Why Your Ceremony Exit Deserves Planning Too
As a Catholic wedding photographer, one of my favorite moments to capture is the ceremony exit—that joyful walk out of the church as newlyweds! It’s a sacred and celebratory moment, and with just a little planning, it can become one of the most beautiful and memorable parts of your day (and your wedding album). So I want to help you plan and execute the picture perfect ceremony exit. No matter what you want to do for a Catholic Ceremony Exit, you will need to double check with your church on their guidelines and restrictions.
Top Ceremony Exit Ideas (with Photography Pros & Cons)
1. Ribbon Wands
My absolute top favorite wedding ceremony exit idea and what I’m using at my own wedding!
Pros:
- Elegant and easy for all ages
- No cleanup required
- Great for churches that don’t allow throwing items
- You can resell them or give them away to a future bride
- Can DIY this if you’re crafty
Cons:
- Less dynamic than petals or confetti
- Although not expensive, it can cost a bit more than most exit options ($26/50 wands), even if you DIY, the cost of materials could add up
- Link to Ribbon Wands
Photography Tip: Choose ribbons that contrast with your church’s exterior. White is always going to look good though
2. Bubbles
Pros:
- Whimsical, romantic, and easy to photograph in good light
- Mess-free and often church-approved
- Inexpensive
- Simple to hand out
- Easy to use for all ages
Cons:
- Can disappear in photos on windy or dark days
- Require guests to fully commit to blowing them
- Can’t resell if used
- Really hard to get a full effect, you kind of need bubble guns in addition to normal hand held bubbles
- Really hard to get them to be where you want them to be, even the slightest breeze ruins the shot
- Costs money, although not much, weddings add up quick so any cost is something to consider
- Link to Bubble Guns 2 Pack/$20
- Link to Bubble Wands 112 Pack/$20
Photography Tip: Backlighting makes bubbles sparkle—ideal for late afternoon exits. Get a couple of white bubble guns to fill in, there really aren’t enough bubbles from guests alone typically.
3. Flower Petals (Dried or Fresh)
Pros:
- Soft, timeless, and biodegradable
- Pop beautifully in motion
- Visually impactful from above or front-on
- Can be so colorful
- Can be really meaningful too, like if they are the dried flower petals from all the bouquets the groom ever got his bride
- Inexpensive, especially if they are from flowers you’ve grown or gathered
- Simple to hand out – if you put in some sort of container (little drawstring bag or paper cones)
Cons:
- Not allowed at every church
- They can stain church steps
- Get caught in hair and clothing (impossible to pick it all out if it’s small. I speak from experience and hours of editing out tiny flower petals from a bride’s hair for all the reception photos)
- Can get slippery if damp, fresh petals
- Dried Flower Petals 115g/$10
- Sachets 100 count/$7
- Paper Cones 180 count/$42
- Premade Dried Flower Packs 50 count/$36
Photography Tip: White and blush petals photograph best—avoid red for messiness and staining church steps. Dried petals can be colorful and easier for churches.
4. Dried Lavender or Herbs
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and lightly fragrant
- Subtle, earthy visuals for rustic or traditional weddings
Cons:
- May not stand out in photos
- May be harder to get than just flower petals
- Slightly messy depending on quantity
- Can be more expensive
- Dried Lavender 2lbs/$28
- Sachets 100 count/$7
- Paper Cones 180 count/$42
Photography Tip: Shoot from a low angle to emphasize the natural texture and motion.
5. Rice (Traditional Option)
I have never seen a church allow rice!
Pros:
- A time-honored symbol of prosperity and fertility
- Classic, iconic moment in wedding photography
- Dramatic motion when tossed in unison
Cons:
- Many Catholic churches no longer allow it due to safety/slipping concerns (I have never seen a church allow rice)
- Can be messy and difficult to clean up
- Hurts birds apparently??
Photography Tip: Rice tosses look best with close-up burst mode to catch it mid-air. Pre package it in a cone or sachet for ease of handing out to guests
6. Streamers
Pros:
- High-energy, colorful, and easy to coordinate
- Even if all white, it can be so fun
- Safe and reusable
- Great for larger churches or outdoor exits
Cons:
- Can be bulky or tangle
- Not always eco-friendly unless paper-based
- Can be more expensive
- Link to Streamer Poppers 40 count/$33
Photography Tip: Use the personal streamer packs for ease of handing out and for dramatic effect.
7. Confetti (Biodegradable or Paper)
I have never seen a church allow confetti!
Pros:
- One of the most festive and photogenic options
- Available in many colors and biodegradable styles
- Flutters beautifully through the air for slow-motion moments
Cons:
- Often not permitted by churches due to cleanup and staining
- Requires strong cleanup plan or staff
Photography Tip: Use large confetti pieces for visibility in camera—tiny ones tend to disappear.
8. Balloons (Releasing or Holding)
Pros:
- Can create an elegant, symbolic send-off if done right
- Balloons held by guests create a playful, airy feel in photos
- Large installations can double as decor
Cons:
- Latex balloons are not eco-friendly (check local regulations)
- Releasing balloons is discouraged in many areas due to environmental impact
- Difficult to assemble, and transport, store, and hand out
Ceremony Exit Logistics You Shouldn’t Forget
This moment might be short—but the preparation matters. Here’s how to ensure everything runs smoothly:
📢 1. Make an announcement
Have your officiant or coordinator say something before Mass begins, like:
“Please join us outside after the ceremony for a joyful petal toss to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs.!”
🙋 2. Assign helpers
Ask a few friends, wedding party members, ushers, or coordinator to hand out your bubbles, petals, or wands after Mass. Ideally at least one person per exit door!
🧺 3. Set up your supplies
Use labeled baskets or trays placed near the church exits so guests don’t miss them. And be sure to pre-package them so they are easy to hand out.
💐 4. Hand off your bouquet
Hold your spouse’s hand or wave to family! Give your bouquet to your MOH before you walk out so it doesn’t block your face or your smile. (See photo below)
📸 5. Tell your photographer in advance
Let your Catholic wedding photographer know your exit plan so they can scout the best light and lens beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Your ceremony exit is the first moment you’ll step into your new vocation as husband and wife. Whether it’s petals, bubbles, or a joyful bell ring, this moment deserves attention—and stunning photos.
Want a Catholic wedding photographer who sees both the beauty and the meaning of your sacred celebration?
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