How Can My Fiancé and I Exit in Style?

My fiancé and I want to make a grand exit. What are some fun ideas?


Most brides think about making that all-important grand entrance, but the leave-taking can also be one of the most exciting moments of the day. Here are a few ideas for a grand good-bye at the end of your ceremony:

First, get creative with your getaway car. And we use the word car loosely because you can leave your ceremony by many modes of transport. Rather than jumping into the usual limo, take off in a hot-air balloon or a helicopter. Feel the need for speed? Whiz away in a motorboat or take off in a seaplane if your locale is next to a body of water. For a wintry affair, consider leaving by horse and sleigh or via dogsled. Better yet, have the driver manning the reins don a Kris Kringle outfit for a little holiday spirit. In warmer weather, you can switch to a horse and carriage or a tricycle for three (you, your hubby and a pedaler). Seeking a little solitude? Jump on a tandem bike and do your own pedaling or rent a motorcycle with a side car and ride off into the wind.

However you decide to leave your ceremony, note that some of these vehicles probably won’t be able to take you directly to your reception. Distance and logistics might call for a car to be waiting somewhere to take you the rest of the way.

Creative modes of transportation aren’t the only way to make a grand exit. You could arrange for a choir to be waiting outside your ceremony site to serenade you, your new hubby and all of your guests. There’s nothing like a good love song to mark the moment. Or, have a bagpiper or flutist escort you and your crew to the reception (that is, if it’s within walking distance). Want to give a little nod to nature? Then consider having doves or butterflies let go. Also, a balloon release will make a colorful statement as you and your new husband make your escape. All are guaranteed to add a little oomph to your exit. Or, kick off your celebration with a bang and arrange for a round of fireworks after an evening ceremony. Now that’s a grand exit guests aren’t ever likely to forget.