How to get sparkler photos at your wedding

I often get asked about sparkler photos for you wedding. So I’ve put together some tips on how to get the perfect sparkler exit at your wedding. It makes for some magical photos and can be super fun but it can also be complete crazy times if not planned properly!! So, here’s some tips that I’ve learnt after photographing them!

Sparkler exit safety

I know, it’s not the most exciting part of the conversation, but it’s pretty important. You don’t want to end up with any injuries or accidents on your special day. Trust me, drunk people and burning items are not the greatest mix. I’ve seen enough burnt people to testify to this – including a bride!!

When it comes to sparklers, the longer the better. Long sparklers burn more slowly and are less likely to burn out mid-photo. Plus, they’re less likely to drip hot ash or sparks onto your clothing or skin. Stay away from any sparklers that are shorter than 10 inches, as these will burn out too quickly. I suggest 18 inch ones that have a gold tint as the gold light looks so much warmer and more romantic! If you’ve got kids who will be around for this part, stick the sparklers in a carrot to make it even safer and stand them in an area away from the main guests.

You can buy these ones which should be enough for most weddings.

When to do the sparkler exit?

Although the name sparkler EXIT makes you think you should be doing these at the end of the night that’s probably the worst time!! Let’s face it the end of a wedding is normally a bit messy, not many sober people by that point and most people leave at slightly different times, not all at the exact exit time.

As sparklers tend to be more of an autumn or winter thing I suggest doing these after dinner, so early evening. That way everyone is a bit more sober post meal and you normally have to get up and move rooms then anyway so it makes sense to get everyone up to do the sparklers. Or alternatively do them just before the first dance to get everyone ready to go back indoors.

It doesn’t matter if it’s not pitch black, in fact you’ll need a bit of light, whether that’s natural or artificial.

How to get the perfect shot

So, how do you get that perfect sparkler exit ? Here are some tips:

  1. Make sure the area where you’ll be doing your sparkler exit is partially-lit and free of any potential hazards (like low-hanging branches or trip hazards). You’ll also want to make sure your guests know when and where to line up with their sparklers. You will need to have someone in charge to arrange this. Make sure this has all been arranged with your venue before hand and they have people to help out and staff with metal buckets to put them in at the end.
  2. Sparkler photos look best with minimal extra lights, so although you’ll need some lighting so guests can see, doing them with a big exit sign in the background or the venue lit up behind really doesn’t work. Some extra lights on your route – like fairy lights for instance can help you see where you’re going though.
  3. Check your photographer is capable of getting these photos, they are a technically complex one with lots of variables and you want to make sure your photographer has shot them before.
  4. Make sure you stop when walking down the line. Sparkler photos are very low-light and can be technically difficult especially if you’re walking too fast. Make sure to pause at the start and midway down the line. This allows more time to enjoy the moment and for your photographer to capture those standout shots. It also allows your photographer a chance to correct anything that’s not working. For instance if you’re holding a sparkler in front of your faces! (a common one!)
  5. Do not forget the lighters!! You should have plenty of wind-proof lighters to get them all lit quickly and at the same time. There’s nothing worse than having half your sparklers lit whilst the other half go out.
  6. Limit the guests – I find sparkler shots run a lot smoother with less guests involved. If you try to round up 100 guests with burning sticks there’s a lot to go wrong! Just involve a handful of people in the main photo or make sure you get very organised about who is in charge of lighting the sparklers and how this will all work. It’s often the part of the day couples don’t really think about and then it ends up rather chaotic!!
  7. Don’t overthink it! Your wedding day is all about celebrating with your loved ones, so don’t stress too much about getting the perfect shot. Just enjoy the fun of it all!

The perfect sparkler exit is all about safety, timing, and preparation. Use long, gold sparklers, do the exit just after dusk or dinner, and think about logistics beforehand. And most importantly have fun! Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and the sparkler exit is just one small part of it.