Here Come the Bride and Groom!

Most people are familiar with some sort of send off for a new bride and groom. Until recently, the most common was tossing rice; that is until it became generally acknowledged how uncomfortable rice is once it goes down the front of a gown, how dangerous it is for the local wildlife, and things like Pinterest spread new ideas.

The tradition its self is an old one. We're talking Ancient Rome old and maybe even older than that. The truth is historians have had a hard time pin pointing where it started since many ancient cultures threw rice or something similar. Some cultures tossed wheat, other small grains, and even candy but the idea behind it was mostly the same. It's a fertility blessing. Rice or grain start out very small then out of these tiny seeds, grow giant fields of crops. Showering a couple with these fruitful things is a blessing to help a family grow.

Time are changing though, people are more creative and are straying away from the older traditions. Pinterest is loaded with dozens and dozens of alternative tossings that fix a variety of problems that the modern wedding is often presented with. Sparklers, "green" confetti, silly string, dry lavender, and sprinkles just to name a few. Some venues don't want the mess that the exit toss usually leaves and it is not uncommon for some to list it on the dreaded "Not Allowed Here" list; that's where things like sparklers come in. For the most part, it's mess free and all that's needed to clean it up is a bucket with a bit of water in it for guests to toss the metal remains in as they leave. Dry lavender and other wild flowers give those little pops of color and are safe for the nearby birds to carry away. There are many Eco-friendly options that are 100% safe for the environment.

At a recent wedding that we participated in the bride and groom, who had a very festive fall themed wedding, had their guests toss pumpkin seeds. It was the perfect tie-in to their wedding. 

We have come a long way in many areas in the wedding world and the exit toss is defiantly one that is going to keep changing. Have some fun customizing your wedding!

Until next time,