When do you do a send off?

We are doing it when we leave for the night.

I'm also a bit worried about not enough people staying around for the send off, but I plan t o still do it when we leave for the night. A wedding I went to last year had a smallish wedding as well and really by the end of the night, only a few people and the bridal party were left for the send-off, but it was still just as fun!

I would do it after the ceremony (during the recessional).

I have no idea!!! LOL. For yours I think I'd do after the ceremony just because you have a small wedding Would you leave after the ceremony for a short period to do photos??

If I were in your shoes I would do it as you walk back down the aisle after the I-do's. I've been to several wedding where they did the bubble blowing/wand waving at this time.

I'm doing mine after the ceremony as we walk back down the aisle together as husband and wife. That way the photographer can capture the send off and everyone can participate. Doing at the end after the reception is also an option, but keep in mind your photographer might not be there to capture that

This is just a practical question: Are you allowed to throw stuff at your venue? Regardless of whether it's indoors or outdoors, certain venues will not allow for things to be thrown. If it's outdoors, they might specify that it's biodegradable (which I imagine yours would be). Double check on that. If you are allowed, then I'd do it after your ceremony, although part of me would worry that you'd spend the night picking out buds from your hair! Not great if you are having pictures right after. If this might happen, do it at the end of the night.

Ah Lavender send offs are so pretty and sweet smelling I don't do the whole send off thing though 'cause I'll be dancing until last call at 2 am!

Traditionally, the send-off was when the bride and groom left the reception--but traditionally, etiquette required the bride and groom to be the first people to leave the reception. The theory was that they were probably leaving on their honeymoon. And even if they weren't, they were supposed to be so eager to go off and have sex for the first time that they'd cut their reception time short. And if it wasn't the first time they were having sex, they were still supposed to pretend it was, because having sex outside of marriage would be such a scandal. Plus, since it was etiquette that all the guests had to stay at least until the bride and groom left, a couple who stayed around was inconveniencing all the guests.

These days, most couples want to be able to stay and enjoy their own reception. But if you do that, you're right--there may be few people left for the send-off. So when you walk back down the aisle is probably the best time.

Thanks for everyone's opinions! I think our best option is during the walk back down the aisle!