue types.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sparkler exit. However, I’m seeing more and more venues outlaw the use of them due to their flammable nature…I can’t say I blame them seeing as I’m usually dodging their sparks every other Saturday night! So, here are top five exit ideas that you can consider using for your own grand exit! 

Bubbles

It’s certainly more common to see bubbles for a daytime exit. However, it should be known that bubbles are reflective enough to show up with a camera flash, and can definitely be used at night! You can even purchase bubble juice that’s long lasting and more iridescent than typical bubbles! Here’s a link. 

If you are thinking of using bubbles for your send off, I would 100% recommend an automatic bubble machine in addition to the hand-held bubbles that you can hand out to guests. Also, these bubble guns are a must! They spray out so many more bubbles than one person can blow on their own!

Streamers

Most venues have already banned the use of typical streamers or confetti. It usually gets blown all over their property and is far too hard to clean up. But hope is not lost! Some absolute GENIUS invented these silver streamers that stay attached to their tubes after they’re used! 

The material is reflective, so they show up super well at night. Once you’re done, you just roll up the streamers and toss them in the trash! And of course, they make for some super cute photos. Just make sure you point them up and away from the bride and groom! 

I’ve actually yet to have a couple use these streamers for an exit…you could be my first! 

Flower Petals

Do you love the look of a confetti exit, but hate the idea of leaving all that trash everywhere? Flower petals are a perfect, biodegradable version of confetti! Try lavender, rose petals or recently fallen leaves. You can have guests grab a handful on their way out, ready to toss as you run by! For a more wide variety of florals, check out these pre-made bags on Etsy. 

The petals will certainly show up in the daylight. If the exit is at night, however, make sure to discuss it with your photographer beforehand so they know what kind of flash to use. We want to make sure every sweet detail is captured just the way you want it! 

Ribbon Wands  

These are like sparklers! But without the flame…and a lot more colorful.

Okay maybe they’re not much like sparklers. But I think they’re a super cute option for an exit! Purchase (or DIY) some ribbon wands with colors that complement your wedding palette! Attach some bells to the end of the wands for a little noise, and you’ve got yourself a sweet send-off!  

The shakers below are a similar option. Once again, none of my brides have used this exit option…be the first! 

Cold Sparks

Regardless of what all your guests have in their hands during your grand exit, having a pair of cold sparks at the end of your path adds a HUGE wow factor to the experience! 

Cold sparks are typically around 62 degrees fahrenheit, meaning they are safe to touch! Though they might look intimidating, I promise they won’t catch anything on fire. And they make for some insanely cool photos. Here are some from Platinum Entertainment in Birmingham, AL.