The tradition of wedding exits has evolved over the years. What used to be all of the guests lining the church stairs to throw rice, has turned into much more. Dating back to Roman times, guests would throw grains at the newlywed couple after the ceremony was complete to wish them good fortune and fertility. Couples are now choosing to wait until the end of the night rather than the end of the ceremony to have an exit. Once the night is over, your guests can celebrate you accordingly with a proper send-off. Keep reading to see some of our favorite exit ideas from our very own couples!

The Sparkler Exit is one of the most classic and common exits around, yet it never fails to light up the crowd… literally! Emily and Austin had all of their guests hold sparklers as they were leaving their reception, creating a fairy-like atmosphere. This exit is especially great for evening weddings.

If you happen to have an old car sitting around, take it for a spin to the reception! Tommy and Rebecca went with the Vintage Car Exit, using the Father of the Groom’s 1969 Camaro to leave the church in style. If you’re looking for an eye-catching departure, this is the way to go! It added a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the day.

One of our favorite traditional exits is the Petal Toss. The white rose petals accented Caroline and JoJo’s Southern-themed wedding day and led to a great photo opportunity at the end of the night. Pro Tip: Looking to take an environmentally friendly approach to your wedding exit? Try this!

Tyler and Hayley wanted to take a modern and simplistic approach to their wedding day. The Streamer Exit was on brand for their all-black and white wedding. For a classic and playful look, stick to all-white streamers to be sent into the air as the newlywed couple exits.

This may take the cake for the most unique exit we’ve seen in Louisville! Julie and Joe planned a Second Line for their wedding exit, a New Orleans tradition. If this is done during a wedding, the bride and groom will take a position up front to lead the rest of the group. According to the Visit New Orleans website, “The leaders of the parade carry decorated umbrellas, while the other participants shake handkerchiefs while they dance.” We loved watching their family members join in and dance their way out of the reception.

Remember to check with your venue regarding any restrictions or guidelines for exits, and choose an option that reflects your personality and the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you’re planning the grand exit to be at the end of the ceremony, in the middle of the reception, or at the very end of the night – you can make it unique to your day!