One of my favorite picture-perfect moments during a reception is the send-off celebration. The dances have been danced, the songs have been sung, and all the food has been devoured. The party is in full swing, but the night does have to come to an end as the happy newlyweds make their way into their new journey of life together. All the guests are so excited to celebrate the cute couple as they leave, and the result is a fantastic bon voyage hooplah at the exit door as the couple leaves.

It’s such a fun moment for me to capture, but as you’re planning for your wedding, I do have some advice for you. Shooting so many weddings has given me lots of insight into tactics and organization that you can prepare ahead of the wedding day to ensure that your farewell goes smoothly and that your pictures of your departure turn out spectacular.

Planning your departure time

Obviously, the departure time is going to depend on the time you have set for your reception. But if you can swing it, especially during the winter months when the sun sets early, try to hold your reception at a time where your departure isn’t as pitch-black. This has additional benefits:

Depending on your honeymoon vacation plans, it can be helpful to get a move on your next travel the night before or at least have a chance to get lots of rest and time together before you get up and running traveling the next day.
Your guests who travel a bit themselves will be able to head home at a decent hour. Also, consider the people staying to clean up and pack up the reception -- they’ll appreciate an early send-off, too!

Choosing your send-off props

I’ve seen literally every possible send-off prop. Some of my favorites have been sparklers, balloons, ribbons, and flower petals. Providing your guests with rose petals to throw is super romantic! They look lovely in photos. Also, very eco-friendly.

If you choose sparklers, be sure to get 2-foot sparklers so the two of you can take your time walking down the aisle of well-wishers and get lots of great chances for pictures.

Your getaway car

As you head off into the sunset, you could put some thought into the vehicle you ride. Does your fiancé have a Harley? Set the bar high with your cool-ness as a couple by riding off on your new life together on the back of his motorcycle. Or, rent a snazzy vintage car to getaway in style!

Here are some tips for your getaway car: opt for classy decorations rather than “silly”. It’s so fun to announce yourselves as newlyweds with a “just married” sign in the back window, and I want you to experience all of that, but I think you’ll appreciate it much more in the future if it’s more classy than messy. Consider adding flowers or ribbons rather than ballons and paint. Ask the groomsmen to avoid making a mess of shredded paper and Oreos for you to vacuum out on the first day of your honeymoon. And, most of all, don’t let the groomsmen do anything or write anything on your car that would make the grandmothers blush!

I can’t wait to photography your exit at your reception. Take a look at other wedding planning tips in the posts below!