Carolyn Burke STL Blog

It's common to toss petals, birdseed or blow bubbles as the newlyweds leave the ceremony.  Many of you may remember that rice was originally tossed, a traditional symbol of prosperity, but since learning that rice is harmful to birds, many couples provide birdseed for guests to toss or the more popular blowing of bubbles instead.  Check with your ceremony site first before making any decisions. When deciding what you want your guests to toss, think about the season or theme of your wedding.  For a spring wedding have guests toss petals or flower heads with the stems cut off.  In the summertime hand out sparklers and matches.  Colorful autumn leaves are perfect for a fall ceremony, and you can make your own (paper) snowflakes for a winter wedding. My favorite is using small bells for guests to ring, bubbles to blow or streamers and flags for them to wave.  Whatever you decide to use, place them in paper cones or glassine envelopes, and have them dist...

Leaving your wedding in a shower of bubbles is the traditional grand exit these days instead of rice. However, many couples are creating other options - something more dramatic, or romantic, or environmentally friendly.  Whatever you choose, remember this is your guests'  last impression of your wedding ceremony or reception.  Make it amazing! This Couple Had a Paper Airplane Exit ! Toss Bird Seed Pros: It's organic and if the birds eat the free meal, no one has to clean up. Cons: Think how hard it will be to pick little grains out of your hair - not how you imagined spending your wedding night, right? Natural Confetti Pros:  Major fun (without bodily harm to you) and still be eco-friendly. The confetti is light, falls slowly (for awesome photos), and dissolves in water. Or you could try plant-able seed confetti which will grow into wildflowers. Cons:  You may still need to sweep up the mess and the location may not appreciate seeds being plan...