Controlled Wedding Exits

Colorado Wedding Photographer | Theresa Bridget Photography

Let’s talk about wedding exits! In the last few years, we have found that wedding exits have become extremely popular. From sparklers to confetti and everything in-between these are really fun images to capture that are a great way to show off the end of a wedding day. However, one problem we see a lot of our clients have is that they want exit photos, but don’t want to pay us to stay at the reception an extra 2/3 hours just for their exit photos. And honestly, you don’t need 2+ hours of dancing photos! We have been offering a solution to this problem in the form of a ‘controlled exit’.

What is a controlled exit? It is an exit but before the wedding is officially over. Now before I lose you…. Just hear us out. We know these are not for everyone, but they do have their perks. So save your judgment until the very end. Typically after the cake is cut, a few family members and the wedding party will line up. Everyone sets up for the exit and then we capture it! Then everyone goes back inside and continues the party.

We think controlled exits have three major benefits, which we’ll share below.

It gives us more control over the exit and time to capture those photos. Typically we coordinate these photos after the other major events, but before we leave for the night. Since most guests are still at the reception having fun this doesn’t interrupt the flow of events at all. It also gives us more time for a few extra creative images with your sparklers, glowsticks or whatever fun tradition you choose!

It ensures that your guests are not too drunk to participate! If you are planning to throw a party with an open bar, chances are by the end of the night your guest may have had a little too much to drink. A controlled exit means that no one too drunk will be handling a lit sparkler or the like. We have photographed one wedding where a guest who had too much to drink dropped a sparkler on the bride’s dress! It was such a sad way to end the night.

It saves you money! Come on, we all know weddings are expensive. So why spent extra money just to get exit shots, when we can capture them right before we leave.

The downside to a controlled exit is that at the end of the night, there isn’t that one final big celebratory moment. Some people also think controlled exits are a bit fake and that can be a downside as well. Ultimately though, controlled exit or normal the photos are definitely going to be fun!

If you liked this post be sure to click HERE for our 4 favorite wedding exit ideas!

Theresa Bridget Photography is a destination wedding and elopement photographer based in central Colorado. We provide a luxurious full-service experience while creating joyful and timeless images that celebrate the joy of marriage.