Go out with a Bang with these awesome rice-throwing alternatives for you wedding recessional!

Who says Felix Mendessohn-Bartholdy’s Wedding March is the only way to rock your wedding recessional? If you’re not a walk-on-roses kind of girl, then get more creative with your recessional! All eyes will be on you anyway, you might as well make a star-worthy exit. These ideas are also a neat way to get your guests involved in your ceremony.

Bubbles!

(Photo Credit: Tom Dermody)

Here’s how you do it: after your guests are seated, have your ushers distribute bottles of blowing bubbles to guests seated nearest the aisle. Your ushers or on-resort wedding coordinator will then tell them to blow a wand full of bubbles either before you and your groom passes or directly after you two pass. You may also want to have your guests blowing bubbles once the wedding march is played before you even walk back down the aisle to create the illusion that you’re gliding down the aisle under the sea.  Blowing bubbles is an eco-friendly and safer alternative to throwing rice (Plus bubbles are super pretty!)

*Make sure you read the labels on the blowing bubbles before you purchase them to ensure the product does not stain garments in case bubbles may come in contact with your dress.

Palm Tree Leaves

(Photo Credit: prettyusefulstuff.com)

If you’re having a beach wedding, then mean it and create an aisle out of palm tree leaves. Instruct your ushers or wedding coordinator to give every guest seated near the aisle a palm tree leaf; it doesn’t have to be anything too big. The idea is to have guests on each side of the aisle place there palm tree leaves down on the aisle before you step on them. It’s sort of an “island princess” departure. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of each guest lying palms at your feet, then have palm tree leaves made arranged as your aisle cover and sprinkle with tropical flowers. Feel free to use this idea while barefoot. (In fact we recommend it!).

Candles!

(Photo credit: webviah.com)

No; guests will not be throwing candles at you as you walk down the aisle! This idea works best if you have a sunset or evening ceremony (bonus: it’s cheap extra lighting, so Yay!)  Find plain white candles or candles that match your color palette. Have your ushers or wedding coordinator give guests sitting near the aisle one candle to hold.  The candles would be lit before you make your recession and held when the guests stand as you and your hubby walk back down the aisle. The soft glow of candlelight would create an almost angelic looking aisle and ceremony (make sure your photographer is ready!)  Securing a small paper or plastic plate onto your candle will protect your guest’s hands and any aisle decorations from dripping wax. If you love a full halo effect, go on and hand candles out to every guest and bask in the soft candle lit glow.

*Candles should not be given to children at any time.

Eco-Friendly Confetti! 

(Instagram:@lesnichka at Sandals Emerald Bay)

You can have that fun and picturesque moment you’ve dreamed about, when all your friends and family shower you in confetti with none of the eco-guilt! Ask your wedding planner about adding an environmentally friendly confetti throw at the end of your ceremony. Also, make sure you photographer is poised and ready to go because you only get one, maybe two takes of that perfect moment the confetti in in the air and everyone is smiling at you lovingly. 

Steel Drum Player or Junkanoo Rush Out!

(Video Credit: hugomanager youtube channel/ The Valley Boys)

Just hear us out! How exciting would it be to have a small calypso band precede you down the aisle? This idea would be exceptionally suitable for those choosing to wed in The Bahamas (Junkanoo rush out!). The idea also works very well as a recessional and/or a processional. A colourful Junkanoo rush out complete with goatskin drum and whistles is a fun way to get guests geared up for the real festivities after the wedding as well as welcome the new Mr and Mrs to the world! If you’re looking for a more low-key recession, a few portable steel drum players would still provide a lively kick to your exit from the alter and entrance into your new life! Either way, both recessionals can be arranged for you!

What’s your idea of an exciting recessional? Let us know!