The wedding send off is time honored tradition that harkens back to your Mother and Grandmother's wedding. It's also a chance for your guests to see the newly married couple one last time to say their final good byes, and most importantly, marks the end of the party.
But in this day and age.... Is a send off really necessary?
Oftentimes, couples are slapped with hefty venue fees if the bridal party or guests linger even a minute longer. Other times, the bridal party and family have to tidy up the venue and pack things away which can be difficult if you still have guests lingering about. A send off is a great way to let your guests know, in the words of The Oak Ridge Boys, "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here."
Additionally, the send off makes for a really lovely photo opportunity. Not only is it an exciting moment with lots of smiles, but your guests will also be crowded into the frame and having fun which creates the perfect candid shot!
Another option would be to do a “fake send off” earlier in the evening, before the party has officially ended. This allows guests the option to still take part (and for your photos to still be full of people) but then be free to leave before the reception ends. After the exit takes place, the bride & groom and their guests head back inside to continue the party or to start the clean-up.
I hope this helps you in your decision about whether or not you’d like to do a grand exit or send off to conclude your wedding. The possibilities are endless and with a little preparation and planning, it can be a fun addition to your wedding day!
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