A collection of eco friendly exit and send off ideas in the UK to help kick start your wedding plans.
YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY WEDDING EXIT IDEAS.
So you’ve found your perfect partner and now you’re planning your perfect wedding. Let me help you, My name is Dale and I am a wedding photographer who has seen some remarkable wedding exits on my journeys throughout the UK. I know how difficult it can be for couples planning their wedding so I’ve compiled a list of the most eye catching wedding exit ideas just for you!
Once you have your perfect exit plan, You’ll want a photographer who will make you look as luxurious and beautiful as your wedding will be. Well, I’m right here. Reach out to me and see if I still have your date available. - Dale Nichols Wedding Photographer
As the wedding reception comes to an end, the bride and groom make their exit. This is a special moment that the guests will remember for years to come. There are many different ways to make a grand exit, and the options are limited only by the couple's imagination. Here are some popular ideas to make a memorable exit:
Artificial Snow
Winter weddings have to be my favourite and as they’re becoming more and more popular you should definitely consider the benefits to having one. While you can’t guarantee it to snow on your big day, you can always use a bit of magic and make it snow!
Artificial snow is easy to purchase and can be tossed over you both by your guests. If you’re desperate for snow it’s always possible to hire a snow machine for that full on winter wonderland look. Either way, the magical twinkling photos of your big day will be sure to impress.
Biodegradable balloons
Have all your wonderful guests release a sea of biodegradable balloons into the sky for quite the uplifting moment. A personal idea of mine is for each balloon to have a few seeds inside so where they land life can flourish. Others have attached tags to each balloon that way you can get your guest to write their well-wishes on them. Don’t forget to work with your photographer to find the best spots to release them. The balloon idea is definitely best done during the daytime so you can watch them ascend into the sky.
Balloon Toss
If you’re set on the idea of balloons but are having an indoor wedding, don’t worry! The Balloon toss is for you. In many ways it's more fun and amusing. Having your guests toss them towards you, you can have a crazy game of dodgeball. You can always choose the colours and textures that match your wedding style and decor. If you’re wanting photos of smiles and laughs this is a great way to capture those wonderful moments.
Eco-friendly Sky Lanterns
A lot of weddings tend to end after dusk which is the perfect time for you and your guests to release sky lanterns as you take off. It can be such an incredibly beautiful and romantic sight watching all the lights floating away in the night sky. Knowing each one represents someone special in your life. Sky lanterns have been used for nearly 2000 years in Asia, holding a lot of tradition and meaning held within them. Originally used to signal danger in battle, but as centuries passed the Sky Lantern became popular for ceremonies and parties representing good luck & prosperity. The belief was that the flame of the lantern would guide them to the right path. L.E.D lights are recommended and you can also buy lanterns without wire inside, to prevent harm to wildlife.
Top Tip, Please check with your venue and council first, since some rural areas will not allow these lanterns. Personally I'd only ever recommend using them if you are near the coast and the wind is heading out towards the sea. That way the paper can dissolve and fire is put out.
Horse & Cart
Get creative with transportation: Instead of the traditional limousine, try something different like a vintage car or even a horse-drawn carriage. This is a great way to add a personal touch to the exit. A horse and carriage can be a beautiful and romantic way to exit your wedding ceremony. Not only will you make a grand entrance, but you'll also get to enjoy a leisurely ride together as you start your new life as husband and wife. Plus, your guests will love seeing you make your getaway in style. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience, consider hiring a horse and carriage for your wedding exit.
I can personally recommend The Ostler for their truly wonderful carriages and professionalism, each one of their coach staff are highly trained and wonderful people to have on your big day. Not only that, but the way they look after their horses is so great to see.
Release Doves
There are lots of wonderful reasons you should release doves for your exit. While it is known when doves find a mate, they remain with the mate for life. Two are often released by the couple. Another two are in baskets for the mothers, father and other family members to release. This release will symbolise the unity of the two families.
If you’re worried about the safety of the doves, or heard some stories online, make sure to check with the supplier. More often than not they will use white homing pigeons instead of barbary doves so you can be sure they will live on happily ever after like you.
I can fully recommend LoveyDoveyUK with their 15 years experience, you'll be sure to have a fairytale exit with them.
Flower Petal Toss
What better way to kick off the rest of your day's celebration than to leave your ceremony through a mist of gorgeous flower petals. There’s so many options of petals out there. You can easily match the theme of your wedding or just choose your most favourite flowers. It’s also possible to have rice paper petals too. These always make for a beautiful photo for your album, or GIF to tag your friends in.
Bubbles
While petals, confetti and streamers are very pretty, they will require extra post ceremony cleanup. Bubbles on the other hand are a fun and clean way to express the excitement of the day. ( Just don’t go OTT or you’ll end up a bit sticky! )
Bubbles are suitable for any time of day. With enough backlight & ambient lighting they can look incredible even at night. I’ve even witnessed glow in the dark bubbles. If you want to get really serious about your bubble exit you can organise a bubble machine, or even little hand held battery operated bubble machines. Leave your guest smiling and amused while you pop off!
Rice Toss
Pure, Simple, Traditional. Rice has been thrown since Roman times symbolising fertility and prosperity. This classic is perfect if you’re on a budget and it’s easy to source. While cheap to produce it still resonates with so many people and represents so much. Top tip, Don’t steam or fry it first! Haha!
Bell Ringing
You don’t have to be covered in anything to have an impact on your exit. Getting your guests to ring bells is a great way to enhance the senses. You and your guests when hearing bells will always be brought back to that magical moment.
You can personalise your bells for the perfect gift. Depending on what type of wedding you can choose the right bell for you. If it’s a country vibe you might want Cowbells, winter and snow machines? Why not Sleigh Bells!
I’ve even known people to have a samba band play and the guests play percussion instruments and party blowers, whistles, kazoos & vuvuzelas.
Sparklers
This is a fun way to exit the reception, and it's also a great photo opportunity. Guests can line up on either side of the exit, and the couple can walk through the sparklers as they make their way to their getaway car. Just make sure to work with your photographer to plan this out, so people don't light theirs too soon, and so people can gather behind you so you get that beautiful bokeh blurred sparkling background behind you both.
Confetti Cannons
While confetti thrown over a couple is pretty, it’s also pretty common. You can up the awesomeness with confetti cannons though! These are such a great way to get your guests involved on your perfect wedding exit. There’s usually a huge cheer and big laughs when they set these cannons off and an awe of just how incredible your exit looks. Again you can buy biodegradable confetti too which is much better for the environment. Start your celebrations off with a bang!
Adam Apple provide amazing biodegradable confetti and cannons! LOVE their products.
Bonus Ideas!
Whole flowers
Put a twist on tradition by having your guest throw whole flowers at you. Anything from roses to daisies to tulips, your imagination is your limit. You could even have origami flowers if you like. A word to the wise though, flowers like lilies will stain your dress if you’re not careful, so be mindful of flowers which have lots of pollen or could ruin your clothes.
Lavender Toss
Let the smell of lavender linger with you, taking you back to that special moment you just got married. Have your amazing guests throw cups of lavender over you filling the air with its wonderful aroma. Perfect for adding that provincial French flair to your spring or summer wedding. You can always get creative and incorporate other dried flowers like chamomile or calendulas to the mix. You can even have bigger cups and add some confetti in the mix to fill out the scene even more.
Throwing Leaves
Autumn weddings with their rich, fiery cloak of colours are truly beautiful spectacles. I can’t think of anything more fitting that would make your exit pop. Unlike most of the options on this list this option can be produced for free, you could get your family to start collecting leaves in preparation. (Just make sure they are completely dry & not damp).
You may have a particular leaf you love the look of, and can prepare now by planning out exactly what you want for your perfect, blissful autumnal wedding.
Hey, So I hope this blog has helped you get your mind buzzing with ideas! The possibilities are truly endless and remember it's YOUR wedding. Do whatever it is you love. Just remember your exit or send off is a perfect opportunity for incredible photos that you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
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