There’s nothing like having fireworks (or some iteration) at a wedding. For those who want a little twinkle or shimmer, sparklers are a great option to use as a send-off when the couple departs for the night. If you’re looking to really surprise your guests, consider indoor fireworks that shoot up during your 1st dance. And if you want to go out with a bang, a firework show to end your affair will surely wow your guests. Here are some tips on incorporating this dazzling element into your event.
SHINE A LIGHT WITH SPARKLERS….
Whether it’s for the couple of honor or the bridal party’s exit, there is something fun about having guests line up on two sides, holding sparklers that make everyone glow. There are several sizes of sparklers available, and according to weddingdaysparklers.com, 36-inch sparklers are the ideal size for a wedding with about 250 guests, and 20-inch sparklers are better for weddings of 150. Why? Because the larger the sparkler, the longer burn time it will have, and you want the timing of the spark to be ideal when the couple is coming down the aisle, to maximize the chances of great photo ops. So in general, use smaller sparklers with fewer guests and longer sparklers with more guests, to allow time for guests to have their sparklers burn down to the right spot.
Another thing to consider with sparklers is where you choose to use them. Just make sure that if your venue has restrictions as to where you can use sparklers, that the area is an open space to avoid safety hazards. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand, and it’s probably best to have someone in charge of your exit to coordinate the timing, spacing of guests, and has a plan in place for disposing of the sparklers when they have burned out. Owner and Designer of Style-Architects Wedding & Events Rachelle Mazumdar has implemented sparklers in events in a variety of ways. “I have done the mock exit with just the bridal party to get the photos while the photographer is still present (but not the end of the night). This way you are not stopping the energy of the event by clearing the dance floor to make this happen. I’ve also done them at the end of the night as an actual send-off with over 200 guests still present for this. The guests formed an aisle the couple ran down that lead to their private plane which then immediately took off while all the guests watched. (The wedding was at an airplane hangar.) It was an incredible site!”
One more thing to note: not all sparklers are “wedding-friendly.” There are a variety of sparklers out there, from metal to wood, so make sure yours are the kind that won’t end up in flames. Mazumdar also recommends having a metal container to gather the remaining wire rods since they could start a fire if not properly disposed of.
Indoor fireworks? BELIEVE IT OR NOT, YES!
Couples are creating a dramatic statement during their first dance with sparklers that seem to spray up from the dance floor. Indoor fireworks are now safer than you think because they are not flammable so there is a much lower risk of a fire. With very low smoke and no strong smell, these effects will certainly make guests feel like they are at a rock concert (while also giving you plenty of opportunities to get cool photos). Just make sure the venue has approved them, you have the proper person in charge with the right equipment, and you’ll be sure to amaze guests as they watch the honorees dancing for the first time as a married couple with a backdrop that surprises all who see it.
OUT WITH A BANG
Conclude your wedding with a finale reminiscent of a Hollywood ending, with a firework show for you and your guests to enjoy. There’s no doubt that fireworks make for beautiful pictures, and photographers near and far love the images they get when there is a fireworks show. Famed NYC wedding photographer Brian Dorsey of Brian Dorsey Studios enthusiastically describes what it’s like to photograph a wedding detail like fireworks, “Nothing reflects the fascinating power of love beyond our control like sparks and fireworks. The light and movement of that exciting energy give us photographers creative opportunity to make literally show-stopping brilliant photos!”
There are a few things to keep in mind though if you’re going to have fireworks at your wedding. First, remember that if you’re having a summer wedding, it gets dark later, so fireworks can’t start until later when dancing (and possibly drinking) have been going on for hours, so it might be more challenging to pause the fun and get all the guests to view the show. Also note that if your wedding is in the winter when the show would be earlier, it’s more likely that any children attending will still be awake to enjoy the show. But also realize that no matter what time of year you have your wedding, they are weather dependent, so if there is rain, you’re probably not going to be able to have fireworks.
Also of note is that Minnesota has specific laws when it comes to what is legal and what is not as it pertains to sparklers and fireworks. While cones and fountains are legal, bottle rockets and parachutes are not. And make sure the person operating your fireworks is a state-certified operator with a permit to do so.
All of these options make a statement, and with the right research and planning, you are bound to find the right bright accent to your event.
