The Perfect Way to End the Day


Sparkler exits are a great way to end the wedding day but they also can be a bit stressful if they aren't planned out. Here are some tips to make your sparkler exit a huge success (and keep your venue from burning down too!).


1 | Check with your venue.

First of all, check to make sure your venue allows sparkler exits. Not all of them do.


2 | Figure out the time you want to exit.

This might be dependent on a couple factors: what time does the sun set on your wedding day? Do you want to wait until the very end of your reception or do you want to "stage" your exit earlier in the evening? Will you need additional photography coverage in order to capture these if you wait until the end of the reception?


I have found that it usually works best for the timing of things to have the "exit" staged before the end of the reception. This works well for a few reasons, first of all it allows the exit to happen before guests are too intoxicated (exciting as it is to watch drunk guests handle fire, I personally would like to be survive the night). And also having the exit staged earlier in the reception also allows you to make better use of the time you have purchased. If you have chosen an 8 Hour Wedding Package, you don't want to have to sacrifice getting ready photos just to be able to capture your exit. Both can happen with a "staged exit"! Plus, the party can keep flowing after we capture our sparkler exit photo.


3 | Determine who you want to be a part of the exit.

One newer trend with sparkler exits (or other reception exits as well) is having a "private exit" where only the bride, groom and bridal party provide the send off. This allows it to be a more controlled moment, ensures colors that are consistent with your wedding, and provides insurance in case we miss the moment the first time, it provides flexibility to recreate the moment again quickly.


4 | Prep the Exit.

Purchase the long-lasting sparklers but also don't forget to bring lighters and a water pail (metal is better than plastic because they will be hot)! I can't believe how many wedding's I've been to where the couple forgot to bring a way to light the sparklers or a way to put out the sparklers!


5 | On the Wedding Day

Once the wedding day is here and it's time for the sparkler exit, make sure I (or whoever your photographer is) have a few minutes to get set up and situated. Some situations require me to change my lens or get my flash gear setup beforehand.


When it's time for us to bring out the guests or bridal party, have someone (like your coordinator, definitely not you!) in charge of getting everyone into two parallel lines. Once everyone has a sparkler, I suggest having about 2-4 designated people (this can be guests or the venue coordinators) to start lighting the sparklers from both ends of each parallel line. Guests can then help each other by lighting one another’s sparkler. The hope would be that by the time the designated sparkler lighters are done, they’ll be in the middle of the line and the photos can begin! I always suggest my couples stop in the middle of the line to go in for a kiss (and maybe even a dip)!


I hope this helps you when planning your own sparkler exit! Congrats as you continue to plan out your special day!