Every step at weddings becomes a moment to remember. From the reception to the getaway vehicle, photographers buzz around the new bride and groom, snapping shots that will be remembered for years to come; we want to remember the abounding fun, smiling faces and great memories, but also the entrance of the couple into their new life together.
In the past, couples have been showered with birdseed and then ushered into a sleek, classic car for their escape to the honeymoon suite. Today, more and more couples are choosing style over speed and unique over traditional.
Rather than birdseed or rice, modern couples choose from a variety of accoutrements including streamers, confetti or glitter, flower petals, butterflies or bubbles. Even silly string has been sprayed from time to time. The most ecofriendly, easy-on-the-budget alternatives often prove to be the most popular because they involve easier cleanup and less harm to the environment.
Sparklers, for example, have become increasingly popular; guests can hold them to light the way or make a tunnel for the bride and groom to run through as they exit the reception. There is little mess, but supervision is required for small guests!
Michael Rosato married his love, Kristen Ennis, in December 2012.
“We had the reception party line up with sparklers; it made for a great exit!” said Rosato, who works at RTI Biologics as a sports medicine customer service representative. “We drove away in our personal vehicle, a PT Cruiser, to keep it simple and easy to clean. Not renting a limo or fancy vehicle meant we weren’t limited on our wedding party’s ability to decorate.”
Like Michael and Kristen, some couples prefer to splurge on other parts of the ceremony and opt to use their own vehicle, while some still prefer a limo complete with a chauffeur and champagne to celebrate. But, more expressive, adventurous routes are often chosen to express the couple.
Sarah Swale and Daniel Swale, both UF graduates, had a Cinderella-style horse-drawn carriage waiting for them outside their May 2012 wedding reception venue in St. Petersburg. The couple had to rush out before the stroke of midnight to catch the carriage, making the exit even more of a fairy tale.
“My dad kept extending the party by 30 minutes because everyone was having such a great time,” said Sarah. “But we only had the horse and carriage reserved from 10:30 to 12:30 so everyone was rushed out of the reception room before we got fined for going longer. Daniel and I just ran out through the crowd of people cheering and we climbed into the carriage and rode off.”
The couple rode along the Tampa Bay marina for 30 minutes before being dropped off at their hotel for the night.
“It was the first time we got to be alone and talk all day,” Sarah laughed.
Couples have even transitioned from gasoline-powered automobiles to something more personal.
Wendi Wallace Bruce, a 2004 UF graduate, rode off into the night with her new husband, Randy Bruce, on a two-person bicycle. The couple pedaled away as guests held sparklers to envelop the new couple in a soft glow.
“I would suggest it to other couples, and I would do it again.” Wendi said. “It was super fun!”
Whatever mode of transportation is used, and however guests send the happy couple on their way, the well wishes and overall happiness make every wedding exit one to remember and cherish.