When you’re planning your wedding photography timeline, one key decision is whether to do a photo exit or have your photographer stay until the grand exit. Both options offer different vibes and can influence the flow of your day, so let’s explore what each one means and how it could impact your photography coverage.
What is a Photo Exit?
A photo exit is a staged send-off that happens earlier in the day, often right after the reception begins. You and your wedding party or close family will gather for a “mock” send-off using sparklers, bubbles, confetti, flower petals, or anything festive. This allows your photographer to capture those celebratory exit photos without staying until the very end of the night.
What’s the Purpose of a Photo Exit?
The primary reason couples choose a photo exit is to maximize their photography coverage. If you don’t plan for your photographer to stay until the very end of the reception, a photo exit offers a perfect solution. It captures that high-energy, joyful moment without requiring additional coverage time.
Photo Exit vs. Grand Exit: What’s the Difference?
A grand exit happens at the very end of the night when you’re making your final departure. The remaining guests will usually line up to send you off in a big way—often with sparklers, bubbles, or flower petals. The grand exit marks the real conclusion to the evening.
So, how do you decide between a photo exit and a grand exit? Here are the pros and cons of both options.
The Pros and Cons of a Photo Exit
Pros:
- Time & Budget Friendly: If you’re trying to manage your photography hours, a photo exit lets you finish up earlier, saving time and money.
- Flexibility: It can be staged whenever it fits best in your timeline, allowing you to get the perfect lighting and setting.
Cons:
- Not the Real Deal: Because it’s staged.
- Kills the vibe: It interrupts the open dancefloor and might throw off the guests. Sometimes fewer guests stay after the send-off, thinking that the night has ended.
The Pros and Cons of a Grand Exit
Pros:
- Authentic Moment: This is your true, final exit! You’ll capture the genuine excitement of the day coming to an end with all your guests involved.
- High Energy: By the end of the night, the party is often in full swing, and your guests’ energy might be even more electric for the send-off.
Cons:
- Extended Coverage: You’ll need your photographer to stay until the very end, which might mean adding extra hours to your package.
- Unpredictability: Guest presence and participation can vary late at night, so you might not get the exact look you envisioned.
How Does This Affect Your Photography Coverage?
Whether you choose a photo exit or grand exit can impact how much photography coverage you’ll need. If you opt for a photo exit, your photographer can wrap up after capturing the major moments of the day, keeping your coverage time shorter. However, if you love the idea of a true grand exit, rest assured your photographer will be there for every last moment.
Which Option is Right for You?
For most of my couples, the grand exit is a popular choice. They love the idea of capturing the genuine end of the night when everyone is buzzing with excitement. Sparklers and bubbles are classic favorites, but personally, I love when couples opt for confetti or flower petals, adding even more dimension and a modern look.
That said, if your wedding has separate locations for the ceremony and reception, a photo exit can be a great way to signal the transition without making it feel like the party has ended. In these cases, some couples choose to skip the grand exit entirely, which helps simplify the night.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your wedding’s flow and your personal preferences. I always go over these options during our consultation call, so you can decide what works best for you.
If you’re still on the fence, let’s chat! I’d love to help you find the perfect way to capture your exit, whether it’s an early send-off or the grand finale.
