There’s no better way to make some incredible memories, snap epic photos, and end your wedding with a bang than a wedding sparkler send-off.
While wedding sparkler send-offs aren’t too difficult to plan in the grand scheme of things, there are a few particular things you should take into consideration during the planning and execution process.
We’ve put together a complete step-by-step guide for executing the perfect sparkler send-off at your wedding reception, helping you make memories that last a lifetime.
While matches have always been the “original” solution when it comes to lighting decorations or sparklers, they aren’t optimal to use at weddings.
Matches can be inconsistent and fail to ignite multiple times, causing frustration and excessive match use. They can also burn out very quickly, especially if there is any outdoor wind.
Due to these common match shortfalls, matches can delay your wedding sparkler send-off and force you to wait until all of your guests manage to light their sparklers with matches.
It’s also important to remember that even some of the longest-lasting sparklers only have a 4-minute burn time. Can you guarantee that all of your guests will be able to light their sparklers with matches in under a minute each? In most circumstances, this can be a tall order.
When it comes to choosing an optimal lighter for your sparkler send-off, grill lighters are the best option for lighting sparklers quickly and efficiently.
Compared to typical lighters, grill lighters produce a larger flame, making it easier to light your sparklers. Additionally, grill lighters have a longer flame that’s further away from the hands of the person using the lighter, making it safer and reducing any chance of burns or mishaps.
Your wedding venue will likely have specific rules and regulations when it comes to having a sparkler send-off, making communication with the venue essential.
Certain venues only allow sparklers in certain areas, and you should make sure that the venue is aware of your sparkler send-off ahead of time and agrees on a specific allowable location.
A typical wedding send-off has all of your guests lighting their sparklers at the same time, lining up at a location approved by your wedding venue, and holding their sparklers in the air as the bride and groom walk down the aisle of sparklers.
To make the sparklers stand out, sparkler send-offs are typically performed at night when their light is easily visible.
To allow ample room for the bride and groom to walk down the aisle of sparklers, it is recommended that your guests leave an aisle opening of at least 10-15 feet. This ensures that the bride and groom won’t accidentally walk into a sparkler, and makes the activity safer for everyone involved.
Including your sparkler send-off in your receptions program and providing some information to guests regarding how the send-off will work will help everyone prepare for the occasion and know exactly what to do to execute the send-off successfully.
Leaving your guests to their own whims isn’t an ideal way to make sure everyone lines up appropriately and lights their sparklers at the same time.
This is why it’s absolutely essential to put someone you trust, such as a reliable friend or family member, in charge of the sparkler send-off.
They should be prepared to get everyone into position, show them how everyone should line up, provide everyone with sparklers, and work with guests to make sure everyone’s sparklers are lit on time.
By having a dedicated person in charge of your sparkler send-off and responsible for its success, you’ll increase the likelihood of it going exactly as planned.
One of the most important items to have whenever any form of fire or open flame is involved is a fire extinguisher. Verify ahead of time that your fire extinguisher is prepared and ready for use should the situation require it.
In addition to a fire extinguisher, you should also have buckets of water filled and placed at the ends of your sparkler send-off lines. These buckets are for guests to extinguish their sparklers after the send-off has finished, and help ensure that guests don’t throw their sparklers on the ground or place them on objects that may be a fire hazard.
Finally, in case any injury or accidents occur, it is important for you to have a first aid kit on hand and easily accessible. Your first-aid kits should have all of your basic first aid essentials such as bandages and burn ointment.
This includes making sure you choose the appropriate size of sparkler based on the number of guests attending your wedding and choosing smokeless sparklers with a long burn time.
Matches are not a dependable way to light all of your guest’s sparklers, and we recommend using grill lighters instead. This will help guests light their sparklers quickly, and avoid any potential delays.
Each wedding venue will have its own rules when it comes to sparkler send-offs, and it’s critical that you communicate with your venue beforehand to determine a safe and appropriate location. Don’t leave your send-off location as an afterthought, but plan for it well in advance.
Matches are not a dependable way to light all of your guest’s sparklers, and we recommend using grill lighters instead. This will help guests light their sparklers quickly, and avoid any potential delays.
Each wedding venue will have its own rules when it comes to sparkler send-offs, and it’s critical that you communicate with your venue beforehand to determine a safe and appropriate location. Don’t leave your send-off location as an afterthought, but plan for it well in advance.
If you follow all of these steps when planning your wedding sparkler send-off, you should be able to pull off a fantastic event that your guests won’t forget.