The sparkler send off is a big wedding trend that’s going nowhere! Couples adore these gorgeous photos of guests and sparklers. Sure, they look effortless but there’s quite a bit of planning that goes into nailing the sparkler send off. Take a look at our tips!
Featured image credit: M and M Photography
Photographer: Laura Mc Photography
Before the moment
Planning your sparkler send off will involve a little bit of coordinating and managing people and locations. First, buy the longest sparklers you can find and then arrange multiple lighters, match boxes or large candles. On the day, have your wedding party hand out the sparklers as guests enter the pre-decided location or have buckets or glass vases so guests can help themselves.
Note: don’t hand out the sparklers and lighters too early! You don’t want anybody lighting their sparkler too soon.
Photographer: Renata Dapsyte Photography
Get into position
Ask your MC to gather everybody outside (choose the location ahead of time, with your venue and photographer’s input). When choosing the location, consider the background and how much space there will be for everyone to stand. Arrange your guests (or get somebody else to coordinate this) so that everyone is in two rows for you to talk between or in a semi-circle around you. Your photographer will know when guests are in the right position!
Photographer: Timmy Keane of Timtim Media
Light them up
Ask your wedding party to distribute lighters, candles or match boxes and have plenty! You want the sparklers to be lit at about the same time so they’re all lit for the photos. Remind guests to point the sparklers towards the sky and not at you. The photos look best when the guests remain still while you have your moment to try different poses. It’ll take about 30 to 60 seconds to nail this!
Photographer: Ian Hennessy
Alternatives
You could include all your guests in this moment, like many couples have done. Alternatively, share this moment with just your wedding party or close family. If sparklers aren’t your thing, why not opt for glow sticks instead?
