How to Execute the Perfect Wedding Send Off

Ashley Guice Photography

We’ve all seen those stunning sparkler-saturated send-off images, or the shots of newlyweds riding off in a vintage vehicle toward the sunset...but you may not have realized that so much more goes into executing a wedding send off than just waving goodbye and calling it a night. From ensuring your guests are in the right position to capturing the perfect lighting, if you’re planning on ending your reception with a wedding send off, there are countless details to consider. We’re breaking down pro tips for ensuring your goodbye moment is as Kodak-worthy as it is memorable.

Gabby Canario Photography

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Consider lighting

Turns out, capturing the perfect wedding send off requires giving some serious thought to lighting. Most photographers will do there best with what they are given. However, we love when our photographers bring a little extra light to get the perfect shot. Also, consider where you decide to do your send-off? At each of our properties we have more than one options on where you can complete the send-off. Make sure to ask your venue the pro and cons of each area and ask about additional lighting options.

Devon Stoebe Photography

Benjamin Clifford Photography

Goodeye Photography

StepOn Me Photo

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Know what your venue permits

Some venues won’t allow for anything that could be considered a fire hazard (like sparklers), or decor items that are likely to leave behind a mess for them to clean up (like streamers or confetti). Make sure your wedding planner talks to the venue ahead of time to get a feel for what’s kosher (and what’s not) when it comes to the send off. Had your heart set on sparklers but turns out they’re not permitted? Not to worry! Stafford says, “If your venue doesn't allow sparklers or streamers, I love a last dance wedding send off. Have your DJ announce that all remaining guests should circle up around you and your boo, make the song something special, but something that everyone can belt out the lines to. Once the dance is done, have someone pop on the lights and, gently, kick everyone out to the after party!”

One of our favorite DJ’s - Travis, always pumps up a send-off song, such as New York New York while doing a sparkler exit. Talk about the “feels” your guest will get with this combo!

Ashtyn Nicole Photo

Ashtyn Nicole Photo

Cindy Maiyer Photo

Jonathan Allison Photography

Kammie Maschue Photography

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Use excitement to keep your guests engaged

By the time you’re ready to execute your wedding send off, everyone may be a bit—shall we say?—boozed up. It’s important to keep their attention, and the best way to do so is by harnessing all of that playfulness and excitement that’s already in the room. Usually, DJs will continuing to get everyone excited about the send off by keeping the energy of the room high and help when it come to getting guest lined up. When doing a send-off you want everyone to think they don’t want the party to end yet, that means ending your party a little earlier than you thought making sure you have everyone excited and still present to do a sen-off. Trust us, we love when the send-off is with a large guest group still present to cheer and jump with excitement for the couple.

Jonathan Allison Photography

Shannon Worley Photography

Andrea Brewster Photography

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Obviously, the most popular send-off for the pass couple of years has been sparklers. You can see why the sparkling lights are so popular for photos. However, we are seeing more brides doing other send-off options, such as out of the box idea like balloons, to the traditional bubble send-off but one of my personal favorite romantic ideas, is rose pedals tossed in the air as you walk by. Either way, the most important part of the send-off is being surrounded by family and friends as you say your goodbyes to the perfect night you’ll never forget!

Enjoy

XOXO

Emerald AZ Photography

Best Tips to help your Outdoor Wedding

Blake Hogge

Today on the blog we are sharing tips about how to plan a smooth outdoor wedding. We like to think we are expert in this topic as 98% of our ceremonies are outside and 60% of our receptions are too. We know that weather can be one of the biggest stresses for an outdoor wedding, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep reading below to learn more;

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Have A Backup Ceremony And Reception Space Plan

An outdoor wedding can be one of the most beautiful types of weddings out there. Being able to say your vows as you are surrounded by the beauty of nature just adds that extra level of romance to the day. Obviously when you picture the day in your mind, you think of gorgeous sunny weather that is warm and comfortable, but unfortunately, no-one can control that aspect of the wedding. That is why it’s imperative you have a backup plan for outdoor weddings.

1. Look at the weather patterns from years pass - We know February can have odd showers but in Arizona late March and April have perfect sunshine. So pick a date with better karma!

2. When choosing the venue or location, think about a backup plan with indoor space or at least sheltered space in case of bad weather. This could mean renting a tent or moving to an indoor space at the location. Key thing is have a plan!

3. Is is too cold or too hot? Have space in your budget to add heaters or portable A/C units to the location.

4. Wind? Yes, sometimes the wind can effect your beautiful guest tables set up for a reception. Plan on having staff prep tables right before guest transition from wedding to reception. Also, consider LED candles instead of real ones. Also, think about having a sturdy center piece that can deal with a little wind.

Think About The Facilities Offered For Guests

Depending on how rustic the outdoor venue is, there may not be proper, or enough, washroom facilities on-site. If that’s the case you can actually rent portable restroom trailers that feel every bit as luxurious and spacious as an indoor washroom. Also, think about other accommodations that would be nice to offer your guest sitting outside.

1. A basket full of blankets are nice for guest to grab as they take their seats outside.

2. Bug spray in the bathrooms can help with any mosquitoes issues.

3. Make sure to have plenty of water accessible and easy to find for guest as they wait for the ceremony to begin.

4. Provided lots of shaded areas to sit for guest who do not want to be exposed to the sun during ceremony or reception. Or purchase in advance white paper umbrellas for guest to take.

5. A hand folding fan passed out with programs can go a long way on a warm sunny afternoon.

Make Use Of Natural Decor Plus Additional Elements

While the surrounding nature will obviously act as the main decor, it’s also wise to think about additional items that you can use. With just a couple of simply added touches such as potted plants, lanterns, strings of lights, etc. it will look truly spectacular.

At The Wright House we like to keep it simple for our brides since our outside gardens are breath taking. We suggest minor decor to help bring out the theme or personal touch of the bride and groom.

1. A ceremony program with touches of green and floral goes well with a garden wedding, plus it helps keep your guest informed of the evening plans.

2. When thinking about a “sign-in book” consider using wood heart pieces, where guest sign and insert into a shadow box. The heart shape wood pieces, will help bring in the natural elements into the wedding decor. Another favorite is the thumb stamp onto a canvas tree.

3. We love the feel of wood rounds, and lot of greenery to be used on guest tables as center pieces or used on the buffet table as decor.

Give Guests A Heads-Up Regarding Footwear

Because the outdoors isn’t really known for level terrain, it’s a good idea to give your guests a heads-up regarding footwear. Suggest that people opt for flats so that they get a better footing as they walk around. You can word it as, Lawn friendly footwear. One thing we love when our brides provided flip flops for guest to use as the night progresses.

Blake Hogge

Yes weather is the probably the largest concern for any out door wedding but consider adding any or all of the other tips to help make the night perfect for your guest.

XOXO

Blake Hogge

Wedding Trends: out with old and in with the new

Each year brings in a fresh crop of wedding trends and 2021 has been no different. And as new ideas and inspo come into play, others have definitely run their course. Here are the trends we are seeing left behind and being replaced with what couples will use to stand out on their big day.

Out: Flower Walls
In: Hanging Florals

We admit it, flower walls are beautiful, but they've been featured at so many weddings that they’ve lost their wow factor. Instead of focusing blooms into just one wall, spread them out or change the perspective by drawing guests’ eyes up with a hanging floral installation.

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Out: Cute Wedding Signs 
In: Custom Signage

Those signs telling couples to “pick a seat, not a side” are cute, but they don’t really serve any real purpose. We recommend working directly with your stationer to design custom signage that ties in with your invitation suite and making sure those signs are actually useful, such as directing guests to the cocktail hour or letting them know where the restrooms are located. And when it comes to signage, less is definitely more.

Kayla Fisher Photography

J. Sonive Photography

Out: Matching Bridesmaid Dresses
In: Same Color, Different Styles

Gone are the days where your bridesmaids wear matching shoes and gowns, (check out our last post a few weeks ago) Instead, more bridesmaids will be wearing a gown in the color palette that the bride chooses, but in the style that they feel most comfortable in.

Rich Faiva Photography

J. Sonive Photography

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Out: Mason Jars
In: Other Repurposed Items

Wedding planners all agree: It’s time for mason jars to say farewell. I think it’s safe to say mason jars have run their course, period. Try some mixed-metal galvanized tins, glass cylinders in different heights, or terracotta pots in different colors or sizes. You can still DYI or thrift shop for all of these vintage items.

Kayla Fisher Photography

Out: Wedding Favors
In: Extra Guest Experience

While the concept of wedding favors is a lovely sentiment, if guests had a choice between an additional tray passed appetizer option or a fun activity like a photo booth at a wedding, they would choose those over a favor any day. Get creative, we have seen so many companies popping up for lawn game rentals, live bands we are sure guest will enjoy. One of my top favorite experience I have seen at a reception was a Caricature Artist hired for guest to have pictures drawn.

Lucida Studios

Out: Sit-Down Dinners
In: Creative Cocktail Receptions

We are seeing more couples that are ditching the traditional sit-down dinner for a more flavorful cocktail reception style reception, couples are focusing on what they can offer their guests instead of just the usual beef, fish, and poultry choice. The charcuterie boards paired with heavier appetizers like sliders or mini anything have become so popular, we are seeing it all the time.

J. Sonive Photography

J. Sonive Photography

Out: Champagne Toast
In: Artisan Cocktail

Instead of champagne glasses on a wall, consider crafting a unique cocktail and have servers greet guests with an artisan beverage that can then be used to toast the bride and groom. Splurge the money on a fun eye catching signature drink that all of your guest will want to photograph.

Rich Faiva Photography

Rich Faiva Photography

Out: Dessert Buffet
In: Wedding Cake

While couples opted for dessert buffets in an effort to be different, the wedding cake is definitely making a comeback, but not just a plain buttercream cake or small cutting cake. We are talking about a tiered cake that tastes as good as it looks, intentional design in line with the aesthetic, and making it the centerpiece of the reception. Overall the cake should complement the event design and tie in details from other aspects of the wedding. Want to take it a step further? Opt for individual cakes for each place setting, an interactive dessert, or a wall display of mini cakes.

J. Sonive Photography

Cassaundra Cherney Photography

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

I’m sure you can get away with a few of these items not being replaced but why not try something new that everyone will want to talk about for the rest of the year.

Happy Planning

XOXO

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Photography: Ashtyn Nicole Photography, Rich Faiva Photography, Kayla Fisher Photography, J. Sonive Photography

Content: www.theaisleguide.com