According to a report from MPR, sparklers can burn as hot as a blow torch. But there's much more to the science and safety of sparklers than this simple statement. While facts like this may sound alarming, in reality, sparklers are nothing like handling a large open flame! So how hot are sparklers really? And if they're as hot as some claim, why don't they feel that hot? Keep reading to find out the basics of how sparklers are made, the science behind our sparklers, and what gives them their namesake sparkle. Where were Sparklers Invented? Most people know that fireworks originated in China. But what about the sparkler? The first sparkler is actually believed to have come from Heliopolis, one of the major cities of Ancient Egypt. While evidence points to the first sparkler being a weapon, it was quickly adapted for festivals and celebrations. As far back as AD 670, people were celebrating love and victory with sparklers -- just as we do today! What are Sparklers Made of? There are four key components to any sparkler: fuel, an oxidizer, a binder, and metal powder. These chemicals are mixed with water to create a paste. This paste is then coated onto the sparkler "handle" and allowed to dry. The fuel is what keeps the sparkler burning all the way down once it's been lit. Without this the sparkler would die out shortly after being lit -- nobody wants to relight their sparkler several times! The oxidizer is a...

Tired of grand fireworks but you still want an epic show for your wedding? Thanks to Pinterest and other social media platforms, the use of sparklers in a wedding send-off is becoming more popular than ever. Well, why not? It makes for some nice photo opportunities, they're pretty, and they're easy to clean up as well as opposed to tossing rice or bird seeds. It comes with the additional benefit of being eco-friendly too. However, using it comes with various risks, such as accidentally setting something (or someone) on fire. Learning government safety rules and how to use a sparkler the right way eliminates the risks, though. Keep reading to learn how to light a sparkler, handle it, and then dispose of it. How to Light a Sparkler Before you bring sparklers to your wedding, confirm with the venue first if it allows a wedding sparkler send-off. Some don't allow it for insurance and safety hazards, while most would have no problems with it if you use it the proper way. With that said, here are tips on how to light sparklers. Choose a Location The best location for your send-off would be the outdoors as there are fewer flammable materials than indoors. Choose a spot away from objects and the wind to make lighting the sparklers safe and easy. We recommend having the send-off close to your getaway car; you can walk through the line of sparklers and then head straight for the car. Hold It Properly Make sure...

Think weddings are over? A popular belief is that the younger generation no longer believes in marriage. Despite that claim, around 35% of adults in the country still want to get married at some point in their lives. Weddings are great milestones in life, with the union of two lovers cementing their relationship into something almost inseparable. A great way to accentuate your wedding is the use of sparklers. There are a lot of unique things you can do with it. But if you want to make great memories, you can make sparkler writing and take photos with it. Read on if you want to know how to take sparkler messages on your wedding day like a pro. 1. The Set Up You need to collaborate with your wedding photographer with this. They need to use long shutter speeds or Bulb mode if their camera has the capabilities. The photographer needs to have a tripod to put the camera on since the lack of support will result in shakes that can spoil the shots. If they don't have a tripod, a good alternative is a level surface where the camera can rest without movements. Working in Bulb mode needs a remote or cable release since the shutter needs to be open. A shake can appear in your shot even if you hold down the shutter button with your finger. Without the use of Bulb mode, your photographer needs to set the exposure going. They can use the self-timer option of...

Congratulations! You're engaged! But your wedding day is fast approaching, and you want to add a certain glamour to your sendoff. What could you do that will make your pictures and memories stand out from everyone else's ceremonies? Your answer may be a sparkler send-off. Learn all about these beautiful exits here to determine if they are right for you and how, exactly, you go about preparing for one. What Is a Wedding Exit? Don't be embarrassed about not knowing the term. It's one of those vague notions that we see more in movies than in real life, so it's good to have a solid understanding of what a wedding send off really is. Most people mix up the process with the recessional, but the big difference is that the wedding exit is purely for the bride and groom. A recessional is for the entire wedding party at the end of the ceremony. When the send-off occurs is entirely up to the couple. Some prefer to do it after the ceremony and on the way to the reception hall. Others prefer it to be at the very end of the night. How to Plan a Sparkler Send-Off Planning a sparkler send off requires some extra planning, but the photos and fun are well worth it. We'll take you through the entire process from start to finish here. Check with Your Venue The first thing you'll want to do is check with your venue for restrictions. Some locations won't allow sparklers...

If you've trawled through Pinterest for wedding inspiration, then you'll probably already know that a wedding sparkler sendoff is perfect for gorgeous wedding photographs. You know the ones, the kind where the happy newlyweds are walking hand in hand as they exit their wedding venue, surrounded by smiling friends and family waving sparklers around. These pics are nothing short of dreamy, and they're great fun too. With that in mind, let's dive into how you can organize your own. First Things First You need to ensure your wedding venue allows sparklers, this is essential. Rest assured, most places allow them especially as nowadays wedding sparklers are incredibly safe and easy to manage. Some places have even had dedicated areas for these kinds of send-offs. This is hardly surprising when you consider how popular they are! Sometimes, the venue staff (providing you've asked them beforehand) will even help you pull this off. Which Sparklers Are Best? Our best advice is to source longer sized sparklers. Typically, these have a longer burn time, making them a more practical choice for weddings. Some premium sparklers are as long as 36 inches! Make sure you buy enough, so each guest has at least two. Top Tip: even if you opt for longer sparklers, instruct your guests to light them one at a time (this bides the happy couple a little more time). If you don't like the look of the extra-long sparklers, never fear. You can still get away with using the standard size...

Every couple dreams of their big day, traditionally most focus on a grand entrance into the reception hall. However, it's important not to forget the exit. Wedding sparklers are a great way to make sure you get photos that truly capture how special your big day is. Just imagine it, all of your friends and family standing in line waving lit sparklers. They're all excited and celebrating as you make your way to the car as husband and wife. This magical moment has become a very popular trend among summer outdoor weddings. But there are some mistakes that you want to avoid making. 1. Check that the Venue will Allow Wedding Sparklers A simple mistake that people make when they are planning a sparkler send-off is checking that the venue actually allows it. Some don't allow it due to insurance policies. The next thing you want to ask the venue about is whether they allow both the 20-inch ones or the 36-inch ones. If they only allow smaller ones you don't want to show up with big sparklers. Having the right wedding sparklers is half the battle. 2. Have an Announcement Sign You want to make sure you have a sign that announces your sparkling send off. Be sure to include the time that its happening so your guests are fully aware. The best pictures have lots of people sending you off. In a lot of cases guests will slowly dwindle as the night goes on, but if they know...

Sparkler send-offs are one of the biggest trends in weddings over the last several years. Wedding trends come and go, but this trend is here to stay. Happy couples are choosing to celebrate their big day with this fun, creative send-off. Now that you're committed to the trend, you need to figure out what are the best sparklers for weddings. Read below to find what's best for your big day. What is a Sparkler Send-Off? Before you choose which type of sparkler is the best for you, you need to learn the ins and outs of the sparkler send-off. Send-offs have been a wedding tradition for decades. Originally, guests would throw rice at the newly-married couple as a way to wish them good luck with fertility. This tradition has changed over the years to include confetti, bubbles, and now sparklers. The send-off occurs at the end of the reception when the newlywed couple leaves. Wedding guests gather around the couple to cheer them on and wish them a happy future. A sparkler send-off involves a handheld firework emits colored flames. Your guests each light a sparkler and line up on both sides of your exit path. This makes for a beautiful moment as well as stunning photographs. Ten-Inch Sparklers Ten-inch sparklers are the smallest size you should consider. This is the traditional size of sparklers that you may be familiar with already. These burn quickly, for about 40 seconds each. Due to the quick burn time, 10-inch sparklers work best...

Everyone loves to see fireworks. So for the bride or groom looking to add some pizzaz to their wedding, sparklers are a great choice. They are a safe way to add excitement and impress your guests. Those who choose to add this unique element to their evening or night ceremonies may be curious. What are sparklers made of and how do they work? Are they safe for my guests to use? Will they burn for long enough to get a good photo? These are all perfectly normal questions, and you can find out more if you keep reading. Sparklers are a great and inexpensive choice for your wedding, so it's good to find out more. If you've ever wondered about these fun party accessories, this article will help. Read on to find out the amazing science behind the sparkler. What Is a Sparkler Is Made Of? First of all, a sparkler and a firework are two completely different things. Unlike the latter, a sparkler burn will give a controlled "slow burn". The longest ones can go up to four minutes for an impressive effect. The basic composition of a sparkler starts with a mix of chemicals. These chemicals are connected to the part that you hold, a thin stick or wire usually. The most common fuel combination is sulfur and charcoal. Once it's lit, there'll be a shower of sparks in a ball shape around the sparkler's end. The wire or stick should support sparkler burn all the way to...

There's nothing quite as stunning as running through a crowd of your friends holding sparklers on your wedding day. In fact, this special moment has become an expected part of almost every wedding celebration in today's world. But especially if you have little ones (or, let's be real, are planning on serving alcohol) at your wedding? We know that you're curious about sparkler safety. Don't worry -- we're here to help! From teaching you how to light sparklers to offering up some invaluable safety dress, this post will tell you everything you need to know to stay worry and stress-free on your big day! How to Light a Sparkler First thing's first: let's teach you exactly how to safely light a sparkler! We know that you'll likely have lots of guests surrounding you on your big day. So, you want to do things quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing safety. First of all, invest in a longer barbecue lighter. To master how to use a lighter safely, look for one that puts as much distance as possible between your hand and the flame. Under no circumstances should you use matches -- though this is less for safety reasons, and more because they rarely actually get hot enough to successfully light a sparkler. We suggest that you line up your guests in two separate rows. This is great for creating a bridge that you and your new husband or wife can run through on your way to the reception or even your...

Nothing brings a wedding night send-off to life quite like sparklers. But have you ever considered using them in other innovative ways to "light" up your special day? From professional photos to the cake cutting, wedding sparklers can provide dramatic punctuation as you and your loved one pass over the threshold into married life. Interested in learning more about how to fill your wedding with glow and dazzle? Read on for fun ways to incorporate sparklers into the different stages of your once-in-a-lifetime event. Decorate with Wedding Sparklers Instead of saving the lights for the end of your special event, incorporate them into your wedding decorations. In fact, why not make sparklers for weddings an unforgettable theme for your big day? How? Place them in glass jars, sophisticated vases, or quaint metal buckets to create unforgettable centerpieces. Not only will these decorations create a unique wedding-day ambiance but they'll stoke anticipation for the light show to come. You can also spread them on a table in an artistic arrangement. Be sure to include matches or lighters for ease of lighting. You'll want to clearly demarcate where sparklers will appear during your wedding ceremony and reception. High-quality sparklers come in myriad shapes and sizes including 10 inches, 20 inches, and 36 inches. So, you can choose the best option depending on your decor, arrangements, and planned activities. Do a little research so that you choose the best products for your special day. Make Your First Kiss Momentous As guests take their...