Wedding days can run looooooonnnnnngggg…..

When you want your photography to capture every aspect of your day, starting at 9 am when you first sit down with your MUA, you may find that by the time you’ve eaten, tossed your bouquet and danced your heart out, that clock is already striking midnight! Once that dreamy light is gone, that bubble exit you craved don’t exist and a lot of times, photography budgets don’t allow for those extra hours without added fees and cranky photographers. (Photographers get hangry too!)

So what’s a bride to do when she dreams of that beautiful bubble exit?

If your budget doesn’t allow for your photographer to stay until 10:00 pm when you plan to leave, talk to your photographer about “staging” your exit. “Staging” an exit is the process of setting everything up before you plan to even leave. This “fake” exit can be very beneficial to you (the bride and groom) and capture a moment that might not otherwise happen. Here are six benefits to staging your exit:

You’ll have the prime opportunity for the right light.

As the night carries on, the sun goes down fast. If you’re planning to have a night time sparkler exit, this isn’t a worry, but for those gorgeously lit rainbow bubble exits, too little light can make things a bit difficult. Your photographer should be able to read the light and pick the perfect moment to start your walk down the bubbly aisle surrounded by your guests.

More Man Power.

As the night wears on, guests will begin to leave. The later your bubble exit, the fewer guests may be left in attendance. Unfortunately, for exits where lots of “hot air” is required to make bubbles, you need people. More people = More bubbly potential.

You have more control over your “exit”.

And ultimate re-do power if someone gets out of line. “Uncle John, step back in line please. Sue and James, back to the start!” Just kidding. But in the instance something goes completely out of whack, you can start again.

Avoid the “I’m outta here” time crunch from your photographer.

You won’t be concerned that you’re running out of time if you stage your bubble exit well within your allotted photography time. You’ll avoid the risk of added fees (unless you book a photographer like me, who only offers start to finish coverage) or having your photographer walk out in the middle of your exit (which should NEVER EVER EVER HAPPEN!). Plus you can go back in and enjoy the party, knowing your photographer got all of the special moments to tell your story with.

Less Drunk-Ortunities.

Photographers, like everyone else, love a good party. While alcohol is NOT necessary for a good party, it does make an appearance at the majority of weddings. And alcohol always tends to bring along it’s sister-wife, the Drunkortunity. We’re not fond of the Drunkortunity around here, as she tends to create some major drama. Staging your exit early, before alcohol has grabbed a hold of your partygoers, keeps the Drunkortunities at bay. Which means everyone remains wearing pants and there are no lampshades on anyone’s heads during your exit images.

It’s a last chance to showcase your dress.

Wedding dresses are HEAVY and dancing your heart out can make even a fit bride start to feel gross and sweaty. Staging your exit showcases your wedding dress before you’re tempted to ditch it and wear something lighter. On the other hand, it also gives you a chance to don a party dress and dance the night away without the extra 30 lbs of tulle.

Check out three awesome ways to keep your attendants happy on your wedding day and enjoy your wedding planning journey!