Is a "getaway car" / sparkler exit worth the effort?

Honest answer: it's for the photo. There's nothing emotionally important about it that doesn't happen in the actual reception.

That said, it's a great photo if you want it. Sparkler exit photos are some of the most-shared images from weddings — they read iconic and they always make the gallery.

If you do it:

• Your guests need sparklers in their hands. Order 36-inch ones (not the short ones — they burn out too fast). Distribute them 5 minutes before the exit.
• Have an "exit conductor" (your DJ usually does this) — gather the line, light the front of the line, signal you to start walking.
• Walk slow. Couples blow by in 4 seconds and the photographer gets one frame. Slow down to 8-10 seconds and you get 5-6 usable frames.
• The "getaway car" doesn't need to actually take you anywhere. Drive around the block, get out, come back to keep partying. Most couples don't actually leave at "exit time."

If you skip it:

• Replace with a ribbon arch or a pom-pom toss for the same shot at lower friction
• Or just let the dance floor be the closing image. Some of my favorite final-frames are the last song still playing with everyone in the air.

Totally fine to skip. Don't do it because you're "supposed to."