There is something incredibly enchanting about kicking off the evening celebrations with a sparkler send off photo. Not only do you end up with a pretty epic photo, but it's so much fun for your wedding guests too. Whether it be that magical sparkler tunnel send-off after sunset or if the weather isn't playing ball a sparkler circle on the dancefloor as your share your last dance, it's a much less expensive addition than other nighttime surprises like a firework display. If you're considering adding a little sparkle to your night, we have the best tips for how to create the perfect sparkler send-off photo right here.
Talk to your Suppliers
The first step is to speak with your venue to find out if using sparklers inside and outside the venue is permitted. If the answer is yes, next chat to your photographer and tell them you want to capture a sparkler send off photo as they will have to choose the right time in terms of weather and light outside. (Add it to your photo checklist here!) Many photographers and videographers only work up until the first dance. If you're doing a sparkler send-off for your first or last dance, then let your wedding band know too.
Timing is Everything
A sparkler will obviously have the most impact when it's dark, so make note of the time of sunset and work that into your order of the day so people know when to expect it and don't go wandering.
Delegate to Helpers
This is the perfect job to assign to friends and family members who are dying to lend a helping hand. Make sure they know the plan, and the photographer knows to give them the nod when the time is right to hand out and light the sparklers. Ask them to also ask the venue for a bucket with water in it which everyone can put their used sparklers in afterwards - safety first!
Buy the Right Lighters
As there could be a lot of sparklers to light at once, be sure to buy a few long safety gas lighters to to speed up the process. Your designated friends can get lighting quickly before they the sparklers begin to fizzle out.
A Sparkler Entrance
So we've mentioned the sparker tunnel and the first dance sparkler circle, but have you considered a sparkler prosecco entrance? Attach ice fountain sparklers to bottle of bubbles or wine and have the wedding venue servers enter the room in a line, do a lap of the room to some upbeat music before, placing the bottles down on each table. Alternatively, why not switch it up and have your wedding party hold the bottles and line up behind the top table, awaiting your arrival.
Sparler Shapes and Letters
Now this is one for the creative couples, but your photographer will guide you with this artistic shot. Simply grab your wedding party and give them each a sparkler and a letter, which when put together will spell a word such as 'LOVE'. Your photographer can put their camera on a low light setting and when they move the sparkler in the letter shape they want to make, it will capture the sparkler making that shape. Just remember to make the letter backwards (this one might need a bit of practice before lighting up!). Another cute idea is to keep it between the just two of you, and just make the shape of two halves of a heart, so beautiful!
What Sparklers are Best
From cutting the cake to champagne towers, all of these special moments deserve some extra wow factor, right? Why not purchase some extra large sparklers which will add more drama to this picture-perfect moment. Let’s be honest, there really is only one opportunity when it comes to the sparkler shot, so stick to the regular sparklers, as opposed to crackling sparklers and make sure they are long, 50cm in length are best!
Looking for more photo ideas to wow? We've rounded up 18 Unique Wedding Photo Ops to Try here!
