While there are lots of different ways to have a wedding send off during the day, your choices become somewhat limited in the evening. If you're looking for ideas, consider using wedding sparklers.
The great thing about wedding sparklers at an evening reception is that they are fun for your guests, while creating a beautiful effect for your pictures and video. They aren't your cheapest option (plan on spending $75-$125 for the average sized wedding) but produce the best results, hands down!
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting sparklers for weddings:
- Make sure they are they allowed at your venue. What would be worse than finding out at the last minute that you can't use them? Most places will have no problem if you want to use them, but others will. Find out first before buying them.
- Don't buy more than you need. Your initial thought may be to purchase enough wedding sparklers for every guest that has RSPV'd. However, experience has shown that only around half the number who attend the reception will stay to the very end.
- Get the longest sparklers for your wedding you can afford. You may be tempted to buy ones that are 10” or 14” because they cost less, but don't; they don't burn long enough. The best size without question are 36” long. They burn the longest (around 4 minutes) and create the best effect. If money is an issue, the 20” length will work, but make sure everyone knows to light them and get in line quick. You'll only have around 90 seconds before they go out. A better alternative if you're on a budget is to still buy the 36”, but only buy enough for half of the number you think you will need. It's true not everyone will be holding one, but the sendoff won't be rushed, and it will still give you beautiful photos (don't worry, people aren't going to get mad if they don't get a sparkler).
- Make sure your photographer and/or videographer know you will be using these. It will make their job easier and help them plan accordingly to get the perfect shots.
