Reception Exit Ideas
Something I get asked about quite often is if I know of any fun, unique reception exit ideas that are different from sparklers. Sparklers are by far the most common exit accessory because they bring the light in the darkness and a great fun ambiance to the end of the night. However, lots of times, reception exit are full of intoxicated individuals and have narrow pathways to exit on and lets just face it, it can get pretty dangerous. I know multiple people who have been burned by more than one sparkler exit, including photographers, couples, guests, and venue owners. While they do look GREAT, sometimes they aren’t worth it. So what are your other options? Bubbles always look great, but do better when there is some other kind of light source. Then there are glowing balloons, glow sticks, & light up foam wands. But lets look at things that are even a little bit more different than those! Scroll down to see some of those I just mentioned plus some more unique ones!
Lets get different ideas now:
- Snow Machine. Obviously, this one only works in the right season, but it is awesome. I have done this one once in my career, and you’ll see an example of it below. From what I understand, there are a couple different types of snow machines you can get. Some last 2-3 minutes, some 5-10… in this case, you can definitely get away with doing the 2-3 minute one as long as there is someone who can press go on it while you’re standing there ready to exit! Also, it kind of needs a place above you to sit. Like in the example below, there was an upstairs window it was shooting out of. If you don’t have that as an option, you may have to look into one that kind of shoots the snow up if that’s a thing… I’m not sure it is. Also, I would recommend still giving your guests some biodegradable snow in their hands to toss as you exit further and further away from the machine!
2. Sprinkles. I LOVE this option because it is so so colorful and so fun! Sprinkles are also biodegradable, so no one has to go through and pick that stuff back up! It’s also SUPER cheap. You can literally just get the tiny little plastic cups that you use for mouthwash at Babalus (or the dentist :-)), and order mass quantity of the multi colored sprinkles, and pass the cups out for your exit. As you pass by your guests just launch the sprinkles out of the cup and voila. Easy peasy and oh so cute.
3. Glitter Foil. I don’t have a personal example of this one, but I’ve seen it done a couple times and I love it so much. I’m dying for one of my couples to do it! I personally like the multicolored glitter foil, but I’ve also seen just gold or silver as well. Also, I recommend getting the biodegradable one so that no one has to clean it up! Or just bring a really great vacuum cleaner lol. Here is a link to a photo that I found showing this in case you are interested! https://www.sheergirl.com/collections/mermaid-wedding-dresses/products/off-the-shoulder-vintage-mermaid-wedding-dresses-lace-applique-retro-wedding-dress-awd1254?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Pinterest&variant=14208907116607
4. Confetti Cannons. So when I say confetti cannons, you can do the gigantic ones, but also you can get those little tiny ones that you see all over at July 4th! Now the cheap ones that you see at firework stores will definitely not be biodegradable so some venues probably won’t let you do it, so double check, but it would be SO cute. They do offer a biodegradable one though because the picture you see below, at the kiss during the ceremony, all the bridal party shot off the cannons and after they were introduced as husband and wife, the bride started laughing and said: “don’t worry, it’s all biodegradable”. Love her.
5. Flags. Flags could meet a lot of things. American flags, racing flags, another country’s flag, etc… In my example below, it is racing flags because the groom LOVED nascar. But it was super cute and you could just do white flags or if you’re marrying someone from another country, you could do their country’s flag. Or if you just love American flags, you could do those too… especially if one or both of you are in the military!
6. Rose Petals. I really adore rose petal shots. This is an option for your ceremony exit as well and is absolutely gorgeous in day or night time (as long as you have a photographer that can work a flash system). And if you have some extras, we can also use them during portraits. See examples of the portrait and the reception exit of rose petals below!
7. Paper Airplanes. So I have never seen this one done myself but I LOVE it! I really wish this would have been a thing for the wedding that I shot in the airplane hangar. Here is a link to my favorite photo of this on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AWFGeM5OxTx2b1tZpem6pQ_uM-iWdjEsS7SdMRCqlQZ46k1XtLP1_C0/ and after looking at the paper ones vs. the little cheap wooden ones and I think the wooden ones look a lot better!
8. Silly String. I know this is probably not the popular one, but it does make for some REALLY good photos. Again, I haven’t photographed one myself, but check this pinterest link out. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/239887117629006090/ Doesn’t that look awesome!
9. Lavender. Talk about one that smells delicious. This is a go to for couples that are gifting their guests little pots with seeds to plant in honor of their wedding. It reminds me a lot of the sprinkles but just all one color. Gives that same feel though!
10. Smoke Bombs. So I haven’t done this one before either but I have worked with smoke bombs and I KNOW that this would look amazing. It gets a little stinky but overall leaves no mess and is gorgeous! If you’re worried about the color of the bombs coming off on your clothes, just do white ones! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AUo73EE7Y-xeWYEJHj2GEPE_b7ZBILTfj3i5PfzPxiSE9M6KxVkaCzM/
11. Fiberoptic Wands: Not only do these make great exit pieces, they also make great dance floor accessories. The part I love most about them is that when they get shaken, they move so fast that even with my flash on and pretty high shutter, they still have a blurred look to them! It just offers a fun, party vibe! And bonus for not being something that would burn you!
12. Streamers: This may be one of my new favorite exit ideas. The streamers that this couple used stayed attached to the piece that popped so it was a super easy cleanup. They got their wedding colors (pink and white), and that first shot of them arching over their heads is epic. Then, when they settle down around them, it looks SO good!
13. Cold Sparks: You can use cold sparks in various ways at your reception. Erin and Logan used them during their grand entrance and special dances. Alyson and Ben used them specifically for their exit. The way they work though is they are filled with a lighter fluid and will run until that fluid runs out. Depending on the size, it can be up to a 15 minute burn time. So, if you want them for both, your grand entrance and exit, you could totally do that. Or if you wanted them for your special dances and exit, they should be able to last for both events! Another big perk, these can’t burn you either…or your photographer.
14. Fireworks: I am ALWAYS a fan of a good firework show. This, however, is not always possible depending on your venue. The venue I’ve shot these most at is Castleton Farms. But if you are in the city limits, they are not allowed. Or if you are in a national park that could catch on fire, it’s also not allowed. So, check with your venue first before you start reaching out to pyrotechnics!
15. Lanterns: I can’t say that I LOVE this one, but it is an option. These are pretty dangerous though and some counties have made them illegal because they have caught trees on fire. However, in the right place, at the right time, and from the right vendor, they’re pretty magical. While I don’t have a good first hand photo of these, you can see an example from the link. I do want to point out, that if you go this route, PLEASE spend the extra money and get good ones. The danger comes with the cheap ones that are really flimsy and break down easily. If you pay for the good ones, it’s worth it! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4644405852890313/
16. Pom Poms or Foam Fingers: If you have any sports ties at all, this is a great and really cute option! Especially here in East TN – go big orange! But these are also good to make the dance floor hype. Don’t let these come out at just your exit. Use them the whole night!
17. Ribbon Wands: I especially love this option if you’re exiting during daylight still. These ribbon wands are super cheap to make and give a great aesthetic to your exit! Bonus, if it is dusk or dark, you can attach little strands of led lights to them too to bring some glow!
18. Tambourines/Maracas: Not gonna lie, I pulled this one from Pinterest. When I saw it though, it looked SO good and it would bring such a fun vibe to your dance floor and exit. So for those who really love instruments and want to incorporate them into your reception, it would make a great dance floor and exit accessory! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27303141485121444/
So, there you have it! Some unique and fun wedding reception exit ideas! Feel free to share this post on your social medias so others can get inspired with unique ideas too!
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