Sparkler exits are all the rave right now for weddings, and rightfully so. However, there are some things to consider when it comes to having a sparkling exit at your wedding.
One: Does your venue allow sparklers?
This is a no-brainer question. If your venue does not allow sparklers, then a sparkling exit is a no-go. However, there are some great alternatives such as glow sticks, glow foam lights, and even fiber optic wands that you can use for a glowing grand exit.
Two: Are you serving alcohol?
Now, most wedding guests are usually pretty good at watching how much alcohol they consume at a wedding. And, a licensed bartender will be able to cut the guests off who may have had too much. But, it’s still important you remember that fire and alcohol really don’t mix. If you know you’re going to have a party crowd – which is totally fine! – you may just want to opt-out of having a sparkler exit at your wedding.
Three: What time of the year and day are you getting married?
Depending on the time of the year and time of day, it may not be dark enough when you have your grand exit to have a well-lit sparkler exit. Make sure to check what time it starts to get dark around your wedding date to see if a sparkler exit would even apply for your wedding day.
Four: If going with a sparkler exit, are your sparklers smoke-free?
You may be thinking, Sparklers can’t be smoke-free, Chris! While sparklers can’t be completely smoke-free, there are sparklers that are specifically designed to put off less smoke. And, trust me, you’ll want to invest in the “smokeless” sparklers. Usually, any sparklers that are specifically labeled as wedding sparklers are smoke-free. Far too many times I’ve photographed a couple walking through more of a tunnel of smoke versus the romantic exit they were planning.
Five: If going with a sparkler exit, make sure to bring a bucket with sand.
There are some venues that, if known for having sparkler exits, will already have a sand bucket on-site for you to use. However, it’s important that if they do not provide it, that you add this to your wedding to-do list. Once guests have seen you off, they’ll be left with a sparkler and if not provided with a proper way to dispose of their sparklers, will most likely just toss it on the ground. I promise your venue groundskeeper and venue owner will not be thrilled if that is the case. So, do your due diligence and make sure to have that sand bucket.
Six: If going with a sparkler exit, who will direct guests of proper instructions?
Yup, this may seem silly but even adults need to be given the 411 on how to do a proper sparkler exit. If you have a photographer who isn’t afraid to speak up and give directions to your guests, you can see if they will do this step. Or, if you have a wedding planner, usually this is when they will step in and provide instructions.
When it comes to instructions here are four things that need to be addressed:
How to hold your sparkler (i.e. up not out directly in front of you)
Where to dispose of your sparkler once fully out (sand bucket)
Remind guests to stay in the line formation even after the couple has run through in case the photographer or videographer need additional shots.
How to light sparklers. When it comes to lighting sparklers, let guests know that the sparklers light better off one another. So as soon as one is lit (I recommend starting in the middle of each line), have that person light their neighbors’ sparkler, and so on.
Seven: If going with a sparkler exit, consider just having your wedding party partake.
This was something I saw a while back and thought was a great idea. A couple didn’t want to do a fake or grand exit but still wanted to have the sparkler element in their wedding. So, instead of calling the entire guest list out to line up for an exit, the wedding party snuck away with the bride and groom to do a small sparkler picture op.
These are my seven tips on things to consider before having a sparkler exit at your wedding. What would you add to the list?
And, just to help if you are having a sparkler exit, below are three reputable websites that sell wedding sparklers.
*This blog does contain affiliate links.
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