No matter what kind of send-off exit you have planned, having a controlled exit is better than an uncontrolled one. What I mean by this, is how it is executed. Make sure your planner knows they should coordinate family and friends into two lines. Your photographer should get with them ahead of time to let them know which spot would be perfect for your send-off, and can help them with coordinating everybody into two lines.

Once everyone is lined up and ready, that’s when you should start your exit. Slowly walk down the aisle created by your family and friends, smiling at each other and at them. Stop half way down and smile at your photographer, then go in for a kiss. Make it fun and do a dip too! Then continue down the aisle. I prefer to be at the end capturing it all, but some photographers walk with you down the aisle. I also like to ask my couples to walk the exit twice, so I can capture it with both lenses. A close up lens of just the two of you, and a wide lens to capture your friends and family as well. If you have a videographer, you may have to do it a third time, to make sure they get their shot as well.

Faux Exits

Depending on how long your day is, or how late you want your reception to be, your photographer may not be there for the actual send-off. You still want pictures of it, so I recommend doing a faux exit. This marks the end of the formal reception, after all of the normal events. You can let your guests know that even though you’ve been ‘sent off’, it was for photos and the party will be continuing. This way you get a late reception, but also those gorgeous send-off photos for your album.