by Emma Arendoski
written by Emma Arendoski Published: Last Updated on
Brides: you’re making a grand entrance at your ceremony, but what about a grand exit? A ceremony exit is an opportunity to engage guests as you walk down the aisle for the first time as a married couple. Traditionally, guests would toss rice at the bride and groom; today, though, rice is on the outs. I’ve heard this is because rice can harm birds when ingested, but Snopes reports that it is a slip-and-fall hazard for guests. To stay on the safe side, skip rice and opt instead for one of these creative ceremony exit ideas. We’ve gathered up nine of the top ceremony exit ideas to inspire you today including a few that aren’t tossed (which means couples in all ceremony venues can participate!)
1. Confetti
We recently talked about whether you need wedding programs; check out this fresh new twist! It is a ceremony program + confetti pouch in one! By Mavora.
2. Poms
Have you considered poms for tossing? These poms in particular – which are handmade by Extravagant Exits – are heavy enough to be tossed, but won’t injure the bride and groom.
3. Flags
Venue says no to tossing? You can still engage your guests! These fun handmade flags by LarkspurAndLinen are one example of a ceremony exit idea that has plenty of charm (and requires no clean-up!) Score.
4. Lavender
Lavender is a natural, eco-friendly, and delightfully scented. It’s no surprise that couples are opting to toss lavender during their ceremony exit. This sweetly handmade lavender toss packet – by Pauhana – is one of our favorites. Plus, it’s a very affordable option!
5. Petals
Petal cones can be customized for your wedding ceremony and filled with your favorite rose petals for tossing; these cones, in particular, were spotted at White Tulip Boutique as one resource. Customize yours for your event, have them shipped to you, and fill with these for guests to toss.
6. Birdseed
Birds love birdseed! These tossing birdseed packets by TastefulArtisan are perfect for your ceremony and the local birds will be pretty happy about it, too.
7. Bubbles
Invite guests to blow bubbles as you process down the aisle by placing these in a basket near the entryway of your ceremony. Include a sign for guests to take one on their way to their seats; a tag telling them when to blow bubbles is a great way to encourage participation.
8. Bells
Bells are another no-toss idea! Have your guests ring these bells as you walk down the aisle (and at the reception to get you to kiss).
9. Ribbons
We saved ribbons for number eight because it is part of this week’s giveaway series! Ribbon wands are a fun way for guests to show their excitement, tie in your color palette, and provide a fun handmade detail at your ceremony. These ribbon wands by TheBridesMadeShop are customized in your color palette with plenty of ribbon choices available.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
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Updated to reflect the latest ceremony exit ideas.
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59 comments
Ashley Pedersen June 25, 2013 - 5:32 pm
i love all of the ribbon wands! i especially love the thicker ribbon so pretty!
windycindy June 25, 2013 - 3:43 pm
I adore the ~
“Wedding Program Paddle Fans – Chandelovely Collection!”
Many thanks, Cindi
Marnay June 25, 2013 - 12:50 pm
Love the layered wedding programs. The pastel green ribbon matches our wedding style perfectly!
Justyne M June 25, 2013 - 5:52 am
The wedding program paddle fans could definitely be useful at my southern wedding
Ashley Pedersen June 24, 2013 - 10:34 pm
i still love all of the ribbon wands most of all the awesome things in the shop!
elizabeth June 24, 2013 - 4:36 pm
the save the dates, esp the tie the knot ones!
tessa June 24, 2013 - 2:49 pm
checked it out again today & love the paddle program w/ fence motif…would be perfect for my rustic chic barn wedding this august! :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/104618819/wedding-program-paddle-fan-with-monogram?ref=shop_home_active
Marnay June 24, 2013 - 9:36 am
Love the Eat Drink and Be Married Table Number Signs and Chandelovely Chandelier Tented Escort Cards. It’s hard to pick just one!
Justyne M June 24, 2013 - 7:00 am
The Tie the Knot save the date cards are so clever!
Justyne M June 23, 2013 - 8:09 am
The Cheers {Bitches} bachelorette invitations are too funny!
Mandi H. June 22, 2013 - 1:12 pm
I LOVE ribbon wands! So much better than anything your guests throw (like rice) because they’re is always someone who wants to throw it directly at the newlyweds! And these ribbon wands are adorable:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/151642458/wedding-ribbon-wands-pack-of-50-double?ref=shop_home_active
tessa June 21, 2013 - 2:53 pm
checked out the shop again and like the very touching guest thank you cards in the fall in love design…what a special detail!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/103857336/guest-thank-you-cards-fall-in-love?ref=shop_home_active
Marnay June 21, 2013 - 10:26 am
The Tie the Knot Save the Date Cards are brilliant! That is such a creative idea that our guests will never forget!
Justyne M June 21, 2013 - 9:14 am
The dandelion love theme wedding programs are so pretty
Brittany Smith June 20, 2013 - 4:35 pm
The luggage tag save the dates are so cute!
Ashley Pedersen June 20, 2013 - 1:14 pm
i really really love all the ribbon wands! they are so cool!
Eve June 20, 2013 - 12:06 pm
I like the poms tossing!
tessa June 20, 2013 - 10:19 am
checked out the shop today & LOVE the Layered Wedding Program with Ribbon!
Marnay June 20, 2013 - 10:08 am
Love the Layered Wedding Menu Card and Guest Thank You Card. The Eat Drink And Be Married Peaco*ck theme is stunning!
Mary Villasmil June 20, 2013 - 10:02 am
I just love the Chandelovely Collection :)
Justyne M June 20, 2013 - 8:38 am
I like the kraft paper escort cards
Tory June 20, 2013 - 1:10 am
I love the Dandelion Love wedding programs! So cute!
Crystal Welsh June 19, 2013 - 11:35 pm
I love the layered wedding programs! Crystal @EatDrinkClev
Molly June 19, 2013 - 9:10 pm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the wedding ribbon wands. My church won’t let us throw anything so I’m looking for a creative alternative. I also adore the fan programs too!
Daniella June 19, 2013 - 8:25 pm
The wedding table numbers are so cute!
Michelle June 19, 2013 - 6:47 pm
I love the wands… especially the color options!
Mary Villasmil June 19, 2013 - 4:07 pm
These are all such clever ideas :) With only a month to go, I def need all the help remembering little details, and this sure helped me!!!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 4:19 pm
Mary,
That’s great! I’m happy the ideas helped. Wow, one month left – good luck with the last few weeks! :) I hope your day is perfect.
Roseanna Willis June 19, 2013 - 2:34 pm
Thank you for featuring my lavender packets and for leading me to your blog – which is great by the way!
Roseanna x
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 4:19 pm
Roseanna,
You’re welcome! We love those packets. :) (P.S. Thanks!)
Cara June 19, 2013 - 1:39 pm
I really love the ribbon wands! Our venue is very restrictive, nothing can be tossed, not even flower petals, so flags/ribbon wands and bubbles are pretty much our only options. And it would be great to have someone take care of making them for me!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 4:20 pm
Cara, That’s great! Yes, having someone make them for you means less stress for you and more time to tackle other to-do’s. I’m glad you liked the flags and ribbon wands!
Heather A June 19, 2013 - 12:59 pm
I love the confetti in a bag and also the ribbon wand! Great post! I will be incorporating one of these ideas in my ceremony!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:17 pm
Heather, Awesome! I wish I knew about the ribbon wands for my wedding, as we weren’t allowed to toss anything.
Chelsie June 19, 2013 - 12:50 pm
Everything looks fun but the ribbon wands just do it for me!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:17 pm
Chelsie,
Glad you liked them! Happy planning + good luck!
Andrew Safie June 19, 2013 - 11:51 am
Peonies Wedding Invitation!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:18 pm
I love the blue color on those invites! Thanks for sharing your favorite.
Belladonna U. June 19, 2013 - 11:20 am
I love the Tie the Knot save-the-dates, so clever!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:19 pm
I love that one, too! I saw one of the examples in the shop says ‘Emma & Andrew’, so I might be biased. ;)
Alexis S. June 19, 2013 - 10:49 am
Love the Ampersand wedding program! So cute.
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:19 pm
Great find, Alexis!
tessa June 19, 2013 - 10:35 am
love the
Ampersand Wedding Program…so simple and pretty!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:20 pm
Tessa, Alexis loves that one, too! Good luck on the giveaway!
Samantha June 19, 2013 - 9:55 am
I love the ribbon wands for a wedding exit. They would be perfect for my winter wedding!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:20 pm
Samantha,
Sounds perfect to me! What are your wedding colors?
Marnay June 19, 2013 - 9:51 am
The Wedding Program Paddle Fans are so cute! Such a creative way to make guests feel comfortable at an outdoor wedding
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:21 pm
YES! I’ve been to many weddings where guests used the programs as makeshift fans anyway; it’s best when it’s an actual fan. :) Thanks for stopping by!
Justyne M June 19, 2013 - 8:35 am
My favorite is the jam jar labels, these would be perfect for our homemade jam favors!!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:21 pm
Jam favors = always a favorite! What flavor?
Sami June 19, 2013 - 8:33 am
i forgot to include my favorite item from the shop! i love the peach ribbon wands!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:22 pm
Sami, great choice. Is peach one of your wedding colors?
Sami June 19, 2013 - 8:31 am
i’ve been thinking about exit ideas a lot lately! this post has some great ideas! thanks!!!
Sara Reynolds June 19, 2013 - 7:09 am
Cheers {Bitches}
haha, love it!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:22 pm
HA! I love that bachelorette invite, too!
Cara June 19, 2013 - 5:20 am
I love the ribbon wand idea since the church will not allow much else. Thanks again for the great ideas!
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 1:23 pm
Cara,
You got it! Our church didn’t allow for anything else, either, but I didn’t know about ribbon wands then! I’m happy you like them. Good luck on the giveaway!
Cara June 19, 2013 - 2:16 pm
The wands may be cute with small bells at the ends on the ribbon too…
Emma | Emmaline Bride June 19, 2013 - 4:18 pm
Agreed!
Comments are closed.
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Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
