45 Unique Wedding Send-Off Ideas

Bride and groom kissing beneath sparklers that guests are holding at night — Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

Ceremony and reception entrances are some of the most highly anticipated parts of the wedding day, so it's easy to see why couples put a lot of thought into these moments, often neglecting their exits as a result. Yes, you'll want to nail those entrances, but your exit can—and should—be just as exciting. That's where the wedding send-off comes into play. In this fun and interactive tradition that takes place during or after the recessional or at the very end of the night, friends and family usually arrange a receiving line and then “send off” the couple with a celebratory item; popular options include tossing flower petals, waving sparklers, blowing bubbles, and ringing bells, but you can go with any creative idea you dream up. Whatever you choose, the end result is a photo-worthy moment that leaves a lasting impression, and it’s relatively easy to execute.

Meet the Expert

Heather Balliet is the lead planner, owner, and designer of Amorology, a full-service wedding planning company based in San Diego. She has about two decades of experience planning and styling weddings.

According to wedding planner Heather Balliet of Amorology, you can customize the send-off in any way that suits your personality. "We once did a lighter send-off for a rock-and-roll musician couple—such a fun and personal way to end the night,” Balliet recalls. The planner mentions that another one of her clients asked her loved ones to toss oats as they left for the night since the couple loved oatmeal and used it in their décor. You can also get creative with the location. While most send-offs occur outside of the ceremony or reception venue, Balliet has planned nuptials where guests shower the couple on the dance floor. "We have seen a lot of our couples combine both their last dance with their send-off and have everyone gather together on the dance floor as the night comes to an end,” she explains.

From streamers and balloons to glow sticks and bubbles, here are some of our favorite wedding send-off ideas.

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Toss Flower Petals

Bride and celebrating during the recessional while their guests throw flower petals — Photo by Hugo Coelho Photography

The flower petal toss isn’t just reserved for the flower girls at the start of the ceremony. Having your guests throw petals after you’ve recited your vows and shared your first kiss is also a fun and festive way to send you off to the reception. Select hues that coordinate with your aisle arrangements, and stick with seasonal varieties for a cohesive look (like this duo did for their vineyard wedding in Portugal, with planning and floral design by Quinta de Sant’Ana).

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Launch Confetti

Bride and groom dancing underneath metallic confetti on a monogrammed dance floor with their guests — Photo by Stanlo Photography

Setting off a canon of confetti at the end of the night will create an explosion of color and texture, leading to incredible photos. Bring your wedding send-off to your dance floor, so friends and family can celebrate your new marriage while breaking it down to a killer soundtrack. We love silver and gold confetti for glamorous and contemporary nuptials, like this couple selected for their lavish Florida wedding (with planning by Oh Niki Occasions).

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Integrate Streamer Cannons

Bride and groom holding hands as they walk through a procession of tinsel streamers — Photo by Emily Nicole Photo

Once it’s time to leave your reception venue, walking through a throng of streamers launched through cannons will make for a thrilling and touching conclusion—this couple's exit at their watercolor-inspired celebration in Dallas (with day-of coordination by Evie Morgan) is evidence. While tinsel streamers are always a classic choice, you can also opt for vibrant hues that coordinate with your wedding color scheme.

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Throw Glitter

Bride and groom holding hands as they walk through a procession of guests throwing glitter — Photo by Sarah Joy Photo

Another memorable way to end your special day? Walk through a sea of glitter. Just take this bride and groom at their ethereal affair in St. Lucia arranged by J. Marie Events and Awesome Caribbean Weddings, for instance. Pro tip: Buy large-size glitter instead of normal-size glitter, so the sparkly decoration will show up better in photos and create an easier cleanup process. There is one caveat, though: If you choose glitter for your wedding send-off idea, just be prepared that it will most likely stick to your hair and skin, especially if you’re sweaty from a night of dancing.

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Set Off Smoke Bombs

Wedding party releasing smoke bombs as the bride and groom, in Indian attire, walk in front of them — Photo by Ana Hinojosa

Equip your guests with handheld smoke bombs (or have a professional release them on cue) and dash through clouds of color, from delicate wisps of smoke to a full-blown backdrop. You can even time it just right, so your getaway car drives through the mystical haze. If you’re considering this type of wedding send-off idea (like this pair pulled off for their colorful bash in Baja California, with planning by Cabo Wedding Services), check with your venue first and let your photographer know of your intent. Also, keep in mind that the pigment may stain your clothing and any other surrounding items, so make sure to use them in outdoor settings only.

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Blow Bubbles

For a unique alternative that doesn’t require any cleanup, consider bubbles. Not only will bubbles create less mess, but they’ll also double as favors. And they aren’t just reserved for daytime celebrations: With enough ambient lighting, a bubble fest will be just as visible in the dark, and you can even opt for a glow-in-the-dark variety. If you really want to up the ante, employ a bubble machine.

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Include a Second Line

Bride and groom holding umbrellas and following a band in a second line parade — Photo by Mo Davis Photography

A second line parade is a longstanding New Orleans wedding tradition that has the newlyweds, bridal party, and wedding guests follow a brass band (led by a grand marshall) down the streets of the city in a celebratory fashion. If you’re a music-loving couple or throwing your nuptials down south, a second line will make your walk from the ceremony site to the reception a lively one (evidenced by this pair's procession for their nature-inspired affair in New Orleans that Michelle Norwood orchestrated).

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Hold Sparklers

Waving sparklers is one of the most classic wedding send-off ideas. These dazzling flames will add a glamorous edge to a casual affair or incorporate a sense of whimsy into a formal celebration. To make them pop, hold them up against the night sky or coordinate with the bright lights of a city backdrop, which is what this couple did at their Brooklyn wedding. Present extra sparkler sticks in custom wrappers with your name or monogram for an easy wedding favor idea.

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Try Ribbon Wands

Bride in Wedding Dress and Hair Down Leaving Reception With Groom in Black Tuxedo While Guests Hold Twirlers — Photo by Danielle Margherite Photography

Giving your guests ribbon wands to wiggle back and forth (like these newlyweds did at their upbeat nuptials in Miami) as you make your grand exit will bring a rustic and whimsical flair to your wedding. Ribbon wands are reminiscent of streamers, but they won’t leave any litter on the floor. Bonus: Making these colorful wands can be an easy DIY project. Just pick out your favorite ribbon combination and tie them to dowels for a dynamic and photogenic setup.

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Wave Handheld Flags

Kate Austin and Sarah Sulsenti walk among rainbow flags — Photo by Ashley Rae Photography

After you say "I do," depart from your ceremony venue surrounded by a sea of flags. To celebrate pride at their classic château wedding in New Jersey, these brides opted for rainbow-hued varieties. If you're tying the knot around the Fourth of July or you simply want to flaunt your patriotism, you can also ask your friends and family to wave handheld American flags.

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Salute With Swords

Bride and groom kissing under a saber of swords on the stirs of a military wedding — Photo by Victoria Heer

Known as the Arch of Sabers or the Arch of Swords, this wedding send-off is a widely-known tradition that takes place at military weddings to honor and protect the newlyweds. Immediately after the ceremony—usually outside of the venue—several service members line up in pairs and create a tunnel of swords that the couple then walks under. Once the bride and groom reach the last two swords, the team members drop their sabers, and the duo must kiss in order to pass through.

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Consider a CO2 Gun

Bride in White Reception Dress and Groom in White Tuxedo Using Smoke Machine on Stage With Performers — Photo by Amrit Photography

Another alternative to a smoke bomb for your wedding send-off is a CO2 gun. These handheld devices spew smoke—often in different colors—creating a nightclub-inspired effect that looks especially dazzling in a dimly lit room. Not to mention, operating these tubes will conclude the festivities in a fun way—for both you and your guests. At the end of these newlyweds' New Year's Eve fête in Jaipur that Tamarind Global Weddings planned, the duo rang in the new year with whiffs of smoke.

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Seek Inspiration From Pop Culture

Anna and Skyler holding hands and walking during the send-off while guests hold wands — Photo by Charla Storey

Need inspiration for your wedding send-off? Look to pop culture. For example, since this couple’s first conversation revolved around their mutual love of Harry Potter, they brought this movie and book series into their elegant Austin affair (that Birds of a Feather Events helped bring to life) via wands that their guests waved as they left for the evening.

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End the Night With a Bang

Bride and groom wrapping their arms around one another while they watch the fireworks at night — Photo by Photos by Julieta

Lighting up the skies with an eye-catching display of fireworks—which is what this couple did at their modern soirée in Cabo, which Amy Abbott Events helped arrange—is a magnificent way to conclude the festivities before you jet off on your honeymoon. Just remember to ask your venue for permission first since some locales consider these vibrant bursts of light a fire or safety hazard.

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Install Cold Sparkler Machines

Bride and groom holding hands as they walk down a pathway lined with cold sparklers — Photo by Ivy Weddings

If fireworks aren’t in the budget, cold sparkler machines produce the same striking effect. This display at the duo's multi-day Indian wedding, which XB Weddings helped organize, is a prime example. You can either line the pathway outside of your reception venue with these ground installations or use them to border the driveway, so you can watch the sparks of light as you drive off.

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Incorporate Glow Sticks

Two brides dancing with their guests on the dance floor while they hold colorful glow sticks — Photo by Natura Collective

If your wedding venue won’t allow a sparkler send-off, opt for glow sticks instead. Illuminating the night with colorful spheres of light will cast a similar glow over your evening, but it will last longer than a few minutes. Glow sticks work especially well as you transition from the reception to the after-party.

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Put on a Fire Performance

Bride and groom posing with fire dancers on the beach at their tropical Mexico wedding — Photo by Dos Digital Bodas

Turn your send-off into a performance and hire talent to put on a fire show at the end of your wedding. This couple (with help from their planner, Conceptúa) even enlisted belly dancers, aeralists, and sword swallowers for their beach nuptials in Mexico. To avoid a safety hazard, make sure this production takes place outside, and get permission from your venue first.

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Create a Rainbow

Bride and groom starting their recessional while a canon launches colorful confetti — Photo by Ashley Cox Photography

While metallic confetti will douse your big day in glitz and glamour—like we previously mentioned—a colorful confetti toss will give your nuptials an air of vibrancy and playfulness. Provide your guests with confetti poppers to launch during your recessional, so you kick off your first few moments as a newly married couple in a striking way. Rainbow confetti will suit weddings with a technicolor palette or a carnival theme, like this wedding in Virginia complete with a ferris wheel that Alyson Taylor Events helped execute.

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Set Sail

Bride and groom kissing on a private boat while overlooking the ocean with mountains — Photo by Alexandra & Vladimir Nadtochiy

For coastal settings, a wedding send-off by boat will give you and your partner a chance to soak up the first few moments as newlyweds alone and admire the scenery. At this modern wedding in Montenegro, with planning by DSA Weddings, a boat not only sent off the newlyweds, but it also delivered their guests to the cocktail hour. Choose a vessel that matches your wedding style, from a homegrown, rustic boat to a luxurious yacht.

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Travel by Vehicle

Bride and groom riding in a convertible decorated with a wreath of eucalyptus while guests cheer — Photo by Jonnie + Garrett

Since not every couple has access to a vast body of water to make their exit, a more common wedding send-off idea is by car. Leaving your wedding venue in a getaway car while your friends and family cheer you on also provides plenty of opportunities for decorations. You can’t go wrong with a “just married” sign and a trail of tin cans, but flowers and custom banners will also enhance your setup.

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Add Choreography

A bride and groom dancing while professional dancers put on a show around them — Photo by Erich McVey

Being escorted by a group of professional dancers will make your send-off one for the books. Luckily, you don’t have to memorize the choreography to partake in this possibility. With this parade, you’ll get front-row access to your own intimate performance, and you can dance along as you please while the rest of your guests trail behind you.

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Employ an Unexpected Accompaniment

Bride and groom with donkey decorated with florals — Photo by Sarah Slover Photography

To make your wedding send-off truly one of a kind, celebrate the end of your ceremony or reception with a real-life animal. For example, a donkey, dressed in colorful flowers and streamers, led this couple through the streets of San Miguel de Allende to their rust-hued reception, which Penzi Weddings helped pull off. If a donkey or another similar creature doesn't seem realistic, you can also have your pet escort you.

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Have Family by Your Side

Bride and groom holding hands with their son during the recessional — Photo by Kurt Boomer

If your daughter or son is playing a special role in your wedding ceremony, either as a flower girl, ring bearer, or spectator, hold your little one's hands during the recessional (which is what this pair did at their autumnal bash in Big Sur that Jacqueline Hallgarth helped arrange). Spending your very first moment together as newlyweds with your child is a sentimental start to your marital journey. Plus, the exit will be a touching—and memorable—one for guests.

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Carry Parasols

bride and groom lead second line parade while carrying lace parasols — Photo by Shelly Anderson Photography

We've already mentioned that second line parades are the quintessential wedding send-off for New Orleans nuptials. To fully embrace this tradition, lead the way carrying decorated umbrellas. After this bride and groom traded vows, they hit the streets in lace umbrellas—one white and one black—which coordinated perfectly with their moody, Victorian-inspired wedding theme that Lonney Jane Productions assisted in delivering.

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Personalize Paper Cones

Bride in Wedding Dress With Hair Down Holding White Bouquet Walking Down Aisle With Groom in Sand Colored Suit and Brown Shoes — Photo by Danilo & Sharon

Throwing flower petals is one of the most popular send-off ideas for wedding ceremonies. But, if you want to take this option to the next level, distribute custom cones of flower petals. Whether you integrate your custom crest, joint initials, or a representative quote, personalizing these paper funnels will make the activity even more moving.

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Walk Through a Tunnel

Bride and groom kissing beneath floral tunnel in desert ceremony — Photo by The Foxes Photography

A seamless send-off idea to have on your radar is one that involves your wedding décor. Instead of having your invitees toss petals or anything of the same sort—which have the potential of getting stuck in your hair and require purchasing additional supplies—toast to your new marriage by strutting beneath a floral tunnel (like this arrangement of baby's breath and dried foliage that Farm Yard created for this bohemian desert affair). Plus, a canopy of blooms will also enhance your entrance.

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Enlist iPhone Flashlights

Wedding Couple At Wedding Reception With Guests Holding Phones and Flashlights — Photo by The Lockharts

One of the easiest ways to depart your reception? Ask your loved ones to turn on the flashlight feature on their smartphones (shown here at this French-inspired soirée in Texas). Of course, this option only really works if your post-ceremony party takes place during the evening, so the beams of light can really show up. While you can always use good old-fashioned flashlights, your attendees will likely have their iPhones on hand during the festivities, which requires zero additional planning on your end.

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Travel on Horseback

Bride and groom kissing one another on horseback — Photo by Michelle Beller Photography

Whether you're traveling to or from your reception, one unexpected mode of transportation is via horseback (pictured at this organic mountain wedding in Montana). If you're throwing a rustic fête in the countryside or at a farm, riding horses is an apt way to transfer. Since this exit requires a bit of dexterity, novices may want to take lessons first or have an expert guide them.

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Customize Flags

A bin of gray custom flags with the couple's wedding crest on them — Photo by Carmen Santorelli

Flags and pennants are the perfect way to personalize your send-off and instill a sense of patriotism. For some ideas, select simple flags in your wedding colors, engrave them with your custom monogram, or choose ones that support your favorite sports team or alma mater.

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Get Showered in Rice

Bride and groom laughing during the recessional while their friends and family throw rice — Photo by Kami Olavarria

Since Roman times, many couples have embraced the rice toss at their wedding. This traditional practice is also filled with symbolic meaning: Showering the newlyweds with grains of rice is said to bring fertility and prosperity to a couple’s marriage. Not to mention, this wedding send-off idea is budget-friendly and will give a cinematic feel to your wedding photos. A word of caution: Rice may cause people to slip and fall when stepped on, so exercise caution if this send-off occurs on pavement, wood, or tile.

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Scatter Birdseed

Bride and groom surrounded by birdseed after walking down the stairs of their venue — Photo by Madeline Broderick Photography

Birdseed tosses have gained tremendous popularity in recent years, due in part to the fact that it's believed that rice is dangerous to birds (as it turns out, that's not quite true). Regardless, birdseed is sustainable, eco-friendly, and affordable, so it’s still a worthwhile alternative. Just be sure to orchestrate the send-off during the day, so the birds can actually assist with the cleanup.

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Sprinkle Eucalyptus

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling while guests toss eucalyptus leaves at them — Photo by Pear & Bear Photography

Instead of using flower petals, a similarly lush alternative is scattering eucalyptus leaves. These fragrant greens will match the vibe of a rustic aesthetic or complement the botanical setting of a garden affair. Consider sourcing local finds that are native to the region to save money and give your ceremony a sustainable flair.

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Release Butterflies

A bride and groom opening a wicker basket with monarch butterflies inside at their ceremony — Photo by James x Schulze

Setting butterflies free after you’ve tied the knot signifies new beginnings and happiness, which is the best way to start your marriage. The butterflies will flutter around the two of you before flying free, creating a memory you’ll never forget. “These are always so pretty, and it’s a sweet way for guests to let them go with good wishes for the newlyweds,” Balliet says. Just make sure to find a butterfly release company that protects the safety of the butterflies.

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Unleash Doves

Bridesmaids in colorful dresses releasing doves at an outdoor ceremony — Photo by Jenn Byrne

Releasing doves after your ceremony is another symbolic way to celebrate your marriage. Sending doves off into the sky exemplifies good fortune, prosperity, a peaceful home, and everlasting love. As with butterflies, make sure the safety of the doves comes first.

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Spread Dried Florals

A tray of cones with dried flowers on a table at a couple's outdoor wedding ceremony — Photo by Joel Serrato

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the classic flower petal toss, swap real petals for dried florals. Dried flowers are natural and biodegradable, so you’ll cut back on the overall waste produced on your wedding day.

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Fling Leaves

A wedding guest holding a pile of gold leaves while sitting on a wooden chiavari ceremony chair — Photo by Rachel Havel

Are you saying “I do” in the fall? For an on-theme send-off idea, have your loved ones throw colorful foliage from their ceremony seats. You can even go the DIY route and accumulate fresh leaves from the ground (just make sure they aren’t damp or wet). Consider adding glitter for a sparkly finish.

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Fly Paper Airplanes

Bride and groom standing outside of their church venue while paper airplanes fly above them — Photo by Steffen Harris Photography

Imagine paper airplanes soaring above you as you and your significant other take off for your honeymoon. Make yours out of origami or craft paper in shades that complement your color palette for an out-of-the-box wedding send-off idea.

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Pitch Balloons

Two grooms catching balloons during their recessional while guests throw them — Photo by Trevor Mark Photography

As the two of you make your way over to your reception, walking through a mass of balloons is a carefree and playful way to start this next chapter of your life together. Have your guests toss them toward you and your spouse as you dodge them or return the volleys. If your ceremony is outdoors, you can even incorporate a balloon release.

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Plan an Air Show

Bride and groom waving to planes while an air show takes place at their outdoor ceremony — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

Whether you have an affinity for aircrafts, want to pay tribute to the military, or are looking for an adrenaline-packed exit, wrapping up your ceremony led by a squad of aerobatic aircrafts will be unforgettable. We suggest planning this exit during the daytime with clear skies and unobstructed views.

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Select Whole Flowers

A basket of pink and white roses in pink cones for guests to toss at the ceremony — Photo by Aaron Delesie

To put a twist on the classic petal toss, have your guests throw entire flowers—with or without the stems—as you and your spouse walk back up the aisle. Roses are always a timeless choice, but you can also select daisies, lilies, baby’s breath, or any other in-season bloom.

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Disperse Sequins

Bride and groom linking arms while their wedding guests toss sequins at them — Photo by Imogen Xiana

Sequins will make a sparkly exit at any affair. Plan this toss during ceremonies with plenty of sunlight or light fixtures, so the objects will refract light and create more shine. To make your cleanup stress-free, include this sequin toss at a venue with hard flooring, like pavement or wood, rather than grass or sand.

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Light Lanterns

Bride and groom kissing while releasing a lantern into the night sky — Photo by Ashley Jensen Photography

For receptions that end after dusk, have your guests release lanterns while you bid adieu. Make a wish before you send them off, and watch yours ascend toward the heavens. Since open flames can start fires, make sure to use battery-operated lights.

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Pop Open the Bubbly

Bride and bridesmaids in blue dresses being sprayed by champagne — Photo by Imogen Xiana

There’s nothing more celebratory than Champagne on your wedding day. In addition to sipping on this beverage during your cocktail hour or reception, enlist a few of your wedding party members to pop open a bottle and spray you and your partner as you pass through your ceremony doors. Just be forewarned that this wedding send-off idea could create a sticky mess, and flying corks may cause a safety hazard for nearby witnesses.

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Diffuse Lavender

Satchels of lavender tied in ribbon and affixed with a tag that has the couple's first names — Photo by Jose Villa

Looking for a unique flower to throw? Consider lavender. “Not only is the color stunning, but bunches of lavender also smell amazing and create such a romantic feel,” Balliet says. A lavender toss will look especially beautiful at a spring or summer wedding in a garden, but it will add a provincial French flair to any type of event.

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Grab Cotton Candy

A bride and groom holding hands while guests hold cotton candy as they walk down the aisle — Photo by Jenn Emerling

For a sweet and nostalgic wedding send-off idea, use cotton candy as your prop. Holding these fluffy spheres of sugar will bring color, texture, and enthusiasm to your exit. Not to mention, your guests will be able to savor these treats after they’ve sent you on your way.

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