From Lavender Sachets to Sky Lanterns, Here’s How to Start Your New Life in Style
Did you know that the tradition of wedding send-offs goes back to Roman times, when guests would throw grain at the happy couple to symbolize fertility? Things have moved on a lot since then—and how. Because nowadays, couples are choosing memorable and unique send-offs that reflect their personality and pizazz.
So while sparklers, confetti, and bubbles all have their charms, why not explore more creative alternatives that will leave a lasting impression on your guests? At Il Tulipano, we believe that every big day should be as distinctive as the couple it celebrates. So let’s find inspiration from 11 imaginative wedding send-off ideas that go beyond the ordinary:
Whimsical flower petals
Tossing colorful petals in the air creates a super romantic send-off. This whimsical and eco-friendly option will also add a touch of natural beauty to your exit—not to mention delicious scents. Choose petals to match your wedding colors or opt for a mix of vibrant hues to create a stunning visual effect. Classic wedding flowers include tulips, sweet peas, and carnations, but you can also choose symbolic flowers for extra meaning. For instance, peonies symbolize good luck, yellow lilies are linked to happiness, and red roses stand for love (of course).
Lavender sachets
Looking to create rustic or boho vibes on your big day? For a fragrant and romantic wedding send-off, give your guests little lavender sachets to throw in the air as they wave you off. Lavender symbolizes devotion, making it a meaningful choice, plus purple is the color of luxury. What’s more, the soothing and woodsy scent will add an extra ambiance to your special moment. For an added touch of sweetness, you could arrange for the old love song ‘Lavender Blue’ to be playing as you leave. And if you’re having a winter wedding, why not swap the lavender for aromatic pine needles?
Paper Airplanes
Embrace your inner child by having your guests fold and toss paper airplanes as you depart. This playful and interactive send-off idea will add a bit of lighthearted fun to your big day. For good luck, you could even ask them to write a special wish for your future on their plane, or decorate it with hearts. And while white paper planes are the classic choice, there’s nothing stopping you from using colored or metallic paper to match your wedding palette.
Glittering ribbon wands
Add a touch of sparkle to your wedding exit with glittering ribbon wands. These elegant wands will come to life as they twirl through the air, creating a mesmerizing and magical effect. Children will have lots of fun with them too. And for an extra stylish send off, choose ribbon colors that match your wedding theme.
Biodegradable balloons
Love the idea of balloons but feel that you’d prefer an eco-friendly option? Choose biodegradable balloons filled with birdseed. As they float away they’ll provide nourishment for local wildlife, and you’ll have a playful bride and groom send-off that fills the air with color.
Glow sticks
Who says that glow sticks are just for clubbing or festivals? Get your guests to light up the night with a set of luminous rods as you leave your reception. You could choose rainbow colors for a vibrant effect, or alternatively, shades that match your wedding theme. Best of all, glow sticks have a similar effect to sparklers in that you can draw in the air with them—so make sure that your photographer gets a romantic shot of a heart being drawn.
Confetti Popper
Confetti is too classic to ignore as an option and thankfully, you can bring it up to date. So why not put a twist on traditional confetti with the loud and proud popping version? Your guests will love launching a colorful explosion of paper flakes into the air in one coordinated blast. It’s a fun, festive, and exuberant way to celebrate your newlywed status.
Dove releases
You’ll for sure need a professional animal handler to help out with this one—but it’s well worth it. Releasing pretty white birds into the air is about as fairytale as you can get, especially if you’re going for a royal-themed wedding. Doves are a traditional wedding bird as they pair for life, plus they represent peace and love. For an extra romantic touch, decorate your doves with ribbons bearing your initials.
Autumn leaves
This send-off idea is perfect for a seasonal autumn wedding. Swap spring or summer flowers for gorgeous fall foliage that your guests can toss at you as you leave. For a glitzier effect, spray-paint your leaves in metallic shades of gold, rose gold, bronze, copper, and silver.
Floating sky lanterns
Make a special wish as your guests illuminate the night sky with glowing lanterns that float slowly off to the stars. The sight of lanterns in the air is a mesmerizing way to end your day and also symbolizes the journey of your love taking flight. Don’t be surprised if everyone cries a few happy tears at this magical send-off.
Smoke bombs
Do you really want to make a statement? A colored smoke bomb send-off is about as dramatic and theatrical as you can get, plus you can match the shades to your wedding theme. It comes with a few caveats though—brides, keep your pristine white gown well away from those puffs of smoke. Also, make sure to liaise with your venue for maximum safety. Finally, get a professional to coordinate it all. Once you’ve ticked those boxes, enjoy an unforgettable send-off!
Ready For Your Big Day?
Your wedding send-off is the grand finale of your special day, and it should reflect your unique style, personality, and love story. While traditional options like sparklers, confetti, and bubbles are always charming, exploring creative alternatives can make your exit even more memorable. Whether you choose lavender sachets, paper airplanes, or lanterns floating off into the sky, why not make your wedding exit a moment that you and your guests can cherish forever?
At Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, we offer an unforgettable New Jersey wedding venue surrounded by beautiful gardens. Our iconic space has just had a makeover and has been praised by New Jersey Bride, The Knot, and Wedding Wire. The Il Tulipano team will treat you like family, so get in touch with us today and let’s plan your dream wedding.
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