Smoke Bombs on Your Wedding Day: What You Need to Know
Smoke bombs have become a popular prop in wedding videography & photography over the last few years. They can add an artistic and creative touch to your wedding videos, creating a unique atmosphere that's hard to replicate with other props & if done well, can lead to some truly epic shots to use in your wedding film. However, before you decide to incorporate smoke bombs into your wedding videos, there are several things you should know. In this article we will explore the use of smoke bombs in wedding videography, the benefits and risks, and some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your smoke bomb experience.
The Benefits of Using Smoke Bombs in Wedding Videography
Smoke bombs can add a lot of character & visual interest to your wedding videos. They create a unique atmosphere that's hard to replicate with other props. Plus, they can be used to complement or contrast the colors of your wedding theme. They can be a fun way to express your creativity and make your wedding videos stand out from the rest. Smoke bombs can also be used to create a dreamy or mystical atmosphere, perfect for romantic or whimsical shots.
The Risks of Using Smoke Bombs in Wedding Videography
While smoke bombs can add a lot of visual appeal to your wedding videos, they can also pose some risks & its worth remembering that these are dangerous pyrotechnics. Smoke bombs can emit harmful chemicals, so it's not only important to be careful when handling them but also to invest in the right brand/type of smoke bomb (more on that later). It's also important to make sure that the smoke bombs are legal and approved for use in your area & by your venue- some wedding venues are completely fine with you using smoke, others have an all out ban on them. Additionally, they can stain clothing or surfaces, so it's important to choose the right location and timing for your smoke bomb video shoot & to consider if it’s worth it if you would like to keep your dresses & suits.
I won’t supply you with smoke bombs- if you choose to have them & use them then you do so at your own risk. I can advise you on what looks good, what won’t look good & guide you on the safest use of the smoke bombs, but you must provide them yourselves.
Preparing for a Smoke Bomb Video Shoot
Before you incorporate smoke bombs into your wedding videos, there are several things you need to consider.
First, you need to choose the right location for your smoke bomb video shoot. You'll want to choose an outdoor location that's well-ventilated, safe & reasonably secluded- the last thing you want is a grandparent getting a fateful of pink smoke! You should also consider the time of day and weather conditions, as these factors can affect the quality of your videos. Myself & your photographer can help you with this if you’re unsure, as factors such as wind can really affect how well this shot turns out.
It's also important to plan ahead and purchase smoke bombs from a reputable vendor. You'll want to choose smoke bombs that are as safe as can be whilst also giving you a good amount of ‘burn time’, because the longer we have the more creative we can get. You should also consider the color and size of the smoke bombs you want to use, as well as the number of smoke bombs needed to achieve your desired effect. Is it just you as a couple you want with smoke? Your entire bridal party? However many you decide on I would get one to two spares as well in case any of them fail.
Additionally, it's important to discuss your plans with me & your photographer & ensure you are comfortable & experienced with using smoke bombs in whatever shot you would like to do. We have ways of still creating amazing looking shots if you aren’t comfortable holding the smoke yourselves.
Tips for a Successful Smoke Bomb Video Shot
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your smoke bomb video shoot:
Choose the right colors: Consider the color scheme of your wedding and choose smoke bombs that complement or contrast with those colors. White can often get lost on a cloudy day, whereas black is a very bold statement!
Be mindful of the wind: Wind can affect the direction and spread of the smoke, so it's important to consider wind conditions when planning your video shoot. I’ll offer you advice on this on the day.
Plan ahead: Make sure you have everything you need, including smoke bombs, permission from your venue, & a safe and well-ventilated location in mind, to ensure a successful and safe video shoot.
Practice safety: Always handle smoke bombs with care and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Ensure you aren’t too drunk- these shots do carry a risk & so myself & your photographer will refuse to shoot if you or your guests are too drunk.
Enola Gaye Smoke Bombs
When it comes to smoke bombs, one of the most trusted & reputable brands is Enola Gaye & they are the only brand I would recommend to my couples. They offer a wide variety of smoke bomb colours & burn times.
Enola Gaye is a trusted and reputable brand in the smoke bomb industry, known for its high-quality and safe smoke bombs. They have been producing smoke bombs for over 20 years, and their products are widely used in photography and videography industries. I have personally used them on numerous occasions & very rarely do they let me down. Off-brand or lesser known companies will 100% not be up to the task for getting the shots you want, trust me. One of the key benefits of using Enola Gaye smoke bombs is their consistency. Each smoke bomb is designed to produce a consistent amount of smoke, giving you greater control over your video shoots. This makes it easier to plan your shots and achieve your desired effects, especially when I can gauge how that scene will look from my experience with using them.
Enola Gaye smoke bombs are also easy to use. They come with simple instructions that are easy to follow, even if you are new to using smoke bombs. Although they are slightly more expensive (normally ranging between £9-12 per grenade/bomb) they are simply far superior than anything else you can buy for this type of creative shot.
Trust Your Videographer & Photographer!
When it comes to incorporating smoke bombs into your wedding video, it's important to trust me & your wedding photographer. We have the experience and knowledge to ensure that the smoke bombs are used safely and effectively, without compromising the integrity of your wedding day & we can also extract the best shots for you- so listen to us! During your wedding day, it can be tempting to micromanage every detail, including the use of smoke bombs. However, it's important to remember that your wedding videographer and photographer are professionals & have your best interests at heart. By trusting our expertise, you can relax & enjoy your wedding day, while still capturing stunning and unique shots.
In summary, using smoke bombs on your wedding day is an amazing idea & something i’ve always been a fan of. If the conditions are right & everyone brings the energy, you can create a spectacular sequence of shots that you’ll adore & that will almost certainly end up in your final wedding film!