Alternatives to Throwing Rice

I’m sure you’ve all been to a wedding where you’ve been required to hurl rice at the bride and groom as they exit the ceremony or reception location. Sure it’s fun, but then it gets to be your turn, and you realize that you don’t want 100 some guests throwing smelly birdseed at you, making you a target for every bird in town and ruining your $1,000 designer gown. Here are some alternatives for the guests to have fun once you and your groom exit the location without making you a human birdfeeder.

• Bubbles
  
  Everyone from the young and old enjoys bubbles. Although this might be a bit messy, using bubbles to celebrate the exit of the bride and groom has become very popular. Using bubbles is a way for the guests to have fun and wind down before the reception.
  
  
• Rose Petals
  
  Your florist can always provide you with extra rose petals at a minimal cost to give to guests to throw at you. Although this could get messy if you step on a petal, it is a cute idea and won’t hurt as much as birdseed.
  
  
• Kazoos
  
  No your guests won’t be throwing the kazoos at you and your groom. Round up a trusty relative, have him teach your guests a familiar tune, and as you and your groom exit, have them play this rousing tune on the kazoos. Another different idea for your exit. Having kazoos also gives the guests an extra favor from your wedding. You can also use these at the reception. Instead of clinking the glass for those lovely reception kisses, having the guests blow in their kazoos when they want to see you and your groom lock lips.
  
  
• Butterflies
  
  Another popular idea that has arisen in the past few years is releasing butterflies into the air as you and the groom exit. There are ads in wedding magazines for different companies that will ship butterflies for your guests to release.
  
  
• Doves
  
  Another popular idea recently used at weddings. Doves are a symbol of peace, so releasing doves after your wedding ceremony is a good way to start a peaceful marriage and also a beautiful site.
  

Whatever idea you come up with I’m sure your guests will enjoy. But try and get creative before you send out your groom to be to buy a 100 lb bag of birdseed and try a different idea as you exit your wedding or reception.