You’ve already walked down the aisle, said your “I do’s,” kissed, dined, and danced. Now it’s time for the send-off! This is the last moment of the wedding, the impression that guests are left with as you venture off in your car toward happily ever after. So why do people throw rice or confetti as you walk to your car?

Traditionally, wedding guests would throw rice at the happy couple to wish them fertility in their new life together. Now, this ancient Roman tradition has an array of modern twists. Most “send-offs” are aimed at creating a candid moment perfect for photographs. Brides and grooms have been changing the game with photo-ready grand exits, and they don’t necessarily include pelting the happy couple with thrown items as they duck and run! Here are a few send-off trends:

Sparklers

If you’re having a wedding that ends in the late hours of the night, sparklers might be for you. They offer a pleasing glow that creates dynamic photos with illuminated faces. Guests will love participating, and sparklers make for easy cleanup.

Beware: Sparklers can be dangerous! Make sure you don’t give them to any young children or to anyone who has had too much to drink!

Bubbles

Light and delicate, bubbles are a fun send-off during the daytime hours. They are perfect for photography and give an element of whimsy to your send-off. Guests can also take the bubbles home – a perfect favor for young kids.

Beware: We’ve all had that moment where we tried to blow bubbles using the little wands, and we just end up blowing right through the soap. If you’re relying upon bubbles to take amazing going-away pictures, make sure you have a few dedicated people with bubble machines (or people who are “experts” at using bubble wands) so that you aren’t disappointed to see that your photos only have like ten little bubbles in the background.

Flowers

Imagine leaving in a shower of flower petals! How romantic! Ask your florist for extra petals of your wedding flowers or flowers of similar colors to your wedding scheme. The petals fluttering through the air will enhance your photographs and give off a lovely fragrance within the moment. For extra style points, wrap the petals in cones made of music sheets, doilies, or patterned paper.

Paper Airplanes

Purchase sheets of paper in an array of colors that will match your wedding! You can find books of patterned paper in color schemes at your local craft stores. Host a DIY party to make them with your family and friends, or incorporate the creation of the airplanes into your bridal shower. Have a few baskets filled with the paper planes ready for guests to launch into the air!

Beware: When people throw pointy paper crafts in your direction (like paper airplanes) you’ll probably laugh and shield yourself and close your eyes. These pictures will be adorable and candid, but if you’re looking for something more soft and romantic, it will be hard to keep a straight face as Uncle Harry tries to throw a paper airplane into your updo.

Wands with Bells and Ribbons

Give guests wands with ribbons streaming from the end, and a bell tied to the top. As guests wave the wands at you, the bells will chime and create a lively and lovely exit!

If you use wands with bells, make sure you have a videographer capture your send-off. The combination of the bells ringing and the ribbons waving will create a wonderful video to look back on in years to come.

Confetti

Confetti is a classic send-off that is popular for its photogenic qualities, excitement, and ease of use. There are several ways to give your guests confetti. If you want to be traditional, get paper bags or cones and fill them. There are push-pop confetti favors you can purchase if you’re looking to go out with a real “bang.” If you want to be extra eco-friendly, make your own confetti! Get a couple of hole punchers and find biodegradable items like leaves and flower petals.

Adding a send-off special touch is a great way to give yourself another lasting memory, create spectacular photographs, and give your guests something to look forward to as they say goodbye.

One final note: If you’re planning on throwing anything, run the items by the venue ahead of time. Some locations don’t want glitter or confetti thrown on their properties, so even though they make an incredible photo, they may be accompanied by a cleanup charge!