Wedding exits typically finish a photographer’s shot list for your big day. Afterall, your wedding gallery should document your story from start to finish! We’ve seen the sparklers, rice toss, and balloons of wedding days past, but if a dramatic exit photo is on your shot list, it’s time to think outside the box. Ready to get creative? Let’s talk wedding exits, and how yours can be a picture-perfect getaway.

Elegant Wedding Exits

If your wedding theme is more on the romantic side, an old school exit might not fit your aesthetic, or the look and feel of your other wedding photos. Lean away from bird seed and bubbles, and lean into some of these trends instead:

• Lavender, or eucalyptus leaf toss. It’s romantic, it smells amazing, and it’s visually stunning. 
• Ribbon wands. Have guests wave wands with ribbons in your wedding color palette for a festive display that’s cohesive with the other elements of the day.
• Lantern release. A gorgeous choice. Just make sure to check your venue’s policy and local regulations first! Can’t release them? Have your guests hold elegant paper lanterns instead.
• Tunnel your way out. Create archways with string lights, flowers or greenery to walk through.
  

Whimsical Wedding Exits

Feeling more of a fun vibe for your wedding day? Let your personality shine! Wedding exits are a perfect chance to showcase your creativity, and leave a lasting impression with all of your guests. If romantic departures aren’t your thing, here are my favorite ideas for a uniquely joy-filled send off: 

• Glow sticks. They photograph well, add a pop of color, and are less hazardous than traditional sparklers. 
• Toss paper airplanes. This one is especially great if you’re jetting right off to your honeymoon! 
• Smoke bombs. Bring the drama with classic white, or opt for some colorful options. Trust me, you’re going to LOVE the photos from this one! 
• Add choreography. Flash mob the guests, or dance your way through yourself! 
  

Seasonal Wedding Exits

Is your theme based on the calendar itself? Then an appropriately-themed wedding exit might be the perfect way to finish the night! If you’re looking for something classic with a seasonal twist, these wedding exits are right up your alley: 

• Winter weddings: Think jingle bell ring, candles & carols, or mistletoe arches, then leave in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh.
• Spring weddings: Go for a colorful (and eco-friendly) flower pedal toss, individual tulip wave, or pastel flag or pennant wave.
• Summer weddings: Adorn yourselves, and your guests with sunglasses. Even if it’s night, it will make for some great photos. Enlist smartphone flashlights for a leaving-the-party feel, carry parasols, toss beach balls, or depart the venue in a vintage car or bike. 
• Fall weddings: Toss autumnal foliage, dried leaves, or raise cute mugs of warm cider.
  

No matter what your exit holds, the images captured will last a lifetime—just like your love! Ready to unpack your vision? I’d love to hear it! 

Your wedding menu is an important part of planning your big day. You know what they say: Your guests will remember your dress, they’ll remember your photos, and they’ll remember the food! But where do you start? While some venues and planners have pre-ordained vendors to narrow things down, there’s still a whole wedding menu to craft from there. Need some guidance? As a professional in this industry for more than a dozen years, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get started with my favorite wedding menu tips and trends!

Wedding Menu Tips

Start with the budget. There’s not much worse than coming up with the perfect wedding menu only to end up with it just out of reach. Knowing what you’re willing to spend on food heading into conversations, planning, and tastings can make things more clear from the very start, and give your potential vendors a parameter for what they should and shouldn’t present as options. 

Then choose a style. My advice? Choose a style that’s consistent with your wedding’s theme. Plated meals are both formal and traditional, and they take up less space in your reception area. A buffet is most cost-efficient, and gives guests the freedom to pick and choose their meal, or a family-style dinner could fit a more fun and friendly vibe. Food stations require some space, but they also provide variety and freedom of choice without giving up too much structure. Whatever you choose, make the choice before getting your heart set on any specific wedding menu items. 

Make it personal. Your wedding should reflect your love story in every way, from the date to the venue, flowers, colors… and food! If you and your fiance never eat cake, why have one at an event that celebrates the two of you? But if your families are traditional, a stunning multi-tiered cake might just be a perfect focal point. If you met at a restaurant, or if you have a favorite date night haunt, consider serving that style of food at your reception. Give some nods to your love story so the whole day tastes, looks, and feels like… you!

Things to consider: Personal tastes, seasonal availability, and dietary restrictions. One way to consider all three? Plan to offer options. Showcase your preferences (because who has just one?) and ensure you’ll be able to get what you need—and so will your guests!

Wedding Menu Trends

Interactive experiences. 2025-26 brides are all about creating unique hands-on experiences for their guests, including the wedding menu! Build-your-own taco bars, sundae stations, pasta bars, and burger stations are great ways to make your guests feel like they’re part of the special details, and help foster a real family/community feeling among your guests. 

Cultural celebration. Whether you’re native to your venue’s state, a transplant or even planning a destination wedding, the wedding menu is a great place to celebrate your family’s culture—or allow guests to fully experience the tastes of the celebration itself! Industry trends show an up-tick in themes like sharing locally-grown foods, dishes made famous in your wedding city, and even menus that share and celebrate family and ancestral heritage. 

Grazing tables. If the meal styles mentioned above don’t fit your wedding vibe, consider grazing tables instead. They’re huge for 2025-26 weddings! Instead of traditionally plated meals, create large table displays of assorted meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads for your guests to enjoy. Why stop at one? Keep things fun with tables for desserts and late night snacks, too.

Whatever you choose, be sure to set a menu and plate aside for your wedding photographer. Don’t believe me? Check out these dreamy detail shots! You’ve worked hard on these details. Let’s help you remember how special each one was forever!