Want to Use Sparklers at Your Wedding? Here's What You Need to Know

In our book, there isn’t a more magical or romantic way to end a wedding than walking through a tunnel of sparklers illuminating the night sky, creating the illusion of shooting stars. Using sparklers to conclude the festivities and pave the way for your new chapter as newlyweds is one of the best ways to create a visually impactful and photo-worthy moment at your nuptials, while giving guests a fun way to partake in the celebration. “Sparklers are so popular at weddings because they are a fun and celebratory element that excites guests and perfectly marks moments of joy with a little bit more grandeur than we are used to in our everyday lives,” says Oniki Hardtman, founder and creative director Oh Niki Occasions. Not to mention, sparklers are a more affordable, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to fireworks—and they offer the same level of allure, according to Direct Sparklers chief operating officer Grant Rogers.

Even though a procession of sparklers at the end of your reception is the most common way to implement these handheld fireworks into your big day, there are several other ways to use these eye-catching elements to make a significant impression. Rachel Urban, owner of Loli Events, explains that you can light them during the ceremony recessional, your first dance, the cake cutting, while pouring Champagne down a tower of coupes, or the last dance of the evening. There are also many captivating décor ideas that feature sparklers, like topping off your wedding cake with the luminous object. Whether you’re throwing a beachfront summer bash or a winter countryside escape, sparklers offer a statement-making touch—just make sure that you check with your wedding venue first to get permission.

It’s safe to say that sparkles are a wonderful addition to any wedding, but there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the plunge. That's why we called upon our Rolodex of experts to create a comprehensive guide to these eye-catching elements, from the best types to safety tips.

Read on for everything you need to know about sparklers at a wedding.

The Best Type of Sparkler for Weddings

According to Rogers, the 36-inch sparkler is the best choice for weddings, especially with larger guest lists. He explains that sparklers with longer handles have longer burn times, and the 36-inch iteration is the longest sparkler on the market, with a burn time of three and a half minutes. It’s important to choose sparklers that last more than a few seconds, so you and your partner can walk through the tunnel of light or cut into your confection without feeling rushed and so your photographer can take several shots of the moment.

What's more, 36-inch versions are generally safer, as they offer a bigger gap between your hand and the flame, and provide more space for you to hold the ember away from your body. They also make the disposal process a lot safer and easier—guests usually put these items in a bucket of sand or water after using them (more on that later), so a longer handle creates more distance between the guests and the light source.

Need more convincing? 36-inch sparklers emit bigger and brighter sparks that will produce a stunning effect in your photos, according to Rogers. The length also allows your guests to hold the items higher in the air, creating an impressive display. Finally, since these sparkers have a longer burn time, the spark will last for the duration of the festivity, so you’ll only need one sparkler per guest, Rogers says. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but it’s also cost-effective.

How to Determine the Number of Sparklers You’ll Need

If you stick with a longer sized sparkler, you’ll technically only need one per person. That being said, Hardtman suggests ordering at least 15 to 20 percent extra just to be on the safe side. “Always, always purchase more than needed when ordering items that can be fragile and subject to burning out after a one-time use, which sparklers are,” Hardtman advises. So, if 150 people are attending your nuptials, you’re better off purchasing 173 to 180 in total. 

Where to Buy Sparklers for a Wedding

You won’t be able to find 36-inch sparklers in a typical party store. Instead, you’ll have to order them at licensed fireworks retailers or online specialty stores, like Wedding Sparkler Store or Wedding Sparklers Outlet, which Hardtman recommends.

If you’re buying sparklers online, Hardtman advises shipping them to your home for local affairs. If you’re throwing a destination wedding, every locale has different rules and regulations, so ask your venue if you can ship the sparklers there before your big day. Whatever you do, just don’t bring them with you on the plane (if you’re flying to the site) since they’re prohibited. 

How to Incorporate Sparklers Into Your Wedding Send-Off

As we previously mentioned, send-offs are the most common way to incorporate sparklers into the wedding festivities. In order to make this grand finale a success, follow these must-know tips from the experts.

Fill Your Vendors In

To pull off your sparkler send-off, make sure you share your plans with all vendors who will be involved, including your planner, photographer, videographer, DJ, and transportation providers, Hardtman says. Let them know where and when the event will take place and provide a quick synopsis of your vision. In particular, alerting your photographer is an essential piece of the puzzle, so they can properly adjust their camera and document the moment in real time. You’ll also want to chat with your planner, maid of honor, or another key person from your wedding party about the look of your send-off, so they can usher your guests into a tunnel, a heart, or any other shapes that resonate with you. 

Inform Your Guests

If every single one of your guests will be holding a sparkler while you and your spouse exit the venue, you’ll want to relay these instructions to your friends and family. Hardtman suggests alerting everyone in a fun way that coincides with your aesthetic. For instance, the planner suggests placing signage near the entry of your venue. “Incorporate a fun saying or graphic that tells guests their presence is requested at a certain time and place in the evening, so they can be part of the moment,” she says. 

If you’re leaning toward a send-off with just your wedding party or a smaller group of attendees, then communicate those guidelines to the designated participants. Either way, assign a certain person, like a bridesmaid or a family member, to coordinate the happening and make sure everyone shows up at the right place and time, according to Rogers.

Choose a Suitable Time

Sparklers have the biggest impact when they glow against the night sky, so make sure that you properly time your send-off. “We recommend having your sparkler send-off around dusk or once the sun sets outside to get the full lighting effect,” Rogers advises. “If that’s not possible though, try to keep out of direct sunlight as much as possible for better photos.”

Get Extra Assistance

For a safer and more productive sparkler send-off, you’ll need more hands on deck. Ask members of your wedding party or part of the venue’s staff to provide additional assistance, so everyone’s sparklers will start at the same time. “We usually recommend a ratio of no more than 12 guests for every coordinator or assistant from the venue who will help light their sparklers,” Hardtman notes.

Wedding Décor Ideas Using Sparklers

Besides the send-off, there are plenty of other decorative ways to include sparklers at your wedding. Here are some décor ideas featuring these handheld fireworks. 

Cake Toppers

Sparklers make an animated and playful cake topper. Plus, Urban explains that it’s a more eco-friendly alternative to a full send-off since you’ll be lighting just a few sparklers versus one for every guest. As an added bonus, the planner notes that your venue will be responsible for lighting and disposing of them, so you won’t have to worry about handling these logistics.

Dessert Parades

If cake isn’t your dessert of choice or if you’re supplementing the main treat with other sugary options, Hardtman recommends creating a dessert parade with sparklers. With this idea, your wait staff will bring out trays of bite-sized pastries, macarons, cupcakes, or any dessert of your choosing, with sparklers placed in the center of each one, just like a candle.

Centerpieces

Adding real sparklers to your tablescape isn’t feasible since these items only burn for a few minutes. Instead, create a sparkler-like effect by topping off your reception tables with vases of silver and gold tinsel on wooden sticks. You can also buy metallic spray centerpieces from a party store. Lining the center of your table with twinkle lights and taper candles will also produce a similar look and feel.

Paper Products

If you’re embracing a sparkler send-off, you’ll need to display an informative sign, requesting guests’ presence and participation at a certain time and place. But you can also incorporate the word “sparkle” into other signs and paper products in order to capture the dazzling, majestic impact of sparklers. For one idea, add the phrase, “Let love sparkle” on your invitations, welcome sign, and cocktail napkins.

Safety Precautions to Follow for Wedding Sparklers

Whether you’re incorporating a sparkler send-off or using the handheld fireworks to decorate your venue, there’s no question that these objects add a whimsical touch to any affair. However, knowing how to light, hold, and dispose of these sparklers is needed for a safe and meaningful experience. Read on for every safety tip to follow. 

Choose a Spacious Setting

The safest place for sparklers to shine is in an open, spacious area. In this setting, everyone will have enough room to hold the sparkler away from their body, one another, and other objects, according to Rogers. Designating a certain place outside tends to be the least hazardous, but Rogers encourages you to make sure that the site is dry and sheltered from the wind because wet and breezy conditions make it difficult to light sparklers. Having these shining objects take center stage indoors is also a possibility if your venue allows them. 

Light Them Properly

For a risk-free experience, ignite your sparklers with a butane lighter or a propane torch, not a match. With a match, your hand will be too close to the tip of the sparkler, and you’ll need to extinguish the flame after, which is difficult to do while holding a sparkler. Instead, Rogers explains that butane lighters and propane torches have longer barrels, which will provide enough space between your body and the spark. 

After you’ve chosen the right lighter, you’ll need to light your sparklers in the safest possible way. First and foremost, when you bring the light source near the tip, keep the flame away from your hand. Then, angle the tip slightly downward. “Flames typically move upward, so keeping the stick at an angle helps the first spark that catches travel up to ignite areas further along the sparkler,” Rogers says.

Add a Disposal Unit

Whether you’re holding a sparkler for photos or for your sparkler send-off, you must dispose of them properly. Rogers notes that used sparklers are still hot—even after the flame has died—so make sure that you and your guests submerge them in a bucket of water or sand to avoid a fire hazard. 

Give Your Guests Detailed Instructions

If you’re implementing a sparkler send-off, all of your guests will be holding a sparkler. Since not everyone knows how to safely use these objects, however, your wedding planner or another coordinator must explain how to light, hold, and dispose of these items. “Communicating detailed instructions is one of the best ways to use sparklers safely at your wedding,” Rogers states. “Things will likely run smoothly when everyone knows what’s happening and what to expect.”

Alternatives to Wedding Sparklers

For those who are eager to incorporate a wedding send-off at the end of the night, there are plenty of other risk-free alternatives, such as bubbles, flower petals, streamers, or confetti cannons. If you like the radiant look of sparklers, Hardtman suggests glow sticks or LED fiber optic wands because they’re just as luminescent, but they won’t cause a fire hazard or require as much planning and delegation to execute. 

A more expensive choice that is arguably more dramatic than sparklers is cold spark machines. You can station your dance floor with them (if your venue permits it) for a dreamy first dance, or you can line the walkway outside of your reception site for an entrancing exit.