Blowing bubbles at weddings has become a popular alternative send-off in recent years. Unless someone spills a bottle of bubbles (and the bottles are very small) there is no clean-up or slipping to worry about. Several companies supply small plastic bottles with bubble wands.

Small wedding bells can be passed out to each guest. Jingle bells can also be used. Tie colored ribbons or small silk flowers on the bells to make them festive. Your guests then ring the bells as you make your grand exit. If there is a church bell or carillon at your ceremony facility, this can be rung at the same time. For a little variety, perhaps your attendants could ring larger bells for a louder noise while your guests jingle the small bells. This send-off options should be permitted at any facility.

Lengths of ribbons can be tied together, tied to a small brass or plastic ring or to stick to make streamers to wave as you leave. Ribbons can be white, or a color or colors to match your scheme. Widths can vary. Attach ribbons to rings with a larkshead knot.

A release of doves is a dramatic, romantic and perhaps extravagant send-off option.

A release of live butterflies can be very memorable. If you want this, but are having difficulty finding them, talk to an elementary school teacher or school supply store. Kits are available for children to raise butterflies for release for a science project and you may be able to "grow your own" butterflies if you start planning far enough in advance . Because butterflies do not immediately leave their boxes as soon as containers are opened, we recommend this send-off only if you will be releasing a 100 or more butterflies. This will give the best effect.

If you like the idea of birds but have an environmental challenge with releasing doves, or don't have a budget for live animals, give each guest a kite; consisting of a stick, a string and an origami paper bird to wave as you leave the ceremony. There are books available on making paper birds.. We don't know of any suppliers, but it would be an inexpensive, romantic and unusual send-off. Small regular kites might also be possible.

FLOWERS TO WAVE

For a romantic send off that leaves your guests with favors to remember your special day , give each guest a real or silk long-stemmed flower to wave as you make your exit. Flowers can be decorated with ribbon and a printed note with your names and wedding date.

WEDDING PENNANTS

If your wedding will be an out door occasion, you might take a hint from sports events and give your guests wedding pennants to wave as you walk off into the sunset. These can be purchased from premium companies or many printers who carry specialty items. After the wedding, your guests can keep them as special personalized favors from your special day.

People with cans of silly string have been known to take a shot at the bridal couple as they leave the church or reception hall. This is not suppose to damage clothing etc., but considering the money that goes into a wedding clothing , you might want to avoid this send-off. The facility may also have clean-up concerns. On the other hand, you might find it to be a real hoot and it could make some great photos!

Balloon lift-offs are permitted in some areas and not in others. While it is a romantic send off, there are environmental concerns voiced by some people. Latex balloons are considered a choking problem for birds and small animals once they land back on earth again. The major culprit, however, is the ribbons used on the balloons. These can be problems for wildlife and metallic ribbons are the worst offenders. If you choose to have a balloon send-off, avoid the ribbons and fill with helium, giving one to each of your guests. Guests release, the balloons simultaneously make your exit.

An alternative, that is environmentally safe, would have to be an indoor balloon drop. A net is suspended from the ceiling and filled with balloons. (Don't use helium for these, they need to drop not float.) As you leave, the net is let go and balloon cascade to the floor, covering you and your guests. Guests can take balloons home with them.

BLAST OF TRUMPETS OR PARTY HORNS

For something really different, have a trumpeter announce your exit or give all your guests party horns for an amusing and noisy send-off for your honeymoon.

FIREWORKS, CANDLELIGHT & GLOW-IN-THE-DARK-GOODIES

Fireworks are an elaborate and expensive send off requiring permits and a lot of background work but it may be a possibility if fireworks are legal in your area. Even in areas where they are not generally allowed, special permission may be granted if a certified company is providing the show. If only small fireworks, such as sparklers are permitted, each guest can be given a sparkler to wave as you leave.