Weddings are filled with stunning moments — the first kiss, the first dance, and the grand exit. One of the most stunning and memorable grand exits from your wedding is with a sparkler send off. When the bride and groom come out of a tunnel of sparkling light, it’s the perfect moment for pictures, partying, and creating memories that will last forever. But perhaps one of the most common questions couples ask is, what time should the sparkler send off be?
Timing your sparkler send off correctly is crucial so the moment takes off as smoothly and magically as it can. Get it wrong, and your sparklers will burn away too quickly, or the moment vanishes in blackness. In this article, we take a look at what it takes to time your sparkler send off and give you tips on getting everything to run like clockwork.
Why Timing is Everything for a Sparkler Send Off
Your timing for the sparkler send off matters because sparklers need to be appreciated under specific lighting. This send off should be a beautiful visual experience, and with the wrong timing, it may turn out too bright or too dark to appreciate the blinding effect of the sparklers.
When you are organizing your wedding, you want everything to fall into place. Your sparkler send off is the grand finale, so you would want it to happen at the right time — when the sparklers will light up most beautifully, and you will have enough time to walk through them without hurrying.
Let’s consider the key factors that decide the optimal time for your sparkler send off.
Key Factors in Scheduling a Sparkler Send Off
1. Sun and Sunset Timing
The very first key factor in selecting when your sparkler send off will be is lighting. Sparklers are best viewed when the surrounding area is dark enough so that they can truly be highlighted, but not dark enough that you can’t see anything at all.
Dusk and Twilight: The ideal time for a sparkler farewell would be when it’s already darkening outside but not yet fully dark. That tends to be in the golden hour — shortly before the sun goes down, the sky is still light, but the sparklers will be evident in the growing darkness.
Full Darkness: If you’re planning your wedding reception in the evening, wait until the venue is fully dark to ensure that the sparklers create the brightest glow. For an evening wedding, this would be anywhere from 8 PM to 10 PM, depending on the time of year and location. The sparklers will be most effective when the surroundings are pitch black, allowing their light to stand out.
Seasonal Variations: The schedule for twilight or dusk will be different based on the season. In summer, the sun sets later, while in winter, it sets earlier. Be sure to account for that when coordinating your send-off. The goal is to have the light low enough that it’s still light enough for the sparklers to burst, but not so dark that everyone will have trouble taking pictures.
2. Your Wedding Timeline
Your wedding timeline will also factor into when the best time to have the sparkler send-off will be. Consider the flow of your affair when deciding upon when to include it.
After the Reception: Most couples choose to have their sparkler send-off at the end of the reception. This is so that guests can say goodbye and send the bride and groom off in style. This will typically be about 30 minutes to an hour before the end of the reception.
Before the Grand Exit: If you’re planning an after-party or if you’d like to keep the party rolling, you may want to plan the sparkler send-off a little earlier so that it is still a special moment before most people are leaving for the night. You can also do this if you prefer to ensure that your guests are totally immersed during this period.
Photoshoot Timing: Coordinate with your photographer and make sure you provide adequate time for them to capture the twinkling magic. Plan your send-off about 20-30 minutes before the event finishes, with allowances for everyone to light their sparklers, stand in place, and for the bride and groom to walk through the tunnel.
3. Sparkler Burn Time and Guest Safety
Sparklers have varying burn times, so planning the timing for your send-off will need to accommodate this. If your sparklers have a short burn time, then the exit may be too rapid and not give your guests adequate time to appreciate the moment.
Large Sparklers: If you have large, wedding-sized sparklers (around 36 inches long), these typically burn for around 3 to 4 minutes, giving time for a comfortable exit. A timing of 10-15 minutes before complete darkness would be suitable for such sparklers.
Smaller Sparklers: The smaller sparklers will burn faster (about 1-2 minutes), so making arrangements for your send-off when the sparklers are still alight is a must, and guests can safely hold them while the couple makes their way down the tunnel.
Burning Times: Remember that sparklers will burn brighter the darker the atmosphere is, so try to plan your send-off so that it isn’t dark enough by the time you need to depart. That will mean you will have to adjust based on the actual sparklers you have chosen.
How to Choose What Time Your Sparkler Send Off Should Be at Your Wedding
Now that we’ve discussed the most critical factors that will determine your sparkler send-off time, here’s how you can determine the best time for your grand exit:
Discover the Sunset Time on Your Wedding Date:
Since the setting of the sun is a major determining factor in the visibility of sparklers, you need to first determine when the sun will set on your wedding day. This varies significantly depending on the month. You can use an online site or smartphone app like TimeAndDate.com to get the precise sunset time for your wedding day.Plan Backwards from Your Reception End Time:
When you know when the sun is setting, plan your sparkler send-off 20 to 30 minutes before it sets. Your guests will then be able to light their sparklers when there is still light for them to stand in safely.Plan with Your Photographer:
Ensure your photographer is prepared to get the shot. Photographers will need some time to experiment with the settings of low light and position themselves in the best angle for the shining send-off. Make sure that they can visit the send-off to capture the beautiful shots.Drill the Timing:
Do a test run at your wedding rehearsal (if possible) to make sure that everything goes as planned. This ensures that you check if the sparklers will burn properly and that there is enough time for all the people to have a good experience. This is particularly crucial in organizing with your guests so that the sparklers can be ignited at the right time.
Tips for a Perfect Sparkler Send Off
In addition to perfect timing, here are a few tips to ensure your sparkler send-off is truly magical:
- Have Enough Sparklers: Be sure to have enough sparklers for all of your guests. Count how many guests will be participating and purchase a few extra to ensure everyone gets a sparkler.
- Make a Sparkler Station: Develop a designated area where the guests can easily pick up the sparklers and light them. Provide lighters or matches and ensure there is an option for discarding used sparklers.
- Safety First: Have a fire extinguisher readily available if the need should ever arise, and make visitors aware of the rules of safety. Remind them to keep their sparklers at arm’s length and never aim at anyone else.
- Plan the Exit Path: Make sure the exit path of the couple is clear, and guests can create the sparkler tunnel without any obstacles. The couple should have a proper route to walk along, and the sparklers should be held away from their faces so they are not burned.
Conclusion
Your timing for the sparkler send off is what’s going to make all the difference between an amazing moment and one that falls flat. To ensure that your sparkler send off is as beautiful and memorable as you’ve hoped, plan it at the right time. Taking into consideration the sunset, your reception timeline, and the type of sparklers you have, you can ensure that your sparkler send off is a magical moment that everyone will remember.
Remember, it’s all about the right combination of timing, lighting, and preparation. With these tips, you can confidently plan the perfect sparkler send-off to end your wedding celebration with a bang—literally!