Discover the best wedding recessional ideas, songs, and creative exit tips to ensure a fun, memorable transition from ceremony to celebration.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Erin Ren Photography
In the same way that your wedding entrance is the big reveal to your partner and your guests, your wedding recessional is the introduction to your loved ones as an officially married couple once the ceremony comes to a close. It’s the crescendo of your big day, and once it comes to a close, it’s high time to celebrate.
Experts weigh in on some creative recessional ideas to implement for a little extra flair, as well as what to bear in mind when planning.
Ceremony Exit Tips & Creative Exit Ideas
Recessional Music Choices
"Choose a song that actually feels like you. This is your big 'we did it' moment, so don't be afraid to pick something fun or unexpected. I’ve seen couples walk out to everything from Lizzo to old-school Motown to acoustic punk covers. If it makes you grin ear to ear, that’s the one." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
Wedding Parade
"As a born southerner, I have been seeing the incorporation of a traditional New Orleans Second Line to recess out of the ceremony make a splash! Using musicians and the high energy of celebrating your union to lead you out of the ceremony and to the cocktail hour is unparalleled. Although the second line was historically used for funeral processions of black community members, today they are known for symbolizing joy, resilience, and incorporating the unique culture of New Orleans and honoring major life celebrations!" —Loni Peterson, MLS, LP Creative Events
"Think about connecting this moment to the start of cocktail hour and maintaining that level of energy and celebration! One time, I had a couple recess and their band led them and their guests from the church doors to the reception location with a second line. It was so fun and memorable!" —Lucy Struve, Lucy Struve Photography
Top Exit Ideas: Use Fun Props
"One way to make your recessional memorable is to plan a fun exit or send off. This is especially beneficial if you don't want to do a send-off at the end of your wedding night, so you can dance the night away. You can do a send off with flower petals, bird seeds, biodegradable confetti, or bubbles. All of these are an easy clean-up as they either biodegrade or are naturally cleaned up by nature. You should do these outside, either if you have an outdoor ceremony or outside the venue where the ceremony is being held. This extends the feelings of celebration after the first kiss as well as allows your guests to feel directly involved with the excitement that is being generated. Not to mention, this is a perfect photo and video candid moment." —Zhaun Frias, Zhaun Frias Photography
"Another fun visual element to bring into your recessional is ribbon wands for your guests seated in the aisle chairs. Once you are pronounced married, those guests can hold up the ribbon wands, and you both get to walk through them as you recess!" —Loni Peterson, MLS, LP Creative Events
Include Your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
"If you're planning a creative recessional exit after your vows, be sure to include your wedding party! Leaving the ceremony with high energy keeps the momentum going, and it sets the tone for your guests who will be moving on to dinner and drinks afterward. Make sure that you’re not only rehearsing the ceremony flow the day prior, but any music cues that your wedding party might also need to know during their exit." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services
Wedding Exit Planning
:Communication is paramount to ensure that this moment goes smoothly. Having the officiant make an announcement before the recessional, clearly communicating what the guests should be doing, ensures all parties know what they are doing, and builds excitement. As a supplemental support, have your ushers (or wedding party) escort everyone where they should go.: —Zhaun Frias, Zhaun Frias Photography
"Definitely check with your venue before planning anything with confetti, petals, or anything that needs cleanup. Some places are strict about what's allowed, especially outdoors. Also, if you’ve got a specific music cue or timing, make sure your DJ or musician is dialed in. A quick run-through can save a lot of stress." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
If breaking free of tradition is important to you, then your recessional is the perfect time to get your creative bridal juices flowing and put on a grand exit show for your family and friends!
Photo: La Vie Studios
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
