Sparkler Send-off Tips and Tricks

By Catie-Reagan Palmore

Posted: 09/22/17

Category: Wedding Tips

So often brides already have their grand entrance planned and ready to go, but have you thought about your grand exit? A popular send-off trend to end your wedding reception is to run off into your happily ever after through a sea of sparklers. Your guests will love being involved in the big send-off. Romantic long exposure sparkler shots are simply the best so make sure you let your photographer know in advance so they can prepare to capture this enchanting moment. Here are a few tips to make sure that your sparkler send-off lights up the night! Before you do anything,

Verify with Your Venue

Some venues have rules against open flames, so before you purchase the sparklers, make sure that your wedding venue allows them. If they don't allow sparklers, check out this post!

Buy Extra Long Stem Sparklers

In order to make sure that the sparklers last long enough for an epic photo, invest in extra long stemmed sparklers to ensure that they do not burn out quickly.

Safety First

Everyone gets a little clumsy when they're tipsy, so make sure someone you trust is in charge of making sure that everyone is safe. Supervise children and make sure the send-off takes place in an open outdoor location far enough away from anything possibly flammable.

Light with Torches

While cigarette lighters work fine, they take a long time to pass to all of your guests. Use torches to quickly light your guests' sparklers so that every is ready for the photo at the same time.

Double Up

To avoid sections of darkness, give your guests a sparkler for each hand so that the light will really shine.

Huddle Together

Keep your guests close together near where you are exiting so there aren't any gaps.

Be Ready to Make Your Exit

Once you get the okay that everyone's sparklers are lit, whisk your new bride or groom away. Sparklers last for a short amount of time so you don't want to make your grand exit when everyone's sparklers are almost, if not all burnt out.

Kiss 3/4 Way Through

The best time for a kissing photo op is when you are about 3/4 of the way through your exit. This means that you will be fully surrounded by your loved ones and sparkling lights as you give your spouse a kiss goodnight.

Exit Strategy

Plan ahead of time where guests dispose their sparklers after the send-off. Sparklers need to cool completely before they can be safely thrown in the trash. Add disposal containers to your wedding decoration list. Put sand in the bottom of painted flower pots so guests can drop off their sparklers there until they cool off.