Guest Blogger- Grand Exits!
We have a guest blogger!
Please welcome Blair Woerfel! CEO + Lead Planner for BW Studio+Events
Grand Exits - pros and cons
As you begin the journey of planning your dream wedding, one often overlooked but incredibly memorable aspect of the day is the grand exit. It's the moment when you bid farewell to your guests in style, creating a lasting impression or simply get the party started on the right foot. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of numerous styles of grand exits to help you choose the perfect send-off for your special day.
Sparkler Send-Off
A timeliness classic! Creates a wonderful visual, but not always the go-to choice for your venue typology or the time of day you might be planning on having this send off (i.e. late at night with inebriated guests). If you choose this option, make sure to purchase one or two mini blow torches to make for easy lighting - quick link to our favorite here!! Also, don’t forget a metal trash can to put the spent sparklers into.
Pros:
Creates a magical and romantic ambiance for everyone.
Stunning photo opportunities with sparkler trails!
Guests enjoy being actively involved in the shot.
Cons:
Fire safety concerns – requires careful coordination. You need a planner on this one!!
Limited timeframe for execution. Lots of times we ask you to run back and try it again just to make sure we got the shot.
Not everyone likes the idea of having their drunk friends point fire sticks at their hair sprayed heads….which is fair!
Cue the Confetti Cannons
BW Studio’s personal favorite, the confetti cannons!! You don’t even have to get the kind that drops tiny pieces all over the floor, there are ones that stay stuck to your hand for easy clean up. Check out this link if you don’t believe us! Highly recommend confetti cannons for any part of the day you want to celebrate… after hair and makeup, the first look, after the ceremony, or the end of the night send off!!
Pros:
High-energy and visually stunning - the light weight nature keeps them airborne longer.
Creates an immediate sense of celebration and joy.
Wide range of confetti colors and shapes available. Keep it on brand and theme!
Some companies are even specifically biodegradable!
Cons:
Cleanup can be time-consuming if you use the poppers that don’t stick to your hands.
Some venues may have very strict restrictions on confetti. Please ask first!!
A Flourish of Bubbles
What’s more classic than bubbles at a wedding? Easy to pass out and get guests involved, and typically this is a crowd favorite, especially if you have littles around. We recommend bubble machines closest to the photographers to really get the illusion, and smaller handheld tubes for guests. This is also a fun option for wedding party intros (get your planners help there). But here are some other things to consider below.
Pros:
Whimsical and ethereal photo moment.
Safe and suitable for almost any venue.
All-age friendly, perfect for family-oriented weddings.
Cons:
May not be as visually striking in photos compared to some other options.
Can potentially make stone floors slippery - especially if you’re blowing a TON of bubbles and/or have a lot of guests!!
Radiant Ribbon Wands
Such a simple classic, I’m surprised more couples don’t do this one more often! Here’s our link to the best affordable ribbon wands.
Pros:
Super affordable.
Comes in tons of fun colors and styles!
Some even have bells… such a classic wedding exit sound.
Cons:
Not super eco-friendly, you’ll want to make a plan for what to do with the wands after the wedding. Some guests like to take them on the dance floor!
Floral Frenzy with Petals
Right up there with throwing bird seed (classic - but please don’t do this anymore - it’s bad for the birdies), this one can be lovely and also a big no-no at certain venues!! Make sure you check before you throw. Some venues require you to throw faux flowers and others forbid you to throw faux flowers.
Pros:
Adds a touch of romance and natural beauty.
Can easily tie in the wedding colors and textures to the exit moment.
Environmentally friendly, and can usually be an easy cleanup. If you wait too long, guests will step on the flowers and squish them into the ground/carpet… so you need to move quickly.
Versatile – works for both indoor and outdoor venues. Again, check with your venue!
Cons:
May not be as dynamic or visually impactful as some other options since they are heavier items and fall faster.
Depending on the flooring type, they can squish and stain the floors.
Your venue might have very strict rules about how to perform this send off!
Drive Off in a Classic Car
If you already have a fun classic car in the family, this is an easy option. But if not, there are tons of places where you can rent a car for a few hours to pick you up at the ceremony or at the end of the night. Such a fun way to surprise your spouse and guests!
Pros:
Timeless and elegant!
Perfect for a vintage-themed wedding.
Creates a sense of nostalgia.
Cons:
Limited in terms of creative expression. Not all companies will let you write “just married” on the cars… so always ask!
Requires coordination with transportation logistics.
Choosing the right grand exit style is a personal decision that reflects your unique love story. Consider the ambiance you want to create, but also your venue's restrictions, and the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you opt for the enchanting glow of sparklers, the dreamy atmosphere of bubbles, the natural beauty of flower petals, the exhilaration of confetti cannons, or the timeless classic car departure, your grand exit is sure to be a moment your guests will cherish forever.
So, let the planning begin, and may your grand exit be as unforgettable as the love you're celebrating!
Thanks for reading!
Blair Woerfel! CEO + Lead Planner for BW Studio+Events