Gorgeous Send-offs
Let’s talk about send-offs for a minute.
We get so many questions about this, as there are a few send-off ideas we don’t allow (sparklers, bubble machines, rice, regular confetti, etc). The good news is, there are so many that we do allow, and we have seen some really incredible send-offs at the venue that we absolutely LOVE!
Let’s talk for a second about sparklers. We don’t allow them. And here’s why: we have a wood building. We really don’t want it to burn down. Additionally, sparklers can cause injuries to guests, members of the bridal party and the bride and groom themselves. Just picture a five-year-old waving a stick that’s on fire as a bride in a dress with a large, flammable skirt walks by, and it’s easy to see why we don’t recommend them.
However, if you have your heart set on a sparkler send-off, the good news is, there are options! We do allow cold sparklers, which are little boxes that put off a big spray of sparks (that are safe and non-flammable). They brighten send-offs and give the feeling of fireworks or sparklers, all without the threat of fire or injuries! And, they make for fabulous photos! Many DJs can provide cold sparklers, so if you’re interested in having them at your wedding, checking with your DJ would be a great place to start.
Check out this shot from Ali & Nathan’s reception where cold sparklers were used!
Turner Creative
Next up is bubbles. While bubble machines aren’t allowed, because they just produce so many bubbles and run the risk of making our asphalt or concrete slippery (creating a slipping hazard), regular bubbles are definitely allowed! You are welcome to pass out bubbles to your guests and have them blow them for your send-off. We love bubble send-offs like Haleigh and Isaac’s!
Payton Barnard Photography
Streamer wands, like the ones used for Karlisa & Jonah’s send-off, have also been really magical…
Addie DeCarolis Photography
As well as light wands like Ali & Nathan’s…
Turner Creative
Biodegradable confetti (think dried herbs, florals, leaves) like McKenzie & Austin’s…
SWJones Photo
Glow sticks like Abby & Gio’s…
Asantae Photography
And rice paper (biodegradable) confetti cannons like Holly and Justin’s.
Tatum Nelson Co.
Another trend we’re loving is doing grand entrances rather than grand exits.
I think in your mind, when you’re dreaming about your wedding, you imagine that everyone will stay until the very end and join a big send-off as you leave the building. However, often, that just doesn’t happen. For one reason or another, often guests tend to disperse after dancing begins. If you want to ensure that everyone is there to participate, a grand entrance as you come into the reception is a great way to make that happen.
We’ve seen a lot of couples have their guests gather under the rope lights just off the balconies, and the couple comes back from pictures with a grand entrance (cue the cold sparklers, bubbles, confetti canons, etc), and then lead the way back into the reception to start dinner, cake, toasts and dancing.
If you choose that route, just be sure to talk to your DJ/MC about clearly announcing what’s happening, and how you would like your guests to participate.
We also have an entire Pinterest board of send-off ideas, so if you’re still looking for inspiration, be sure to check that out here: https://www.pinterest.com/venueatshadowrock/send-off-ideas/
We’re still dreaming of seeing someone do the LED balloons for their send-off, so if you’re still looking for an idea….!
