Planning Tips :: The Wedding Exit & Rice Toss Tradition

Ever wonder why people throw rice at weddings? It's a tradition that dates back to ancient Roman times and symbolizes "showering" the bride and groom with fertility and good fotrune. These days rice isn't used as much as it once was (for many reasons), but the toss tradition itself is still going strong!

Be sure to check with your venue for any rules and regulations about what you can and can't use for your exit toss. Some require that you don't use anything that needs clean up, some don't allow fire or open flames, and some don't have any restrictions at all. No matter the rules, below is a list of exit ideas and toss ideas that are sure to wow!

Toss Ideas

Petals

Paper Airplanes

Lavender or Herbs

Popcorn

Feathers

Paper Streamers

Large Rainbow Confetti

Birdseed

Toss Alternatives

Ribbon Wands

Sparklers

Fireworks

Lighted Balloons

Lanterns

SmokeBombs

Light Sabers

Bubbles

Flags

Maracas

Bells

Getaway Car

Golf Cart

Antique Car

Luxury Car

Horse & Carriage

Specialty Bus

Rickshaw

6 Alternatives to the Traditional Rice Toss

The tradition of tossing rice at the couple upon their exit is ancient. Rice is considered a “life giving” seed.  It is thought that by throwing it on the couple they will be bestowed with fertility and have many children. However,  these days rice isn't used as commonly as it was....some venues don't allow it, some think it harms birds, some want something grander than rice....so here are a few suggestions to keep the tossing tradition but use something more spectacular!

Photo by Z Media

Sparklers
Always one of my favorites! This makes for an amazing photo, there is little cleanup, and you can display them beautifully so the guests will look forward to it all night!


Freeze Dried Flower Petals
Freeze dried flower petals are non-staining, eco-friendly, and a great replacement for the traditional rice toss! You can choose any color you'd like and they look great in photos, in the air and on the ground!


Autumn Leaves
Red, yellow and orange fall leaves also make a great thing to toss upon the bride and groom as they exit! This is another eco-friendly option that probably won't require clean up, and will match perfectly with a fall colored wedding.

Ribbon Wands
Some venues don't allow the tossing of anything during an exit (clean up issues or regulations). If you have chosen a venue where this is the case, having ribbon wands for all the guests for your exit is a great way to celebrate...and it makes for great pictures!

Lavender

Lavender is another eco-friendly option to replace the rice toss. While this option probably won't show in photos as well as you hope....the small is amazing!!!

Balloon Release

A balloon release is always a symbol of the kick off to something great....so why not your marriage? Each guest can be handed a balloon on the way out of the church/venue, and as they're lined up and you make your way through....they release them into the air. So sweet!