Fireworks For A Wedding Exit: Is It Possible?

Fireworks are a great way to end your wedding with a bang and make for some amazing photos. But before you start planning your fireworks display, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, check with your venue to see if fireworks are allowed on the property. Some locations may consider fireworks a fire or safety hazard. If your venue doesn't permit fireworks, don't worry—there are plenty of other fun options, like sparklers, glow sticks, or confetti.

If your venue gives you the go-ahead, the next step is to find a reputable fireworks company. It's essential to choose a company with experience and a good safety record.

You'll also want to coordinate with your photographer to ensure they capture the perfect shots of you and your partner amid the dazzling display. Consider adding a pop of flash or slowing down the shutter speed to create dramatic and memorable images.

Finally, for an extra-special touch, you can ask the firework staff to include your names or wedding colours in the display.

So, if you're looking for a spectacular way to exit your wedding, fireworks are definitely worth considering!

Fireworks safety and venue permission

Fireworks are a great way to end your wedding with a bang and make for spectacular photos. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to safety and venue permission.

Firstly, always check with your venue to see if fireworks are allowed on the property. Some venues may consider fireworks a fire or safety hazard and not permit them. It's also important to check with local regulations, as some states or areas may have restrictions or bans on fireworks, especially in places with a high risk of wildfires or grassfires.

If your venue does allow fireworks, they may be able to provide a referral to a reputable fireworks company. It's important to choose a company with a good safety record and experience in putting on fireworks displays for weddings.

On the day of your wedding, make sure there is a safe distance between the fireworks display and your guests. Designate a specific area for the fireworks to be set off, away from any flammable materials or crowded areas. Have a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of any accidents.

Inform your guests beforehand if fireworks will be part of the celebration, especially if they have young children or pets joining them. This will allow them to prepare accordingly, such as bringing ear protection for young children who may be sensitive to the loud noises.

Additionally, consider the timing of your fireworks display. If your wedding continues after the fireworks, ensure there is enough time between the display and any other activities to allow the smoke to clear and for any debris to be cleaned up.

Lastly, always have a backup plan in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. High winds or rain may make it unsafe to proceed with the fireworks, so be prepared to postpone or cancel the display if necessary.

By following these guidelines and working closely with your venue and fireworks company, you can ensure that your wedding fireworks exit is both memorable and safe for everyone involved.

Fireworks photography tips

Wedding exit fireworks are a great way to end your special day with a bang. Here are some tips to help you capture stunning images of the fireworks display:

Bring the Right Equipment:

• Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera for more flexibility and better results. If you don't have one, a smartphone camera can also work, but the quality may not be as impressive.
• Bring a tripod to keep your camera stable and reduce blur.
• Use a zoom lens for compositional variety. A wide-angle lens is ideal if you want to capture the entire scene, while a telephoto lens is better for compressing the distance between foreground objects and the fireworks.
• Consider investing in a remote release to reduce camera shake when pressing the shutter button.

Scout the Location:

• Arrive early to choose a vantage point that offers an unobstructed view of the fireworks and interesting foreground objects like buildings, monuments, or water for reflection.
• Take test shots earlier in the day to familiarise yourself with the surroundings and find the best angles.

Camera Settings:

• Use a low ISO (100-200) to minimise noise and preserve the dark night sky.
• Set your aperture to a narrow setting (f/8 to f/16) to ensure both the fireworks and the rest of the scene are in focus.
• Use a longer shutter speed to capture the light trails of the fireworks, but don't go too long to avoid overexposure. Bulb mode can be useful for this.
• Turn off autofocus and manually focus your lens at infinity.

Composition and Creativity:

• Include foreground interest such as buildings, monuments, or people to add depth and context to your images.
• Experiment with different compositions, such as vertical or horizontal orientations, and try varying your shots by including reflections or playing with long exposures.
• Try incorporating people in your images, either as silhouettes against the bright fireworks or by exposing for their faces to capture their illuminated expressions.

Practice and Adapt:

Fireworks photography requires patience and trial and error. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and compositions, and periodically check your results to make any necessary adjustments.

Fireworks alternatives

Fireworks are a fantastic way to end your wedding celebration with a bang. However, if you're looking for alternatives, there are plenty of options to choose from that will still create a memorable send-off. Here are some ideas for fireworks alternatives that will add a unique touch to your special day:

• Sparklers: Sparklers are a popular choice for wedding exits and can create a dazzling display. They are perfect for send-off lines, adding a glamorous edge to your departure. You can also use them for memorable photos, such as during the first kiss or first dance, to enhance your scrapbook.
• Laser Light Show: For an ethical and eco-friendly alternative, consider a laser light show. Entertainment companies can create a spectacular display with lasers, offering various options like full-on colour or subtle effects. You can even set the lasers to music for a unique first dance experience.
• Fire Dance Performance: Wow your guests with a fire entertainment specialist who can put on a choreographed fire dance or fire-breathing performance. This unique form of entertainment will provide an immersive experience and create a dramatic backdrop for photos.
• Confetti Cannons: For that explosive "pop" of a firework, confetti cannons are a great choice. Biodegradable confetti ensures an eco-friendly celebration, and you can choose colours that match your wedding theme. Confetti cannons offer a safer alternative to fireworks while still creating a stunning visual display.
• Light-up Branches or LED Sparklers: If you're looking for a light-up option with minimal restrictions, consider battery-powered LED sparklers or light-up branches. These can be waved around by your guests, creating a beautiful light display without the environmental impact of traditional fireworks.
• Cold Sparklers and Sparkler Fountains: Cold sparklers or sparkler fountains are a pyrotechnic simulation that creates a firework-like effect without the flammable sparks. This safer option may be more suitable for venues with restrictions and can still provide a wow-worthy entrance or exit.
• Glow Sticks: Glow sticks are an excellent alternative to sparklers, especially if you or your venue are concerned about fire. They illuminate the night with colourful spheres of light and can be used during the transition to the after-party.
• Bubbles: Bubbles are a fun and versatile option that works well at any time of day. Individual bubbles or a bubble machine can create a whimsical send-off, and they double as favours for your guests.
• Streamers: Streamers are a good alternative to confetti, as they are easy to clean up and create a festive atmosphere without the hassle of tiny bits sticking around for days.
• Chinese Lanterns: Paper lanterns or sky lanterns can be a beautiful send-off, but use them with caution. They work best in dry air at dusk, as they can be challenging to light if they get damp. Also, be mindful of the fire risk, especially in dry areas with a lot of flammable materials nearby.
• Balloons: Balloons are a versatile option that works for both daytime and nighttime celebrations, indoors or outdoors, and even in the rain! You can also get LED balloons for an extra touch of fun.

Sparkler safety

Wedding sparklers can add a touch of enchantment to your special day, but it's important to always put safety first. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure you and your guests have a memorable and safe experience with sparklers:

Supervision and Common Sense:

• Adult Supervision: Under no circumstances should anyone under the age of 16 use sparklers without adult supervision. The majority of injuries with sparklers happen to children. Help children light their sparklers, direct them on how to use them safely, and ensure they understand the severity and potential dangers.
• Age Restrictions: Children under 12 should not handle sparklers, and children under 16 should not handle wedding sparklers more than 20 inches in length.
• Instructions: Always read and follow the instructions on the packaging.

Safe Handling:

• Clothing and Surroundings: Keep sparklers away from clothing, hair, and other flammable objects. Be careful not to have lit sparklers near the bride's dress or loose clothing. Use closed-toe shoes to prevent foot burns from flying sparks.
• Holding Sparklers: Hold sparklers out straight and away from your body and clothes. Do not wave sparklers frantically; instead, hold them up and out.
• Lighting Sparklers: Light only one sparkler at a time.
• Sparkler Disposal: Drop used sparklers in a bucket filled with sand or water. Do not use trash bags, as they will melt. Sparklers are still hot even after they go out, so be careful not to touch the wire until it has cooled down completely.
• No Alcohol: Do not mix alcohol with sparklers. Keep drinks at the bar and tables, and ensure that no one is holding liquor or anything flammable when lighting or using sparklers.

Sparkler Type and Quality:

• True Wedding Sparklers: Use sparklers specifically designed for weddings. Regular sparklers, such as those used for the 4th of July, produce a lot of smoke and dangerous flying sparks. Wedding sparklers are made with a steel-wire core, ensuring an even, smokeless, and ash-less burn.
• Indoor Use: If you plan to use sparklers indoors, choose low-smoke or smokeless sparklers to avoid filling the room with haze.

Venue and Local Regulations:

• Outdoor Use: Only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Local Laws: Obey local laws and regulations regarding the use of sparklers and fireworks.

By following these safety guidelines, you can create a magical and memorable experience for your wedding exit while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Sparkler photography tips

Wedding exits with sparklers are a fun and beautiful way to end the night. Here are some tips to capture the perfect sparkler photos:

Camera Settings:

• Manual Mode: Switch your camera to manual mode to adjust the settings for long exposure shots.
• ISO: Start with ISO 400. You won't need to worry too much about ISO as you will use shutter speed to control the amount of light in your photos.
• Aperture: Start with an aperture of f/4 to keep the sparklers and your subjects in focus. For a more 'sparkly' effect, lower the f-stop to f/2.8, and for thinner, more refined lines, increase the f-stop to f/8.
• Shutter Speed: A shutter speed of 5 seconds will give you enough time to draw or write with sparklers. For still photos, a shutter speed of 1-2 seconds should be sufficient.

Equipment:

• Tripod: Use a tripod to stabilise your camera and prevent blurry photos. If you don't have a tripod, place your camera on a stable surface such as a rock, a bag, or a table.
• Remote or Self-Timer: Use a remote or the in-camera self-timer to avoid camera shake and reduce the chance of blurry photos.
• Flashlight: If you're shooting in the dark, use a flashlight to illuminate your subject and focus your camera. Turn off the flashlight when you're ready to take the photo.

Lighting:

• Natural Light: Sparklers don't produce much light, so shoot in a dark environment and use a fast prime lens with a wide aperture (f/1.4) to let in more light.
• Backlighting: Use a flash placed 10-20 feet behind the couple to help carve them out of the dark environment. Zoom the flash to 200mm and aim it at the top half of the couple.
• Constant Light: Instead of flash, consider using a constant light source like Yongnuo's Light Wand or Westcott's Ice Light. This will allow you to see your exposure in the viewfinder and never miss a moment.

Composition and Technique:

• Distance: Remind guests to hold sparklers at a safe distance from the couple and each other.
• Writing and Drawing: If you want to capture words or shapes, write or draw from right to left (backwards) as the camera will pick up the image from left to right. Cursive writing works best.
• Posing: Direct the couple to vary their poses. For example, ask them to lean in for a kiss or go for a classic dip.
• Multiple Shots: Sparkler exits are brief, so capture multiple images to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot.
• Editing: Use photo editing software like Lightroom to enhance your photos by adjusting brightness, contrast, and highlights.

Frequently asked questions