Sometimes couples are in places or have circumstances that make a traditional send-off impossible. For example, you could be staying at the hotel where you have the reception. Making your guests line up and throw rice at you while you walk from the reception hall to check-in will feel a little awkward.
You can still find a way to bring your wedding reception to a close. Asking the DJ to announce the last song or making an announcement about the last call for drinks are just two examples. You want to avoid making any end to your reception feel abrupt or interrupted.
Even though wedding send-offs are a tradition and a way to get the bride and groom out of the venue, they’re not required. You can design your wedding however you want.
If you are looking for ways to end a wedding without a send-off, you’re in the right place! Here are some great ideas to get you started on a fairytale ending to your wedding celebration.
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Every Wedding Needs a Good Ending
Send-offs have been part of the wedding tradition forever. A formal send-off is a terrific way for couples to signal the end of the reception. It gives everyone a heads up that they need to leave and allows enough time for the clean-up team to get things straightened up and organized before your booked time runs out.
Sending couples off at weddings is also a perfect picture opportunity. Whether lighting sparkles around the couple as they get into a car or some other fun send-off theme, it’s a nice moment that caps off the evening. The couple is surrounded by friends and family, and it turns out to create lovely pictures!
Send-offs are great because they tell guests when to leave. Some people just love to party and won’t stop dancing until someone finally pulls the plug. Typically, people will know ahead of time when the send-off is happening. It’s a good way to break up the reception at the tail end of the evening.
When You Don’t Want or Need a Send-Off
Send-offs, sometimes called Grand Exits, are a simple way for the couple to get out of the venue without walking around and saying goodbye to everyone. They appoint a time where people can gather outside or in a hallway and cheer them on as they walk into life as a newlywed couple.
However, sometimes a big send-off isn’t in the cards. For instance, if you and your guests are staying at the same resort at a destination wedding, it will feel a bit strange to have them “send you off” when you see them at the hotel breakfast in the morning.
If you need different ways to end a wedding without a send-off, here are some fantastic ideas to get you started.
A Fireworks Display
No matter how tipsy or committed to the dancefloor your guests are, everyone will stop and stare once fireworks start lighting up the night sky. You don’t have to pay for a Fourth of July display; a nice, short, intense burst of fireworks is a relatively affordable feature for any nice wedding.
It’s also a terrific way to break up the celebration. When the fireworks finally die down, people will take the hint and understand that it’s time to pack it in. The couple can also relax, knowing that their duties for the day are coming to a close.
You may want to consider making the fireworks show a surprise. If you’re partying outdoors, then all of a sudden, fireworks can start popping off. It’s the perfect crescendo to your amazing evening.
Unexpected Treats
Receptions tend to go on into the late evening or even early morning, depending on the party. Couples can send the message that they’re done for the night via late-night snacks to share with guests who are still at the party.
Sharing some warm chocolate chip cookies or small tacos at the end of the reception is a fun way to close the night. You can stand around eating snacks with your friends and family. Once you’re done, you can disappear and leave the rest to everyone else.
Sharing the Last Dance
If you’re worried about how to end your wedding without being rude or having it feel sudden, then get your DJ involved.
In your planning, tell them that you would like to use the last dance as a way to bring things to a close.
They can announce over the mic that the evening is winding down and that the couple would like everyone to join them in a final dance. You can take center stage and lead everyone as you dance together.
The Afterparty
Some couples love to party. If that’s you, then you can announce an afterparty at your favorite local bar or club. This doesn’t take any extra planning, but you may want to tell the bar that a bunch of you will be coming before just showing up.
An afterparty is a wonderful way to celebrate the reception at the end of the night with your closest friends. Odds are, grandma isn’t going to make it to the bar after hours spent at the reception. You can change and let loose for as long as you’d like to stay up.
Speeches From the Couple
Giving a final speech at the end of your reception is another welcome way to end the evening. In between songs, you and your partner can head up on stage or to the front of the room and grab the mic.
Tell people how grateful you are to them for coming, what an amazing time you had, and that you love all of them. Say whatever it is that you want to say, and then tell them to join you for the last dance before the reception ends.
Be gracious, and make sure the last song is a hit!
Light Some Floating Lanterns
Ok, so this is a bit like a send-off, but at least you and your partner aren’t walking off or getting into a car. Paper lanterns are a romantic way to end the night for you and your guests. You can gather at a pre-appointed spot on the lawn, write wishes for the couple on the lanterns, and send them up into the night sky.
You don’t have to leave immediately, but lighting lanterns can calm people down and get them out of party mode. They’ll know that it’s time to grab their stuff and start heading for the doors.
Final Thoughts
Ending a wedding is always a bit tricky. Couples want to find a way to close things without feeling like they’re forcing people to leave. They do, however, want some time to themselves where they can unwind and bask in the glow of what was an incredible day.
Get creative with your wedding closing and ask people around you for some ideas. Talk to the venue about some things other couples have done in the past. Find a way to make the end of your wedding reception the ideal close to a memorable night.