Wedding Sparkler Exit: A Guide to an Awesome Exit
The wedding sparkler exit is a popular and exciting way for the newlyweds to leave their reception.
As a photographer, adding light from sparklers to the dark is a sure-fire way to spice up your end of the night photos, so we really look forward to it whever a couple says they are planning on hosting a wedding sparkler exit!
However, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some tips to make sure your exit is picture-perfect and unforgettable.
Wedding Sparkler Exit Tips
Check with Your Venue
It’s important to note that sparkler exits can (or should) only be done outdoors. This is due to fire regulations and smoke alarms. Before planning your exit, check with your venue to ensure it’s possible. Some wedding venues have banned sparkler exits because of safety concerns, so make sure you get the go-ahead before making any plans.
Display the Sparklers
Make sure to have the sparklers on display during the reception so guests can see what’s going to happen. Also, make sure to have a time written down somewhere so everyone knows when the exit is happening. This will prevent guests from leaving early and minimize the need for reassembling everyone.
What I’ve found to be best is to actually stage your exit earlier in the night so that everyone can be involved – not all of your guests are going to stay until you leave at 11:30pm (or later!) This allows for the elderly in your guestlist to join in, and everyone shouldnt be (too) drunk too!
Have Enough Efficient Lighters
Sparklers burn quickly, so make sure to have plenty of lighters available. The more lighters, the faster everyone can be lit and the smoother the exit will be.
The best lighters aren’t just a smoker’s lighter, but rather butane torches that are readily available from Bunnings or any hardware store. These torches last forever, and emit a short, powerful flame that will light sparklers quickly and easily.
Use Long Sparklers
To ensure a successful exit, use long sparklers, not short ones. Long sparklers are sold specifically and marketed for a wedding sparkler exit,. and gives you enough time to get through the guests and make a statement. Short, regular sparklers you would buy from a supermarket burn too quickly and will be out before you’ve even made it past the first few guests.
Have Enough Sparklers for Each Guest
Even if some guests don’t participate, it’s still important to have enough sparklers for everyone – and I’m sure some of the more boisterous amongst your guets would be keen on having more than one! Younger guests may take a couple of sparklers and light them early, so having a full number of sparklers will ensure that everyone has one.
Make an Announcement and be ready!
Your MC should take charge of organizing the exit and instructing guests. They should make an announcement reminding everyone to form two lines and wait until everyone is outside to light the sparklers. This will prevent half the guests from lighting the sparklers immediately and having them burn out before the exit line is formed.
Make sure the couple is ready to leave before lighting the sparklers. Say your goodbyes to your family first and then light the sparklers. Avoid getting stuck talking to relatives or friends as this will result in a tunnel of smoke. This is another reason why you might opt to mock exit earlier in the night.
Create a Wide Tunnel
Instruct guests to hold the sparklers up high and have a wide enough tunnel for the couple to walk down. Walking down a path of fire and sparks is dangerous, especially if the bride is wearing a flammable dress and has a lot of hair spray. A wide gap will ensure everyone’s safety.
Be Safe and don’t run!
Don’t light a bunch of sparklers together. Doing so can cause a mini explosion and embers can fly everywhere, potentially burning someone. Also, your time walking through the tunnel. It’s better to walk, stop for a kiss, say goodbye to friends, and look at each other. Running will make the moment feel over too quickly, and running around flames isn’t smart!
It’s also smart to organise multiple buckets of water, and have the venue spread them out where you’re plannig on doing your exit – that way no random sparks from otherise dead sparklers won’t get anyone into any trouble.
Think about who’s at the end of the wedding sparkler exit
Some might have your parents at the end of the tunnel so they can be the last people you say goodbye to, or whomever really – could be your dog? That’d be cute! Give them a farewell hug and kiss, it’s just a nice way to end your night.
Have Fun
Enjoy the exit! Dance, jump, sing, and kiss. Be in the moment with your family and friends and do whatever you want. Don’t worry about the camera or posing, just have fun and soak it in!
These tips will help you plan an awesome wedding sparkler exit. With a little planning and preparation, you can make this moment unforgettable.
