Tips & tricks for the perfect sparkler exit
Sparklers for wedding send off
Wedding sparklers exits can be a fun way to bid your friends and family farewell after an amazing day. This is your moment to shine, take it all in, and have a great time. Not to mention the perfect opportunity for some fun creative photos but they do require planning and forethought. That’s where we as professional photographers come in. We want to bring your vision to life so here’s our tips and tricks to pulling off the perfect sparkler exit.
Will my venue allow sparklers?
Always start off with speaking to your venue. Make sure they allow a sparkler send off and ask them where. Many venues will have one specific spot for safety reasons which makes it easy to plan for, if multiple locations are available take into consideration the space and other lights. You want a large enough area where people can safely stand without burning each other as well as a place where there won’t be any bright lights to interfere with the ambient sparklers.
What type of sparklers should I use?
Get the longest slow burning sparklers you can find; 20 inches (up to 100 guests) - 36 inches (100+ guests) This allows time for everyone to get theirs lit before the first one starts going out. Have a few people spaced out with long BBQ lighters or even a few candles to help light them. Candles can add an extra bit of light and help get the sparklers lit faster. Your photographer will also need time to get into position and take a test shot or two for the perfect set-up. If you can find ones that say smoke free that's a great option as well.
How can I safely hold them?
Hold them high, lol it’s always great to get a funny ducking shot but we dont want anyone going up in flames so having guests hold them high is great.
What do I do as I walk through the sparklers?
GO SLOW, walk slow and stop periodically so that you’re surrounded by the ambient light, this is the perfect time for a dramatic kiss, picking the bride up for a quick spin, hands in the air celebration, or even just dancing down the line. Remember this is your moment, you don't have to look at the camera; look at guests, each other, take it all in! We will be, as long as the fire is lit we’ll be taking pictures!
How do I get my guests organized for my sparkler exit?
Coordinating and informing your guests can make or break this experience. Have your DJ help with reading a short list of do’s/don'ts from this article and then with positioning them in a row of two lines facing each other. Having a specific person such as a maid of honor or best man be in charge of handing out the sparklers and arranging the guests can be a huge help. Your venue may even have a coordinator that can assist with this. Have them line up guests prior to giving out the sparklers. This will help to ensure the sparklers are not lit before everyone is in place and ready to go.
Who needs to know about my exit plans?
Make sure to inform your wedding photographer and videographer that you’re planning a sparkler exit. They will need to do a few special things to set up for capturing this exciting moment for you to be able to look back on for years to come. Ask to see their work/experience with this type of send off.
When is the best time to have the exit?
Plan for the last dance song to end 20 minutes prior to your exit as it takes time for guests to get into position.
Where do guests safely extinguish the sparklers?
Talk with your venue about an emergency plan in the rare case that someone gets hurt or a sparkler lights something on fire. They will usually have a first aid kit as well as a fire extinguisher nearby. Guests will need a place to put them out and throw them away. A bucket of sand or water is generally a safe option.
What can I do if I have extra sparklers?
If you have any extra left over, talk to your photographer about taking some artsy photos, spelling out words or making a heart with you two in the middle. You can plan some time to do these after the exit or during your formal photos if you’re doing them around sunset. This light painting can be fun and make for great photos.
What’s a fun alternative to sparklers?
Lastly, if your venue does not allow open flames or sparklers for your exit we have some fun alternative ideas. Glow sticks that are long and skinny or short and fat are both two great alternatives. Guests can safely wave them around or just hold them as you exit. Light up noodles are also fun. Many of the noodles we’ve seen have the ability to blink but for an exit having your guests turn them onto a continuous setting will work the best. Bubbles are another fun exit that can be done outside especially if your exit is planned before dark.