At the end of a wedding reception, a couple will bid their guests farewell as they are sent off into their life as newlyweds. The tradition of wedding send-off parties is symbolic and significant; thus, the decorations used for these parties must be magical.
Pairing glow sticks with other materials can truly make for a breathtaking and unforgettable sight. Items such as balloons, jars, bottles, and cups, when used with glow sticks, can make your wedding send-off all the more beautiful.
Several creative ideas for a glow stick wedding send-off are given below. Additionally, the history and science behind glow sticks are briefly explained. Tips for the ultimate glow stick wedding send-off are also provided.
Creative Ideas for a Glow Stick Wedding Send-Off
Fireworks and sparklers are integral parts of wedding traditions in various cultures, such as that of Lebanon. However, some venues may restrict the usage of flames and pyrotechnics in their vicinity. As such, a glow stick wedding send-off can be the perfect compromise. Here are some creative ideas you can do to make your glow stick wedding send-off unique and more special:
1. Glow Stick Balloons
Probably the most popular glow stick wedding send-off idea. Fill up balloons of any color halfway through. Carefully place one or two glow sticks into the balloon before completely filling them with air and tying them securely. There are multiple ways you can utilize glow stick balloons: tying a string and letting the guests hold them, and hanging them from the ceiling are two of them.
2. Glow Stick Pool Lanterns
3. Glow Stick Pool Party
4. Glow Stick Word Art
5. Glow Stick Fireflies
6. Glow Stick Drink Cups
7. Glow Stick Mason Jars
Placing glow sticks inside transparent jars will give the venue and the pictures a fairytale-like ambiance. Strategically place them on top of tables and other surfaces. If possible, you may also hang them from tree branches.
To further improve the appearance of glow stick mason jars, you may utilize some tulle or plastic netting inserts. Cut the glow stick into shorter strips and intersperse the pieces between the inserts. The resulting product will look like fairy dust.
8. Firefly Glow Jars
9. Glow Balls
10. Glow Stick Frosted Lanterns
Other Glow Stick Wedding Send-Off Ideas:
- Confetti
- Bouquets
- Flower Crowns
- Lanterns
- Photo Booth
- Wine Bottles
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Anklets
- Rings
- Body Paint
- Hair Accessories
- Headbands
- Party Favors
- Cake Toppers
- Table Centerpieces
- Garland
- Chandelier
- Candles
- Archways
- Banners
- Flags
- Signage
- Heart Wands
- Hula Hoops
- Horseshoes
- Ring Toss
- Cornhole
- Frisbee
- Lawn Bowling
- Croquet
- Glow Stick Mini Golf
- Bubble Bath
- Balloon Animals
- Pet Collars
- Pet Toys
- Dog Leashes
- Cat Toys
- Hot Tub Party
- Darts
- Piñatas
- Treasure Hunt
- Light-Up Shoes
- Musical Instruments
Tips for Having a Glow Stick Wedding Send-Off
Glow Sticks Look Best in Specific Camera Settings
If you and your partner are planning a glow stick wedding send-off, you must closely coordinate with your photographer. For the best results, the photographer can set the shutter speed a little slower, falling in the range of 1/30 to ¼ of a second. Setting the flash high and skewed to the side also helps improve the results.
Reuse Glow Sticks Throughout the Day
Glow sticks can last anywhere from a couple of hours to even several days. This time span allows you to reuse glow sticks multiple times in your ceremony and reception. This saves you money that would otherwise be spent on procuring more glow sticks and reduces the waste during your event.
Buy Glow Sticks in Bulk
With that said, buying glow sticks by the dozens or in bulk is more cost-effective than buying them individually or in small packs. Look around various party supplies stores, general merchandise stores, and check online platforms such as Amazon to find the best deal.
Additionally, it is best to buy more than what you think you need. Besides replacements, some guests may ask for additional glow sticks to make different props, such as bracelets, glasses, and so on.
Stay Within the Color Scheme
If possible, only utilize glow sticks that fit with the color theme of your wedding. However, this may end up limiting your options for glow stick colors. However, you can find a way around this issue using the creative ideas listed above.
Put on a Show
As you and your partner make your exit, give each other a sweet kiss. You may even opt for a dip for an added effect. You can also bust out some moves here and there as lively recessional music plays. This will get your guests energized and cheerful, which can make the moment all the more memorable. This energy will also be reflected in the photos.
Incorporate Glow Sticks Into Your Wedding Favors
A wedding favor refers to a small gift given by the couple to their guests as a sign of gratitude. It is common practice to have the wedding favor fit with the general theme of your wedding. With that said, you can include a few glow sticks in each wedding favor to serve as a memento for your special day.
Ask for Assistance
Executing these creative ideas takes a lot of time, energy, and effort. Doing them by yourself will take weeks, even months, to finish. By asking your friends and family to help with the assembly of your chosen decorations, you can finish them in much less time. Additionally, this is an opportunity to spend time together and bond.
Final Thoughts
Glow sticks, in and of themselves, are great decorations for wedding send-off parties. However, by using various materials such as jars, bottles, and cups, you can craft beautiful and eye-catching pieces of decor that will make your send-off an exceptional experience. We hope you’ve found a glow stick wedding send-off idea that you liked.
