Tips and Tricks for A Sparkler Send Off

April 12, 2022

A sparkler send off is a classic way to exit your wedding reception. We love them! And we've seen our fair share; some of which have been amazing, and others not so much.

Here are some tips and tricks that will guarantee a grand exit.

1. Invest in good sparklers - the standard 4th of July sparklers will not work. They burn for no more than 30 seconds, and that's not enough time. The problem is guests who light theirs first at the front of the line have burnt out by the time the back of the line is sparkling. You won't get the effect of all the sparklers glowing. The 26 to 30 inch sparklers are made for weddings, and will give everyone in line a chance to light up before the couple makes their way through the crowd.


2. Buy enough sparklers and have plenty of lighters. One lighter will not do the job. Grab a pack of five or six. They can be passed through the line.

3. Prepare the guests - make sure to include the sparkler send off in the reception program, or on a chalkboard sign. Your DJ should announce it after the last dance. Inform guests to head to the exit location. It's typical that towards the end of the reception some guests have headed home. We recommend a "mock exit" instead of waiting until the end. Schedule it about an hour before the reception ends to have the most guests participate. That leaves time for an hour of dancing afterwards.

4. Put someone in charge - a wedding planner is ideal if you have one. If not, your Maid of Honor or trusted friend, preferably with a loud voice :) Make sure your "person in charge" discusses the timing  with the photographer. After all, that's an iconic shot you want to be sure to capture.

 5. The guest set-up -

  Two lines on either side of walkway

  Bride and Groom ready in the wings

  Pass out the sparklers

 THEN start to light them

  Photographer is in place

 Wait for the photographer to tell the couple to make their exit

6. Walk, don't Run - make the most of it. If you sprint passed your guests, it's over too quickly. Grab your bouquet, hold hands and smile! Walk past your family and friends as they cheer you on. Cheer back at them and wave. As long as the sparklers are lit, the photographer will keep shooting.

Don't forget to kiss before you reach the end of the line.



A well-executed wedding sparkler send off is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day. It's a magical moment captured on film that you will look back on for many years.

These exits aren't easy to capture. It all happens in minutes and you only get one shot at it.

That's why it's essential to hire an experienced wedding photographer and videographer that knows how to capture it.

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