Creating a Magical Moment: Pros and Cons of Sparkler Exits and How to Capture the Perfect Shot

As a cinematic wedding filmmaker, I have seen many beautiful moments throughout the years, but one of my favorite scenes to capture is the sparkler exit. Beautiful sparkling lights waving around you as you laugh, dance, party & kiss your way through all your guests- it’s easily one of the best shots you can create for your wedding film & one that has gained so much popularity over the last few years. A sparkler exit is a magical way to end your wedding night and create a beautiful send-off with your loved ones, or simply just another wonderful thing to do with your guests to make your wedding day more memorable.

In this article, I will share with you some pros and cons of having a sparkler exit, as well as some tips on how to create the best sparkler exit shot- I’ve filmed quite a few & I know what works & what doesn’t.

Pros of Sparkler Exits

Firstly, let's start with the pros. Sparkler exits are a beautiful and romantic way to end your wedding night. It creates an unforgettable moment for you and your guests, & it is a fantastic opportunity to capture some stunning shots. Sparkler exits are also versatile and can be used in any type of wedding, whether it's a rustic outdoor wedding or a grand ballroom reception. It’s part of the reason I love them, because they suit nearly every wedding.

Secondly, sparkler exits make for some stunning wedding photos & videos. The sparklers create a beautiful & romantic atmosphere- the light they produce is perfect for creating a cinematic effect as the bright lights are balanced against moody, night time shadows. As a filmmaker, I love working with sparklers as it adds a unique and creative element to the final film. One thing I always do is place a video light behind you- my lights give a slighty blue light that catches the smoke from the warm, orange sparklers which gives a really beautiful colour contrast to your shot.

Thirdly, sparkler exits are relatively easy to organize (as long as your guests haven’t had one too many to drink!). They require minimal planning and can be done in a short amount of time. All you need is a bunch of sparklers, a lighter (more on this below), & some friends or family members to help light them.

Cons of Sparkler Exits

While there are many pros to having a sparkler exit, there are also some cons that you should consider. Firstly, sparklers can be dangerous if not handled properly. They produce a lot of heat, & if they come into contact with flammable material, it can quickly turn into a disaster. Therefore, it is important to make sure that everyone knows how to use the sparklers safely. It may be an idea to not let children take part in this shot for example & you should definitely check in with your wedding venue to make sure they’ll allow you to set up such a shot.

Secondly, sparklers can be expensive, especially if you have a large guest list. Each sparkler only lasts for just over a minute, so you will need to purchase enough sparklers for each guest to hold one & be prepared to light them quickly. This can add up quickly, so make sure you budget accordingly.

Finally, sparkler exits can be affected by weather conditions. If it's raining or windy, it can make it difficult to light the sparklers, & it can be dangerous if the wind blows sparks onto guests or flammable material- not to mention that its very unlikely your guests will want to be stood out in the rain!

Let’s Talk About Your Sparkler Shots
Now, let's talk about some tips that will help you create the most stunning sparkler exit shot possible. I’ve filmed numerous sparkler exits in a variety of conditions & so the tips below come from my first hand experience:

1. Timing is key.

To create the perfect atmosphere, it's best to wait until it's dark outside. This sounds obvious but i’ve been at more than one wedding where the sparkler shot was forced too early. For the biggest impact, it needs to be completely dark.

2. Use the longest sparklers available.

Longer sparklers produce more light and last longer, giving you more time to capture that perfect shot. We need to get at least half your guests sparklers lit before we can start capturing anything & that process takes time, so the longer sparklers give us that little bit of wiggle room that we need.

3. Have a designated area for the sparkler exit.

It's important to have a specific area where guests can stand and light their sparklers. This will make it easier for you to capture the moment and ensure everyone's safety & is something that may be imposed on you by your wedding venue. Don’t worry too much if its not the most picturesque area as you won’t be able to tell- you, the sparklers & the lights are the feature of the shot & the background is relatively insignificant in this shot. If it’s not a big area then consider just inviting the bridal party out to help you with the shot.

4. Assign someone to coordinate the sparkler exit.

This person can be responsible for handing out sparklers, lighting them, and making sure everyone is standing in the designated area. This can be the venue co-ordinator, groomsmen, bridesmaids, whoever- but decide ahead of time & make sure those people know that that’s their responsibility. There can quickly be a lot of confusion & frustration if everyone is stood around & doesn’t understand what is going on.

5. Bring 2 Blowtorches- Yes, You Heard That Right!

Lighting up to 150 sparklers in quick succession, then with only a few seconds to get the shot can prove more than a little tricky as i’m sure you can imagine. Getting all those sparklers lit in time is the biggest challenge & so I tell my couples to bring two blowtorches, or windproof jet lighters. You can then have two people, one for each line simply run down & light every third to fourth person, with the remaining guests lighting off of each others sparklers. This is the quickest & most efficient way of getting this shot going & also stops frustration at trying to keep a pocket lighter lit in strong winds!

A sparkler exit can be a wonderful way to end your wedding day & create a magical moment that you and your guests will never forget. However, it's important to approach it with the right mindset and take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety. As a wedding filmmaker, I have seen firsthand how a well-planned sparkler exit can create a stunning and romantic moment that looks incredible on film. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create a sparkler exit that not only looks beautiful but is also safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Remember, the key to a successful sparkler exit is preparation. By having a designated area for the sparkler exit, assigning someone to coordinate the event, using the longest sparklers available, and bringing two blow torches, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly & that you capture that perfect shot.

Ultimately, a sparkler exit is just one of the many ways you can make your wedding day special and unique. So, whether you choose to have a sparkler exit or not, remember to enjoy the moment & cherish the memories you create with your loved ones on your special day.