Make A Grand Entrance: Wedding Arrival Tips

Making a memorable entrance at a wedding is a chance to showcase your personality and creativity. Whether you're part of the bridal party or the newlyweds themselves, there are endless ways to make a statement as you enter the reception. From fun and quirky ideas like performing a skit or arriving on a tractor, to glamorous entrances with sparklers and confetti, the options are limited only by your imagination.

For those who want to add a touch of drama, consider a surprise entrance from a giant present box or descending from a hot air balloon. If you're looking for a more traditional entrance, the bridal party can enter first, followed by the newlyweds, with an introduction by the emcee.

Whatever option you choose, the key is to inject your personality and have fun with it!

Make a dramatic entrance with a unique mode of transport

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make it memorable. One way to ensure your big day is unforgettable is to make a grand entrance with a unique mode of transport. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Go Vintage

Step back in time and choose a classic vintage car for your wedding entrance. Imagine arriving in a Rolls Royce, Bentley, or a classic convertible. The soft purr of the engine, the gleam of polished chrome, and the elegant interior will create a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere. It's a symbol of enduring style and will elevate your wedding entrance to a whole new level of glamour.

Horse-Drawn Carriage

For a truly whimsical and fairy-tale-like entrance, consider arriving in a horse-drawn carriage. This option adds a touch of magic and timeless romance to your special day. From Cinderella-inspired carriages adorned with regal splendor to traditional styles exuding classic charm, you can find one that suits your taste. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves and the gentle sway of the carriage will surely make your entrance unforgettable.

Boat Ride

If your wedding venue is near a lake or waterfront, why not arrive by boat? This option provides a peaceful and dreamy entrance as you glide towards your celebration. It also offers a moment of tranquility before you greet your guests and step into the whirlwind of your wedding festivities. A boat ride is especially perfect for a wedding with a nautical theme or for couples who love the sea.

Hot Air Balloon

Take your wedding entrance to new heights—literally! Arriving by hot air balloon is an adventurous and extraordinary way to make your entrance. It symbolizes reaching new heights together as a couple. Imagine the excitement of your guests as they witness your grand arrival from the sky. You can even personalize the experience with in-flight decor, such as banners or "Just Married" signs attached to the balloon.

VW Bus

For a boho-chic entrance, the iconic vintage VW bus is an excellent choice. Adorn it with bohemian flair, such as dreamcatchers, macramé, and flower crowns. Let vibrant fabrics flutter in the wind as you embark on a journey that symbolizes freedom and love. The VW bus becomes a canvas for your unique style, promising a trendy and memorable wedding entrance.

Remember, when choosing your wedding transport, opt for something that matches your personal style and the vibe of your wedding. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can make a dramatic entrance that will leave a lasting impression on your guests!

Involve your wedding party in a creative way

Involving your wedding party in your entrance is a great way to make your wedding creative and memorable. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flash Mob

Organising a flash mob is a fun and unexpected way to make an entrance. Start with a few members of the wedding party and gradually involve more people as the music plays. To make it even more exciting, incorporate props like sunglasses, photobooth props, disco lights, and confetti bombs.

Bridal Party Introduction

If you want to showcase each member of your bridal party, have them introduced by name as they enter the room. The emcee or master of ceremonies (MC) can coordinate with the bridal party to ensure everyone enters in the correct order. You can even include a short story or fun fact about each person as they walk in, and play a different song for each person or pair.

Grand Staircase Entrance

Make a dramatic entrance by walking down a grand staircase with your initials lit up. If possible, organise a spotlight to be shone on you as you descend the staircase. This will create a wow factor and make for some stunning photographs.

Creative Transport

Think beyond the traditional wedding car and arrive in style with creative transport. You could ride in on kids' scooters, a tandem bike, a vintage car, a golf cart, or even a hot air balloon! If you're feeling adventurous, you could even parachute into your reception venue.

Dance Routines

Choreograph a fun and upbeat dance routine to perform with your wedding party. This could be a simple routine or something more complex, depending on the dancing abilities of your bridal party. If dancing isn't your forte, consider a two-step, the Dougie, or a body roll. YouTube and TikTok are great resources for beginner-friendly wedding dance ideas.

Confetti and Sparklers

Make a glittering entrance by walking through a shower of confetti or past your guests waving sparklers. This creates a festive atmosphere and makes for some beautiful photographs. Just be sure to check with your venue about their safety policies regarding sparklers.

Human Tunnel

Have your wedding party or guests create a human tunnel while throwing confetti for you to walk or dance through. This idea combines a grand entrance with a fun exit idea, providing a high-energy start to your celebration.

Themed Entrances

If you're having a themed wedding, incorporate that theme into your entrance. For example, if you're having a Star Wars-themed wedding, you could enter under a tunnel of lightsabers. Or, if you want to give your guests a rave-like experience, play EDM music and arrive in LED costumes.

Remember, your wedding entrance should reflect your personality and set the tone for the rest of the celebration. Don't be afraid to get creative and involve your wedding party in unique and memorable ways!

Use lighting, props and effects to make a statement

The right lighting, props, and effects can elevate your wedding entrance and make it a memorable spectacle. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Set the Mood with Lighting: Enhance the atmosphere and create a captivating ambiance by incorporating lighting effects. Use colourful LED strips, disco balls, or galaxy lights to transform the space and get your guests in the party mood. Play with lighting effects that sync with the beat of the music for an immersive experience.
• Grand Archway of Flowers: Make a stunning entrance by walking through a grand archway adorned with your favourite blooms. The vibrant colours and sweet fragrances will symbolise the beauty and blossoming of your love story.
• Sparkling Sparklers: Hold sparklers as you walk down the aisle or have your guests create a sparkling tunnel with sparklers for a magical and dramatic effect, symbolising the shining path of your love story.
• Light Curtain: Walk through a customised light curtain that illuminates your path and casts a magical glow. Each beam of light can represent the guiding principles of your relationship, adding a touch of enchantment to your entrance.
• Confetti Shower: Make a colourful statement with a confetti shower as you enter. The vibrant confetti pieces raining down will create a joyful and festive atmosphere, setting the tone for a celebration filled with happiness.
• Themed Entrance with Props: Immerse your guests in a narrative by incorporating props and costumes. Recreate a scene from your favourite movie or pay homage to a historical period. This adds a layer of fantasy and fun to your entrance, engaging your guests in your creative storytelling.
• Projection Screen: Display a video or photo montage of your best moments together on a projection screen before your entrance. This audiovisual intro builds anticipation and creates an intimate connection with your guests, inviting them to celebrate your journey.
• Special Effects: Go beyond lighting and incorporate special effects like a fog machine or snow machines (with venue permission) to create a whimsical or wintry wonderland atmosphere.

Remember to coordinate with your wedding party, DJ, and emcee to ensure everyone is on the same page and to make your entrance seamless and spectacular!

Include interactive elements to engage your guests

Making your wedding interactive is a great way to keep your guests engaged and create lasting memories. Here are some ideas to include interactive elements and make your wedding entrance unforgettable:

Build-Your-Own Bars and Food Trucks:

Add a creative twist to your wedding by setting up interactive food and drink stations. You can have a "build-your-own" bar where guests can customize their snacks, such as popcorn, milkshakes, tacos, or even loaded fries. Take it a step further by suggesting creative combination names with a special significance to you and your partner. For a fun extra treat, bring in food trucks serving unique delights like champagne, beer, donuts, or cupcakes. These offerings will surely get your guests excited and create a lively atmosphere.

Outdoor Games and Activities:

If your venue has outdoor space, utilize it to engage your guests in fun activities. Set up oversized lawn games, such as giant Jenga or Connect Four, to entertain your guests during cocktail hour. You can also create a cozy corner with a mini "tasting room," featuring your favorite wines or whiskeys, or offer a selection of cigars for guests to enjoy. If you're feeling adventurous, include a mobile axe-throwing trailer or a rustic swing for some unique photo ops and entertainment.

Photo Booths and Social Media:

A photo booth is a classic and interactive way to engage your guests. Provide fun props, backdrops, and a box of costumes to encourage guests to strike creative poses. You can also create a unique wedding hashtag and use a Snapchat Geofilter to encourage guests to share their photos and videos, capturing memorable moments from different perspectives.

Interactive Seating Arrangements:

Instead of traditional seating, try something interactive like a "high-five line," where guests form two lines and you enter the reception with your partner, high-fiving your loved ones to an energetic tune. Alternatively, set up a "human tunnel" with your guests throwing confetti as you and your partner make your grand entrance. These ideas will surely get everyone involved and create a fun, celebratory atmosphere.

Unique Transportation:

Make a statement by arriving at your reception in an unexpected way. Ride in on kids' scooters, a tandem bike, or even horseback. If you're feeling bold, consider parachuting into your outdoor reception or arriving by boat at a yacht club. These unique entrances will definitely be conversation starters and keep your guests entertained.

These interactive elements will not only engage your guests but also add a personal touch to your wedding, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Plan a surprise performance or reveal

Planning a surprise performance or reveal at a wedding can be a fun way to make the day more intimate and unforgettable. Here are some tips to help you pull off this surprise:

Choose the Right Cover Event:

Select a cover event that will bring your loved ones together without raising suspicion. Popular choices include an engagement party, a holiday party, a summer picnic, or even a birthday party. The cover event should match the style of your wedding to avoid giving away the surprise. For instance, don't plan a casual barbecue if you're hosting a formal cocktail wedding.

Keep the Secret Under Wraps:

Share the surprise only with those who need to know, such as vendors and their staff. Involve your parents if you think they can keep the secret and would be happy to participate in the planning. Be mindful that some guests might react less positively, especially if they feel slighted by missing the traditional planning process.

Select a Venue That Doesn't Give Away the Surprise:

Traditional wedding venues might hint at what's to come. Instead, opt for smaller, quirkier, or non-traditional spots like a bar, restaurant, or park. You can even think outside the box, like planning a surprise wedding at a theme park or another location that holds special meaning for you.

Rehearse and Plan Carefully:

Careful planning and rehearsal of the big reveal are crucial to ensuring everything goes smoothly. Keep all details tightly sealed, and create a breathtaking moment filled with love and astonishment.

Unveil the Surprise:

There are various ways to reveal the surprise. You could make a grand entrance in a wedding dress, dramatically open a curtain to reveal the ceremony setup, or grab a microphone and make a toast, announcing the turn towards matrimony. The surprise announcement will be a memorable moment, filled with electric energy and emotion.

Don't Skimp on Photography:

Your photos and videos will be precious keepsakes of your special day. Book a photographer and videographer as soon as possible, and consider their availability when setting a date. Have portrait photos taken before guests arrive, and capture family photos and candid shots after the ceremony.

Secure Traditional Wedding Elements:

Don't forget the essential legal and logistical aspects of a wedding. Obtain your marriage license, secure an officiant, and hire a caterer and entertainment. Think about the style of ceremony and reception you want, and make any necessary tweaks to maintain the surprise.

Create a Memorable Entrance:

As the newlyweds, you can make a grand entrance by walking down a grand staircase with your initials lit up or entering under a confetti shower. You could even plan a unique reveal, like jumping out of a huge wedding cake or parachuting into the reception venue.

Remember, the key to a successful surprise wedding is creativity and careful planning. Enjoy planning your special day and creating unforgettable memories!

Frequently asked questions