MemberWe didn’t do a sparkler send off because we were worried it would ruin the flow of the reception. My photographer said it would be a photoshoot so we were considering just doing it with the bridal party but in the end we decided to just nix it.
We did do a ribbon wand exit from the church. We just exited, kissed and walked back into the church to take pictures! 
MemberWe were one of the couples that stayed to the bitter end lol. We wanted to make sure the venue was clean before we left so we all helped gather up personal items and return borrowed items to the venue. The guests left and then my husband and I went home to change before we would all meet for one last meal together with his family before they left. We had no send off and I didn’t miss it at all.
MemberAt the last two weddings I’ve been to the DJ had announced a last song and everyone that is left has just naturally gathered in a big circle around the couple and danced together. It’s been a really lovely, celebratory end of the evening, and has not felt forced at all.
MemberIs confetti when you leave the church just a UK thing? If not, then that could give you a similar feeling/photos as a send off but makes much more sense in your situation.
MemberWe stayed until the very end (11pm) and then went to the after party with our friends at a nearby bar.
On a side note, please don’t do a balloon release. They are horrific for the environment.
MemberWhat about bubbles or mini cheer poms for your guest to blow/ have as you exit the church?? You get the fanfare of a big exit and great pictures and just head to your reception venue or where ever if you’re doing photos during a cocktail hour or something.
Memberevery wedding I’ve been to except one, the couple just left at the end of the night! only one had a true sendoff, but it was still at the end of the night and then left to go to the hotel
Memberhickoryhills : if you want the pics then I say do it! but it does feel weird to be a part of a photo shoot type exit when you know they aren’t actually leaving
MemberIs it just the aesthetics of the sparklers that you like or is it an end of the night idea your looking for?
I only ask because if you love the sparkler aesthetic but don’t want to disrupt your guests you could do a sparkler light painting. It’s basically a long exposure, where someone runs around you with a sparkler. It looks amazing but it is tricky to pull off. You would need a willing friend to do it multiple times until you get THE shot but I have done a couple and love the look. It has the advantage of giving you a really cool photo in your wedding clothes but you don’t need a whole crowd of people to pull off. I attached some pictures stolen from Pinterest to give you an idea.
MemberI love the sparklers idea. That OR maybe consider the white japanese lanterns. The ones you light and let them float into the sky and they biodegrade.
I think it’s peaceful and romantic and a nice way to end the night. 🙂
Memberanikaof9 : I TOTALLY forgot about this idea but I’ve seen it a ton on Pinterest. Excellent idea! We could totally steal away and do this quickly before the photographers are done for the night and then rejoin the party without interrupting it. Thank you!
Memberladama : I love this idea too! I’ll have to look into those. I think I like this even more than sparklers. Thank you!