To Sparkle, or not to Sparkle?
^ Dusk sparkler shot
Thinking of having sparklers at your wedding? Here’s my own handy guide to getting the best shot, safely! This is a really beautiful thing that a lot of couples want to do and I think it’s a good idea to share a little knowledge on the sparkler shot for anyone considering it. Yeah, this probably looks a bit long-winded when typed up but your wedding pros are used to doing all of this and I wanted to share as much as possible to help couples make decisions well in advance not just on our pre-wedding call. I do run through the safety advice on-site with you again, and the guests.
(Feel free to share this with them, too!)
^ Tramlines set-up
No1. Or as I like to call it, the “Where, What, When’s and Who’s”
Where: First and foremost, you want to check in with your venue to make sure that sparklers are allowed in their grounds. They usually have a recommended place that this will happen, and their own rules such as putting out bucket of sand to put hot sparklers in. If it’s on private land, I’d recommend a stone / paved area that’s even. And you get bonus points for pretty lighting!
What: When you’re choosing sparklers, avoid the shorter kind! It can take a while to get them all lit, if you have a lot of guests the shorter sparklers can burn out completely at the start before we’ve finished lighting the end! And you don’t want to rush this. Like confetti - always get more than you think you’ll need. It’s handy to have a metal bucket or two (again, check with your venue) firstly for everyone to walk past on the way outside and collect a sparkler, and then to safely collect hot sparklers at the end. Jars of candles are WAY better than lighters, so long as you don’t squish the wick into the wax and put it out! Jars shelter the flame from the breeze and several people can light their sparklers at once. (Bring a couple of lighters as backup).
When: I would personally recommend doing your sparkler shot some time after sunset; you don’t have to wait until it’s totally dark at 11 pm in Summer for it to be beautiful. Especially If you’re expecting the drinks to really flow as the night goes on! Also, have a look at your wedding plan, it can be useful to get everyone outside after your wedding breakfast and speeches have ended if you’re having a room turnaround before dancing, for example.
Who: Having seen a couple of minor accidents down the years, I do like to recommend who joins in. Over 18’s, and nobody that’s had a few too many drinks!
^ Horseshoe set up
No2. My go-to safety advice for guests
This is one worth sharing with your guests in advance. I do say all of this as we start, but background music, chat etc often means I’m not heard very well! As I said above, If you’re really drunk you should probably sit this one out. It’s not something I recommend for under 18’s either, but I’m sure parents can supervise their children with sparklers after this shot is complete.
Sparklers are often handed out at the door as everyone exits, no lighting until we’re all ready. I’ll position everyone in either “tramlines” or a “horseshoe” with candles every few feet. Then explain that everyone is to stay in this position for the photo. There should also be space to move backwards if anyone wants to get away.
I then demonstrate the way to hold them once they are lit - up high and at an angle (usually followed with a Harry Potter quote from someone in the crowd… you are my kind of people). It’s very important that you don’t shake, wave or twirl the sparklers when lit. They should be kept still in the air. If the person next to you or opposite you starts waving theirs around, please get them to stop.
I’ll then explain the best way to light them; when I say “go”, a couple of you can light your sparkler using the candles - be careful not to squash the wick and put the candle out. When yours is lit you can help the people around you light theirs much faster by just holding sparkler ends together!
Please remember not to move from the safe position even after the couple have passed by, because they could come back around again. And don’t forget to give them a cheer!
No3. For the Stars of the shot!
Tramlines or Horseshoe? Depending on the space, you could have the choice of walking through two lines of sparklers, or staying in the middle of a horseshoe shape. Although I do make both arrangements wide enough to get through safely, a horseshoe is ideal if you want the shot but you’re nervous of sparklers -they aren’t for everyone and we want you to feel comfortable!
^ The second walk through - at the far end of the Tramline.
Advice for the Horseshoe: We’ll pick a posed shot to get started, then I’ll want you to have a romantic ‘movie kiss’, you’ll have the safe space to lean back, have a little twirly dance. Advice for the Tramlines walkthrough: Walk slowly and enjoy! I may prompt you to stop in the middle and kiss. You might have time to go back and go again as well. If you’re on your way through and see someone ahead waving a sparkler, it’s fine to pause where you are while we get them to stop.
The last thing I want to mention is that sparkler shots can be really hit and miss, despite all the planning that goes in there have never been two the same! It’s mostly about you enjoying the moment and seeing that reflected back in the blurry hands, orange light and grainy smiles.
This is all just my opinion and based on what I’ve seen down the years. Although I’m really just there to worry about the lighting, take the picture and am not responsible for the sparkler setup, I thought it would help my lovely couples If I gathered up some advice - I hope this does help.
If there’s anything else you want to know or feel i’ve left something out please email [email protected] Thank you x