The wedding send-off is a look forward in the next step in your life together: it can be exciting, reverent, grand, simple, or ecstatic! While the traditional rice-throwing has proved environmentally unsound, other ideas—new and old—are rushing in to fill the void. If you want a strict alternative to rice, use birdseed or confetti. Manufacturers provide biodegradable confetti made with natural pigments. Sparklers are the new standard: they’re inexpensive, simple, and they ensure a whole lot of ambiance (see the glowing photos below!). Wish lanterns and balloons are peaceful and hopeful additions. In both cases, it will be important to consider environmental and venue-specific impacts and regulations. Latex is biodegradable, but the ribbon generally isn’t. Wish lanterns can be a serious fire hazard, so make sure to consider wind, the dryness of the day, and proximity to trees and buildings. These decisions could be day-of specific, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons before you invest. When you’re thinking about the final step, transportation, the vintage car is a popular option: from a Rolls Royce to a classic Ford or farm truck. Bikes—tandem or vintage—are the perfect transport for summer or beach weddings. Whatever it is, make sure to decorate with streamers and signs so they know where you’re coming from. Have fun selecting your form of departure!

Image 1 and 5 courtesy of Holland Photo Arts, Image 2 and 3 courtesy of Patricia Lyons, Image 4 courtesy of Jen Fariello, Image 6 courtesy of Adam Barnes, Image 7 and 8 courtesy of Lynne Brubaker.