We're getting married October 30th in Ohio and still struggling for what to give guests on their way out of the church. So far we've ruled out birdseed, rice, bubbles, or bells so far.....
SIL used helicopters/whirleybirds/whatever you want to call the things that fall from maple trees. She dried them and them put them in little packets for everyone.
Be sure to check with your venue as well~many don't allow anything to be tossed because of safety or clean up concerns.
Honestly, I get that "way back when" people tossed rice at a couple, but I really don't see the need to have stuff thrown at you. It gets down your dress, stuck in your hair (especially if you have a lot of hairspray), etc.
I vote for clapping and cheering. Easy, free, eco-friendly, and not lame. GL
"Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
Our venue didn't allow things to be tossed, so we used streamers. It was a very simple DIY project. Thin wood rods with fabric ribbons in our wedding colors nailed to the end. Simple, a little different, and a lot of fun!
I'm considering doing a balloon release! And tying a card to several of the balloons that says "if you receive this balloon please email us back at ...... thanks for being part of our wedding day" Its visual PLUS it would be amzin to get one of those emails back.
Heatherdmoffitt - My FMIL found a balloon similar to this only it was in memory of a young girl that had passed away from cancer. The family had set up a website and it was really touching to read about all the balloons that were found.
If you want a more traditional exit-throwing item, there is special confetti called "ecofetti" (http://www.ecoparti.com/toec.html) that is totally biodegradable (I believe it's made of cornstarch, like those compostable bags) and comes in lots of neat colours. It will dissolve in water, so you can either hose it down or let the rain take care of it the next time it rains. I haven't tried it personally but the reviews look good and once I pick my bridesmaid dress colour I'm going to order some ecofetti!
You still have the issue of stuff getting stuck in your hair if people are throwing it at you, but seems easy enough to clean up.
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_alternatives-bubbles-bells?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:4dd10651-3a00-414b-9a28-730ada8e434fPost:928e9fcb-f864-4422-a831-cb28773985a5">Re: Alternatives to Bubbles or Bells?</a>: [QUOTE]in south africa another alternative is dried fynbos, or dried lavender which gives a gorgeous smell when its walked on... Posted by Michaela2290[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't do this one; my fiance is really allergic to lavendar, so I imagine other people are also - I know it would make him uncomfortable for the time he had to be around it and for a period of time afterward. Just a thought.
We aren't doing any "send off" type thing, because it seems weird to do it at the church when we are going to show up at the reception, and our reception is at the hotel where we are staying that night before leaving on our honeymoon, so there isn't any way to doit without it looking stupid.
Yeah, it doesn't have to be tossable. Consider that not everyone wants to get hit with "shrapnel" on your run past them.
I am a big fan of hand helds like streamers, pinwheels, flags, etc. That way, guests can hang onto them like little favors and use them for fun during your reception like encouraging you to kiss and stuff. These sorts of things are also quick and easy to make in the time you have left, or cheap to pick up from the dollar store and easy to personalize with a stamp or something. I made a bunch of flags and personalized them. I hope people like 'em!
I do like the flower petal idea though. For that, I would personally go to the supermarket and get a fun color that goes since no one would know what type of flower it came from. Cheap cheap!
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_alternatives-bubbles-bells?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:4dd10651-3a00-414b-9a28-730ada8e434fPost:877f4e8e-9228-404f-9332-3b4b063d171c">Re: Alternatives to Bubbles or Bells?</a>: [QUOTE]Are balloon releases still allowed? I think I read/heard something about environmental concerns. Posted by mysticl[/QUOTE]
Yes, it is illegal in many states. But I think they make biodegradable balloons now which could be an option.
Re: Alternatives to Bubbles or Bells?
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Our colors are gray and green, making rose petals difficult--but that sounds absolutely beautiful.
Honestly, I get that "way back when" people tossed rice at a couple, but I really don't see the need to have stuff thrown at you. It gets down your dress, stuck in your hair (especially if you have a lot of hairspray), etc.
I vote for clapping and cheering. Easy, free, eco-friendly, and not lame. GL
Our venue didn't allow things to be tossed, so we used streamers. It was a very simple DIY project. Thin wood rods with fabric ribbons in our wedding colors nailed to the end. Simple, a little different, and a lot of fun!
they have a gorgeous green
http://www.flyboynaturals.com/luckofirish.html
If you want a more traditional exit-throwing item, there is special confetti called "ecofetti" (http://www.ecoparti.com/toec.html) that is totally biodegradable (I believe it's made of cornstarch, like those compostable bags) and comes in lots of neat colours. It will dissolve in water, so you can either hose it down or let the rain take care of it the next time it rains. I haven't tried it personally but the reviews look good and once I pick my bridesmaid dress colour I'm going to order some ecofetti!
You still have the issue of stuff getting stuck in your hair if people are throwing it at you, but seems easy enough to clean up.
[QUOTE]in south africa another alternative is dried fynbos, or dried lavender which gives a gorgeous smell when its walked on...
Posted by Michaela2290[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't do this one; my fiance is really allergic to lavendar, so I imagine other people are also - I know it would make him uncomfortable for the time he had to be around it and for a period of time afterward. Just a thought.
We aren't doing any "send off" type thing, because it seems weird to do it at the church when we are going to show up at the reception, and our reception is at the hotel where we are staying that night before leaving on our honeymoon, so there isn't any way to doit without it looking stupid.
I am a big fan of hand helds like streamers, pinwheels, flags, etc. That way, guests can hang onto them like little favors and use them for fun during your reception like encouraging you to kiss and stuff.
I do like the flower petal idea though. For that, I would personally go to the supermarket and get a fun color that goes since no one would know what type of flower it came from. Cheap cheap!
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[QUOTE]Are balloon releases still allowed? I think I read/heard something about environmental concerns.
Posted by mysticl[/QUOTE]
Yes, it is illegal in many states. But I think they make biodegradable balloons now which could be an option.