One of the most popular ways for couples to depart their wedding reception is through a sparkler exit. And, I completely understand the popularity of the sparkler exit. It’s romantic; it’s fun; and it’s full of lights and drama. We wedding professionals love them too because they make for great wedding pictures. But, before you agree to have one, check out these 5 key things you need to know when planning a sparkler exit at your wedding.
1. Check the Rules/Regulations With Your Wedding Venue First
Several wedding venues do not allow sparkler send-offs anymore, so you should check with your venue coordinator first before you make any plans and/or purchase anything.
2. Order the Sparklers Created Specifically for Weddings and Events
Those cute little sparklers that you purchase for the 4th of July make for great Pinterest pictures, but they are not the best choice for a sparkler exit. Why? They typically burn with a golden glow, and glow is great for wedding pictures. Golden sparklers tend to produce less smoke, which is good because no one wants to be smoked out at a wedding reception. Finally, sparkers created specifically for weddings and events tend to burn for 3 to 4 minutes — This allows enough time for your guests to light their sparklers, get in place, and keep the sparklers lit during the couple’s grand exit.
3. Dedicate Ample Time in the Wedding Day Timeline for the Sparkler Exit
To ensure that the sparkler exit isn’t rushed, begin the sparkler exit 15 to 20 minutes prior to the official end of the wedding reception. This allows time for the corralling of the wedding guests; the distribution of the sparklers; the lighting of the sparklers; and the staging of the photographers and the couple before the start of the sparkler exit.
4. When It Comes to a Sparkler Exit, Forget the Matches
Use the multi-purpose lighters that are typically used to light grills instead. That allows some distance between your hand and the actual sparkler. Also, sparklers typically light with other lit sparklers, so consider lighting a few sparklers, then we encourage the guests to use their lit sparkler to light the sparkler of a wedding guest standing next to them.
5. Set Out a Bucket of Water and a Bucket of Sand BEFORE the Sparkler Exit Begins
Ensure that the buckets are set up in advance near the location for the sparkler exit. If you need to extinguish a sparkler,, we recommend dipping it in the water first, then the sand. Once the Sparkler Exit is over and the couple departs, check the area to ensure that all flames are extinguished. This includes the trash cans, the shrubs, and the stack of used sparklers. You want to ensure that a small flame isn’t brewing.
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Independence Day Sparklers vs. Wedding Day Sparklers
I recommend reading this post I wrote first. You will see that it provides you a comparison of independence day sparklers and wedding day sparklers. This is good to know before you purchase them for your send-off.
My Final Thoughts Regarding Sparkler Exits
In closing, I strongly encourage you to have a fire extinguisher on hand (just in case), along with a first aid kit. You can never be too careful.
Love and Soul Always, Kawania
Photo #1 Deb Lindsey Photography
Photo #2 Leonard Poteat Photography