The send-off at the end of the wedding has been one of the most coveted photos of brides today. With a wide selection of send-off props to make the exit truly epic and the pics worthy of publication, make sure you select a prop that will suit your style. When selecting a send-off prop, there are several other factors to consider that will play a role in your choice. Check out our list of amazing send-off ideas and extra tips to make your get away legendary.
Sparklers. Let’s start with the most popular choice of couples. There is no doubt that sparklers make for stunning photos.
- Be sure to check with your venue and/or fire marshal to make sure they are allowed.
- 20″ sparklers are ideal. Some couples choose the longest option to ensure that there is enough time to make it down the tunnel of friends to the car. That is not the case. Your friends will be standing around waiting for the sparkler to burn out, or worse, try to put it out themselves. There are shorter sparklers that will absolutely burn too quickly. Go for the medium length.
- Make sure your guests are standing far enough away that your dress or hair will not spark a flame. Avoid burn marks at all costs.
- Be aware of the amount of libations that your guests have consumed before arming them with a firework.
- Be sure it is darker at your send off to get the best effect.
Fireworks. A full display of fireworks lighting up the sky is a real showstopper.
- Again, check with the venue to make sure there is an area for fireworks to be launched.
- The best place to start is with a professional fireworks company. They will provide all the necessary equipment and documents while working alongside the local fire marshal to ensure your show is within city code.
- With all those details covered by your firework pro, expect to pay approximately $1000/min for a firework show.
- You can customize your display by selecting certain fireworks and certain colors.
- We know that for an epic firework show the sun needs to be down, so plan accordingly.
Cold Sparklers. Staying on the fire theme, consider the beautiful option of cold spark machines.
- Set the spark units at the beginning of your “aisle’ to make a statement and so they show in the back of your photos.
- Consider setting up several units to line the driveway as you get away in your limo.
- The evening hour provide the best ambiance for your sparks.
Petals/Flowers. The softer side of the send-off spectrum, flower petals are a classic and colorful way to make your exit.
- Rose petals are always beautiful, smell amazing, and come in a variety of colors.
- Avoid fake petals. Real petals are biodegradable and don’t always have to be picked up afterwards. Check with your venue.
- Dried lavender or other dried buds are other options that offer a lovely aroma.
- For the best photos, there needs to be a little natural light for the color to bounce off of or you are looking at a flash camera to capture the movement and moment.
Confetti. With poppers and a huge variety of colors and cuts, confetti is a fun option.
- Check with your venue. Some brands of confetti are very difficult to pick up.
- Select a biodegradable AND water soluble confetti. These are hands down the easiest to clean up and will have the same effect as other confetti.
- If the mess isn’t worth the photo, consider taking couple photos or wedding party photos with confetti in an area that is easy to clean. This will get you some great photos without the stress of sweeping up millions of tiny paper cuttings.
Bubbles. Fun for kids and adults, bubbles have been a popular option for years.
- Bubbles are affordable and easy to use, plus make sure cute photos.
- Be aware of the sticky nature of bubbles.
- We highly suggest a couple of bubble machines in addition to your guest’s bubbles for maximum bubble potential.
- Another fun option is to have your guests circle around you for your last dance and blow the bubbles then. This will ensure beautiful photos and lighting for a sweet, end of the evening moment.
- PS. Having guests blow bubbles during COVID is probably not the best option as masks must be worn.
Smoke Flares. The trendiest new option for send-off props. These can be used in a number of ways, but below we are addressing the use in particular to send offs.
- Have bride and groom each hold flare out as the come down the walkway.
- Another option is to have a few friends hold the flares.
- Do not overdo the flares. 2-5 are optimal.
- Speak with your photographer on how to best capture the light and smoke.
- They come in a variety of colors. Buy a couple first to make sure the color is what you are wanting.
- Understand the potential for the smoke to stain your gown/clothes.
Stick+Ribbons. The sweet, homemade prop is colorful and easy.
- For wonderful color have guests wave these props through the air as you exit.
- Having natural light outside will help with the effect in the photos.
Glow Sticks. Cost effective and great alternative to sparklers.
- Have guests wear the glow sticks on the dance floors and then easily transition to the send-off position.
- Bright and crazy colors flashing behind you as you leave is definitely an awesome sight.
Balloons. A trend that is used in multiple ways on your wedding day can be used as a send-off prop as well.
- Wide variety of colors best seen in the daylight hours.
- For evening send-offs consider illuminated balloons!
- Do NOT release balloons…technically it is littering.
Pop streamers. The cool party store poppers look great in photos and are easy to clean up.
- Great way to get the streamer/popper look without the mess.
- Come in a variety of colors.
- The biggest con is that couples sometimes get tangled up in the streamers as they exit.
Paper lanterns. JUST DON’T DO IT.
- They rarely work, the conditions have to be perfect, they are a fire hazard, and again you are littering.
Spirit Fingers. Save your money and go for an old fashioned send off tunnel.
- Family and friends form a tunnel of arching arms, waving spirit fingers for the happy couple to run through.
- Great for wedding party photos as well.
Contributing Photographer: Matt Allen Photo