Grand exits are a super fun way to end your wedding day, surrounded by all of your guests, celebrating the day and the marriage that has just started. As a Charlotte, NC wedding planner, here are some of my favorite grand exit types and some tips for making them go smoothly.

Popular Wedding Grand Exits

Sparklers

Out of all my weddings that had grand exits, 50% of the couples chose to do a sparkler grand exit. Guests will line up on either side of a pathway, someone will light the sparklers, and the happy couple will walk down the lit up path. This is such a fun way to exit your wedding, and everyone loves the effects!

Top Tips for Sparkler Exits:

Buy 24 inch (or longer) sparklers so they last long enough for the photos
Have multiple lighters on hand to speed up the process of lighting them
Set up buckets of sand for people to extinguish the sparklers after you’re done

Bubbles

Other than sparklers, bubble exits are the most popular ones I’ve seen and done with my couples. Just like with sparklers, guests will line up on either side and rain down bubbles on you as you walk down the path. For couples worried about fire and drunk guests (rightfully so), this is a safer alternative and just as fun!

Top Tips for Bubble Exits:

Buy a few bubble guns so you get a larger spray - making for great photos (you can give these to the kids and they will love you forever) - the rest of the guests can get normal wands
Pick a place with lighting so that your photos turn out well
Don’t pick a place with a slick floor (dance floor, concrete, etc.) because the bubble soap can make the floor slippery which is super dangerous

Glow Sticks

Another option is LED foam sticks, and they are certainly less messy and safer than sparklers and bubbles. Guests will wave the blinking glow sticks as you walk between them on your way out. This is a great way to repurpose your dance floor props, saving money and materials!

Top Tips for Glow Stick Exits:

Asks guests to be on different blinking patterns for a cool effect in your photos
Just like with bubbles, pick a place with lighting so that your photos turn out well
If you are repurposing dance floor props, make sure they will last long enough for the exit, or hand them out later in the reception so they will still work when it’s time to leave

Top Tips for Grand Exits

We’ve talked about some of my top tips for specific wedding grand exits, now let’s talk about top tips that apply to all grand exits, no matter what type you choose.

Designate someone to pass out/set up the materials (lighting the sparklers, pulling the tabs on the foam sticks, etc.)
- Another reason to hire a wedding planner or coordinator - they can do this for you!
Choose someone to get everyone lined up on two sides of the pathway and to explain the process so that everyone is ready to go when it’s time to walk down the pathway
- Your wedding planner or coordinator can also do this!
While everyone is lining up, have a private last dance just the two of you - having a moment to soak it all in after the whirlwind of the wedding day is so special
Have a disposal plan (sand buckets for sparklers, trash for bubble wands, etc.)
Book a getaway car (or have someone bring your car to the end of the pathway ahead of time) so you can get in and go
- Ask your wedding planner or coordinator to put your belongings (and extra food!) in the getaway car so you don’t have to worry about getting your things
When you’re walking down the pathway, stop halfway for a kiss - just like you did when you exited the ceremony