If you’re a fan of looking at gorgeous real wedding photos, chances are you’ve seen those romantic pics where the couple makes a grand exit through a line of beautiful wedding sparklers. As they stop for a kiss, their photographer captures those special moments, enveloped in the glow of sparklers for wedding send off, surrounded by loved ones. Dreamy, right? Before you start planning your sparkling farewell, there are a few things you should know about wedding sparklers first.
Check that Your Venue Allows Wedding Sparklers
Before you rush out to buy hundreds of wedding sparklers for your big day, it’s crucial to check with your venue coordinator to ensure they’re permitted at your location. They’re obviously not an option for indoor venues, but if you’re blessed with a picture-perfect outdoor space, you might be able to create that magical moment. If not, you’ll need to consider other fun alternative wedding exits that make a statement. You could also use these as inspiration for a grand entrance!
- If you’re having a daytime wedding, you could release biodegradable balloons
- Bubbles, which can work during the day or night with the right lighting
- Planning a fall wedding? Throw beautiful orange and yellow leaves
- There are companies that will ethically release butterflies and doves…I like butterflies a bit better, but honestly having things fly around me would scare me. Also what if the dove poops? LOL
- You can rent a great vintage car if you’re leaving on land. Or if you’re on the water, a boat.
- Toss dried flowers, like lavender or rose petals
- Getting married in New Orleans? Have a second line parade
- Glow sticks
- Smoke bombs
- Rice: There used to be an urban legend (even we thought it was true!) that uncooked rice would be harmful to throw because it could be ingested by birds. This is in fact NOT true, and you can safely throw uncooked rice without harming your feathered friends. Better yet, try birdseed!
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What are the Best Size Sparklers to Use for a Wedding?
When shopping for long wedding sparklers, you’ll need to consider a few options related to size. The size of a sparkler affects its burn time, which is where your guest list size becomes important. For a smaller wedding with fewer than 120 people, a standard 20″ sparkler, lasting 1-2 minutes, should suffice. However, for larger gatherings, lthe 36″ version are ideal, burning for about 3-4 minutes and giving everyone enough time to participate.
WGM Says: If you’re looking for something non-traditional with your wedding sparklers, consider heart-shaped or star-shaped varieties. Keep in mind, though, that they’ll burn similarly to regular sparklers, so the unique shapes might not be as noticeable in photos.
To Recap:
- Under 120 wedding guests: 20″ sparklers
- More than 120 wedding guests: 36″ sparklers
How Many Wedding Sparklers Do You Need?
To ensure your wedding sparkler exit is brilliantly lit, plan on providing one sparkler to every guest over 12 years of age. For instance, if you’re hosting 120 adult guests, you’ll need 120 sparklers, which you can purchase in bulk sparklers. Display them in a vase, bucket, or even a rustic wooden box, either on a separate table or alongside your wedding favors.
And yes! You should definitely add a cute sign to your wedding sparklers display with a cheesy pun like ‘Let sparks fly!’ or ‘Let love sparkle!’ The more you integrate them into your decor, the better the overall effect will be.
Where to Buy Wedding Sparklers
There’s a variety of websites where you can purchase 20″ or 36″ wedding sparklers, as well as sparkler packages. Here’s a list of the best retailers, including options for wedding sparklers near me, and an estimate of what you can expect to spend per sparkler for those searching for sparklers for wedding near me.
WGM Says: When shopping for the highest quality wedding sparklers online, you want to look for terms like “wire-core construction” and “smokeless” to ensure you’re not getting a subpar product. These features are essential for wedding sparklers that perform beautifully and safely on your special day.
- WeddingSparklersOutlet.com: $38.54 for a 48 person 20″ sparkler package ($0.80/per sparkler)
- Sparklers.us: $33.99 for a pack of 24 20″ sparklers ($1.40/per sparkler)
- SuperiorCelebrations.com: $19.29 for 72 20″ sparklers ($0.26/per sparkler) *currently sold out but check back later
- GrandWeddingExit.com: $74.99 for 48 20″ sparklers ($1.56/sparkler)
How to Plan Your Wedding Exit
For a flawless exit with wedding sparklers, timing is crucial. Allocate approximately 5 minutes to distribute the sparklers to your guests. Your wedding planner or coordinator should orchestrate the setup, guiding guests to the designated spot as arranged with your wedding photographer. It’s important to instruct guests to wait for the signal before igniting the sparklers, as they typically have a short burn time.
To facilitate a smooth experience with wedding sparklers, ensure you have a sufficient number of reliable lighters ready for use like this pack of 6 for $16.99), and ideally your coordinator can help light some, while the rest of the lighters are passed down among guests. Your photographer should act as the director, telling guests when to light them and how to hold them, as you prepare to walk down the sparkling “aisle.” This will make ensure you have the most memorable photos filled with a special sparkle!
Wedding Sparklers Safety Tips
While wedding sparklers are beautiful, they can still start a fire. Here are some important safety measures to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Sparklers:
- Make sure to pick wedding sparklers specifically designed for events, as they burn more consistently and produce less smoke.
Check Local Regulations:
- Always verify with your venue and local authorities if sparklers are allowed and if any permits are required.
Designate a Safe Area:
- Select an open outdoor area away from anything flammable and where guests can move around easily.
Provide Clear Instructions:
- Make sure to communicate clear guidelines to your guests on how to handle and light the sparklers safely.
Have Safety Equipment On Hand:
- Keep a bucket of sand or water nearby for guests to extinguish the sparklers after use.
Supervision is Key:
- Designate a few responsible individuals to oversee the sparkler activity, ensuring that guests use them safely.
Wedding Sparklers FAQ
Gold wedding sparklers stand out from ordinary ones due to their length, the warm hue they emit, and their reduced smoke output. Unlike the multicolored options like red and blue, gold wedding sparklers are the top choice for their photogenic qualities. They may appear silver when unlit, but rest assured, they will dazzle with a classic gold glow once ignited.
While regular sparklers are made of bamboo which can produce a lot of smoke, wedding sparklers emit less smoke because they are made with a steel wire core. They also come in larger count packs and sizes. (20″ and 36″ are more common for weddings.)
Like with most wedding preparations, it’s wise not to leave the purchase of wedding sparklers to the last minute. If you envision sparklers lighting up your wedding, aim to get them, along with any desired signage and containers, at least four weeks prior to your big day.
Are you planning on using wedding sparklers for your exit? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Very helpful article!