Everyone knows what they’re going to do when they arrive at their ceremony or reception: get married and party! However, many couples who hire me for their Philadelphia wedding photography haven’t decided what they’re going to do as they leave. The recessional is almost as important as the processional, and you should leave your reception with a bang! Here are some ideas I’ve seen for ceremony and reception exits:
Ceremony Exits
A recessional is the opposite of a processional. It’s when everyone walks back up the aisle, hopefully as your wedding guests clap and cheer! Make sure you give them a triumphant arm raise or fist pump, and blast your recessional song. It should be something upbeat and lovey-dovey–I’m a huge fan of Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and You’ve Got the Love by Florence and the Machine. But I’m sure you have your own ideas! If not, this Spotify playlist has some great suggestions. It has everything: classics like The Beatles, happy-go-lucky pop artists like Colbie Callait, and stuff that’s more left-of-center.
Things to Throw
It’s something of a tradition to shower the bride and groom as they exit their ceremony site. However, most places forbid rice, since it’s not biodegradable. Here are some creative alternatives:
- Biodegradable Confetti
- Rainbow Sprinkles (careful, these can stain!) or White Sprinkles
- Autumn Leaves
- Flower Petals
- Lavender
- Fragrant Herbs
- Plantable Seed Confetti
- Re-Usable Pom Poms
- Bubbles
Reception Exits
You can have your guests throw something as you’re leaving your reception if you want. If you’re already doing that for your ceremony, though, you might not want to double up. Here are a couple more creative reception exits that will stand out in your guests’ memories:
- Strings of tin cans on the back of the car is a classic for a reason! You can decorate your car or rent a limo or classic car and see if they’ll let you attach things to it.
- If where you’re staying isn’t far, ride off into the sunset on bicycles! Or, if you’re afraid of falling off in your dress, rent a rickshaw to takeHav you there.
- Have your guests line up and light sparklers as you walk out!
- Provide sky lanterns that will light up the night as they rise. You can have each guest write a special wedding wish for you on their lantern to send up into the sky!
- Ride a golf cart across the green.
- If your reception venue is on the waterfront, hop in a boat and wave as it whisks you to your hotel!
- Buy some ribbon wands with bells attached, and have your guests wave them after you as you’re leaving.
Do you have any more creative ideas for ceremony or reception exits? Share them with me in the comments!
