Throwing rice at newlyweds is an ancient tradition symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Guests tossed rice at the couple to shower them with good luck. Over several decades, this tradition has changed to include other materials and creative ideas, but at heart, the intention of lavish wishes for a lifetime love and wedded bliss upon the newly wedded couple remains the same.
Did you know that the movement away from rice to birdseed was caused by an unsubstantiated rumor that rice kills birds? It has been proven incorrect by ornithologist’s worldwide but the rumor (started in the mid 1980s) was stronger than the truth and stuck. You know how sticky rice can be.
So, for better or worse, the tradition has shifted to birdseed and a host of other fun options. From the front steps of the church to the final send off of the night, here are a few ideas to get your newlywed send off plans soaring.
When: It is your choice when to have guests do the toss. Some determining factors may include weather, time of year, size of wedding party, and layout of venue. If you are having a winter wedding, you may decide to have guests wave you down the center aisle with pom-poms rather than stand outside in the cold, trying to blow bubbles with gloves on their hands. Likewise, if it is 90 degrees and humid, confetti may not the best choice. Talk about sticky! Consider all the elements and you’ll find the perfect option(s) for your ceremony toss and/or wedding reception send off. Here are a few possible times to do a toss or send-off during your big day:
- During your recessional up the aisle
- When you leaves the ceremony location (i.e. church steps)
- As you enter the reception location
- As you leave the reception location
What:
- Items to throw: rice, birdseed, confetti, pom poms, popcorn, flower petals, paper airplanes (check out this DIY Paper Plane Wedding Toss)
- Items to wave: sparklers, streamers
- Even more creative choices: toss or release balloons, blow bubbles, bell ringing
How:
- Ask wedding planner or bridal party to pass items out at the appropriate time.
- Give toss items to guests as they arrive at the wedding ceremony. If your “toss” is going to happen as you walk back down the center aisle as man and wide, ask your family in the front rows to be cheerleaders and start first so the rest of your guests will follow along.
- Package small toss items, such as seeds, in small bags or pouches - get creative with labels.
Note: Be sure to check if your venue has any restrictions on the toss or send off!
Onto the bachelorette party, photo booth and finalizing the gift table and card box plans. Your list is shrinking as the excitement grows. There’s no more hiding that wife-to-be glow, your wedding is just two months out!
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide.
Article written by: Melissa Collier
