The End Roll: Do the Bride and Groom Watch It? A Comprehensive Guide to Timing the Emotional Final Video at the Reception.

2017.04.16 published

The "End Roll" Played at the End of the Reception is an Emotional Video

The Video "End Roll" Played at the End of the Wedding Reception

The end roll is a popular performance that allows the couple to express their gratitude to their guests at the end, and if it's an on-the-spot video, they can quickly look back on the beautiful day of their wedding.

Did you know that there are three different timings for playing the end roll? They are:

① Watching with guests and then exiting

② The couple exits first, and the parents watch before exiting

③ The couple and parents exit, and only the guests watch

At first glance, they may not seem very different, but the timing of playing the end roll is extremely important!

Depending on when the end roll is played, the conclusion of the reception can change greatly.

So, what changes depending on the timing? Let’s take a look!

First, Let's Review the General Timing of the End Roll

Before discussing the detailed timing of the end roll, let's talk about when the end roll is played in the course of the wedding.

The general flow of the wedding is:

① Entrance of the couple

② Introduction of the couple’s profile, speeches, and toast

③ Conversation time

④ Intermission

⑤ Entrance after changing outfits

⑥ Conversation time, entertainment, dessert buffet, etc.

⑦ Presentation of congratulatory telegrams

⑧ Bride's letter

⑨ Presentation of commemorative gifts

⑩ Closing remarks

⑪ ★ End Roll & Exit

This last part of ⑪ is important: whether to play the end roll before or after exiting.

Timing to Play the End Roll① Exit After Watching with Guests

The first method I’d like to introduce is for the couple and their parents to watch the end roll before exiting.

✓ Closing remarks ➡ End roll ➡ Couple & Parents exit

This is the flow!

What Are the Benefits of Watching the End Roll with Guests?

The method of watching the end roll before exiting is recommended for brides who plan to make an on-the-spot end roll.

Since it will be a video created on the day of, the couple will surely be moved when they watch it together.

What Are the Drawbacks of Watching the End Roll with Guests?

The drawback of watching the end roll with the guests is that it may slightly delay the farewell preparations.

If the end roll is not watched, the farewell preparations can be done during the end roll, but if they watch it first, the guests may have to wait after the exit.

For brides with a small number of guests (50 or fewer), watching the end roll together likely won't take too much time for farewells.

Timing to Play the End Roll② The Couple Exits First, and the Parents Watch Before Exiting

The next method I’d like to introduce is where the couple exits first, and then the parents watch the end roll before exiting.

✓ Closing remarks ➡ Couple exits ➡ End roll ➡ Parents exit

This is the flow!

What Are the Benefits of the Couple Exiting First and Parents Watching the End Roll?

The benefit of this method is that the couple can reflect on the wedding together, thinking, "The wedding is over now," in peace.

Once the joyous wedding is over, they'll be spending every day together, and exiting alone symbolizes their partnership moving forward.

Additionally, this offers a chance for a “peek shot,” where they can secretly view the venue through the door, capturing a cute shot of their backs!

What Are the Drawbacks of the Couple Exiting First and Parents Watching the End Roll?

If the couple exits without watching the end roll, they will miss the enjoyment of seeing the on-the-spot video. While homemade videos are fine, on-the-spot end rolls cannot be viewed until the following day.

Furthermore, though the couple can take pictures alone, they might not have time to take photos with their parents, which could be disappointing.

Timing to Play the End Roll③ The Couple and Parents Exit and Only Guests Watch

The final method I’d like to introduce is where both the couple and their parents exit before only the guests watch the end roll.

✓ Closing remarks ➡ Couple & Parents exit ➡ End roll

This is the flow!

What Are the Benefits of Guests Watching the End Roll After the Couple and Parents Exit?

The main benefit of this method is that it allows time to take family photos.

Often, when the end roll is played after watching, the guests will be kept waiting, and there may not be time for family photos, but skipping the end roll allows for a calm photo session.

Brides planning a surprise after the end roll will also appreciate that they can prepare during the end roll.

For instance, one bride planned to open a curtain after the end roll. Behind the curtain, the couple surprised everyone with balloons, concluding the wedding beautifully.

What Are the Drawbacks of Guests Watching the End Roll After the Couple and Parents Exit?

When both the couple and their parents exit before the end roll, they obviously cannot see it themselves.

If the couple wants their parents to see the end roll on the day itself, it would be better for them to watch it before exiting.

Various Benefits and Drawbacks Depending on When the End Roll is Watched

I have presented the various benefits and drawbacks of watching the end roll at different timings.

Whether to watch the end roll or not can change the subsequent performances and flow.

So, be sure to think carefully about when to watch the end roll as you approach your wedding.