The end of your wedding ceremony is just the beginning of the celebration of your nuptials. Whether you decide to head straight from saying “I do” into cocktail hour or reserve some time to take photos with your wedding party, you’ll eventually make your way into your reception space. This is the time when you’ll be properly introduced as newlyweds; and you’ll want to soak up the moment that comes with it. However, regardless of whether you want to make a statement or slip through the side door, it can be tricky to figure out the best way to arrive at your venue. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with over 30 different wedding entrance ideas.
1.Intentionally Surprise Yourself
Even if you’re involved in the entire wedding-planning process, consider leaving a few surprises for yourself during your grand entrance. Enlist a close friend, family member, or your planner to make some exciting additions to the space. This bride’s father knew of her dream to have the ballroom carpet covered with a bright red hue—and surprised her with the transformation as she entered the room.
2.Use the Getaway Car
Who says you can’t use a getaway car for your arrival? Enter your venue in a stunning, vintage car. You’ll not only make a statement but also create the most photo-worthy moments. And remember: There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to this type of vehicle. We love how this couple opted for a 1997 NAS Land Rover Defender in British Green.
3.Alter Your Gown
For a grand reveal, consider modifying your dress for your wedding entrance. At this couple’s California nuptials, the bride took off her Ese Azenabor gown’s overskirt before entering her reception space, transforming it into a sleek, embellished dress.
4.Host a Parade
Want to include your guests in the fun? Plan a parade. This duo did just that: Taking inspiration from a classic New Orleans second line, this New York City couple led the way from their ceremony to their reception space. We love how they incorporated their guests, live music, and the beauty of the city into their extended wedding entrance.
5.Debut a New Outfit
We can’t think of a better time to showcase an outfit change than during your wedding entrance. Whether you opt for something shorter (like this bride did!) or more colorful than your ceremony look, you’ll be able to show off your style—and the gorgeous piece of clothing—to all of your guests.
6.Add in a Solo Dance Moment
Even though your big day is about celebrating you and your partner, there’s nothing wrong with carving out a few seconds—or minutes—for one of you to have a solo dance moment. At their nuptials, this couple did just that: After entering together, the groom took the spotlight—and showed off his moves.
7.Pour a Drink
Use your wedding entrance as a way to immediately kick off a night of festivities. At their Michigan nuptials, this couple poured Champagne down a tower of coupes right after entering the space. No guest who wanted a drink was left empty-handed.
8.Add Unique Accessories
Consider incorporating unique accessories or elements into your dress for a dramatic—and stunning—wedding entrance. We love how this bride decided on a Berta gown with a tulle cape and sleeves for her reception dress, creating a picturesque moment as she spread her arms while walking into the space.
9.Walk Through Curtainsy
Whether you’re surprising yourself with the transformation of your reception space, or have seen it all before, consider creating a dramatic moment with your entrance by pulling back a draping curtain (like this couple did) to see all of your family and friends ready to celebrate. Add a touch of greenery or lights to lend additional brightness to your entrance.
10.Create a Candlelit Path
Looking for something romantic? Candles will always do the trick. Create a path of candles—like this couple did for their Cartagena nuptials—that leads into the reception space. Your guests will love walking through it on their way in, and it will double as the perfect reception aisle for you and your partner.
11.Celebrate With Sparklers
While a grand exit with sparklers is a popular idea, there’s no reason why you can’t reverse the trend and make it part of your wedding entrance. Opt to give each guest a sparkler and walk through past them on your way into your reception space—or walk past a few cold sparks, as this couple did.
12.Throw Open the Doors
Picture this: Your wedding DJ introduces you, the couple of honor—new last name and all—and suddenly two doors fly open, revealing a sea of cheering guests before you. If this sounds like the dream, take inspiration from this couple, who didn’t let their outdoor venue stop them from having a high-impact wedding entrance.
13.Make It a Dance Party
If you’re making your way from your ceremony straight to your reception space, consider involving the rest of your wedding guests—and turning it into a dance party. This couple migrated over to their celebration area alongside their family and friends, and showed off a few of their moves along the way.
14.Pick an Iconic Song
Make a statement with your wedding entrance by dancing into one of your favorite songs. We love how this California couple sauntered in to their tent with “You’re the One That I Want” from Grease playing in the background.
15.Arrive by Boat
If you’re planning seaside nuptials, consider arriving by boat. Whether you choose to invite your wedding party to join you on your cruise—or take it as a private, intimate moment for the two of you (like this couple did)—you’ll pull up to your reception space in style.
