Just Married

It is a personal choice of the couple as to how they wish to depart from the venue. Some choose to make it a huge affair with fireworks or a band, whereas others may prefer just to drive away with their guests waving them goodbye. Whatever the couple decide, they should make sure that the time is decided in advance so the wedding party can be informed of this. The musicians or DJ should also be informed in case they are expected to continue once the couple has left and so that they can make an announcement to the guests. The guests should then gather outside to throw more confetti as they watch the couple leave.

The vehicle taking the couple away should arrive early so that any luggage can be transferred into it and it is usually decorated by the best man and ushers. This only happens if the vehicle is not personally owned such as a taxi. Once the vehicle has arrived the best man should give the bride and groom a half-hour warning so they can be prepared and the bride can change if she wishes. Many brides choose to wear a special going-away outfit and their chief bridesmaid should be on hand to help her to change out of her wedding dress at this point.

It is traditional for the bride to throw her bouquet as she is leaving the reception venue. She turns her back and throws the bouquet over her head for the single girls to catch. It is important for the couple to say their goodbyes to close family and those who have played an important role in the proceedings. The best man, chief bridesmaid and other close friends should all be individually thanked. After the couple has left, it is possible for the guests to remain at the venue to continue the celebrations.

Timing is essential for the departure of the couple. If they are the last ones standing at the reception then their departure will be a huge anticlimax. However, they should also not leave too early or they will miss out on their special party which is a once in a lifetime event. Leaving early may also upset those guests who have traveled a long way to be there or gone to a lot of trouble. This is why the couple should inform the guests beforehand of an approximate time they are intending to leave. Older guests or guests with children may have to leave earlier if the couple intends to stay until the very end of the reception. Equally they may like to know when the bride and groom intend to leave so that they can plan to leave shortly afterwards.