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Groom lifting his bride in the air during their sparkler send off

How To Nail Your Sparkler Send Off Photos...

Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Judging by the recent weddings we've shared, it seems that everyone is loving sparkler send off shots as much as we are. While these stunning images look so candid and effortless, there's a lot of planning and coordination involved. We've picked some of our favourite sparkler send off images for inspiration and give you some insight and advice about how to absolutely nail them! Enjoy!


Sparkler send off photos are becoming essential to include in your must-have wedding photos!

Preparation and Planning

Obviously, getting THAT perfect sparkler shot might take a little bit of time. So, make sure you buy the longest sparklers you can find! When prepping for the pictures, make sure to hand out the sparklers to guests or leave some buckets or glass vases for guests to help themselves. Although, remember, this is the end of the night when some people will have had a little to drink, or a LOT to drink. So don't give these out too early before lighting. On the day, you don't need to be worrying about this, so assign these duties to a bridesmaid, usher or family member/friend that you trust.

Groom in black tie with bride in high neck lace wedding dress waving their sparklers around
Bride and groom with linked hands walk through their wedding guests for their sparkler send off
Sparklers in a glass jar with personalised tag
Groom kisses the bride on her cheek as she smiles wearing a pearl headband waving sparklers

Positions, Please!

It's almost time! You should ask the DJ, MC or wedding band to announce to gather outside (in a predetermined spot you've agreed with the venue and your photographer). Taking into account the background and location of the picture is almost as important as the sparklers themselves! Also, it's important for the venue to know for health and safety reasons. Get the guests arranged in two rows so you can walk in between or in a semi-circle around you, whatever floats your boat. Try to be considerate of where your guests stand too, no one likes having their high heels sinking into mud or getting their shiny new shoes dirty. A path or gravelled area is probably best. Liaise directly with your photographer as to when they feel the guests are in the right position.

Bride wearing a faux fur shawl kisses the groom as they hold up sparklers
Bride and groom share a kiss as their wedding guests celebrate and wave sparklers for their sparkler send off
Groom in bow tie with bride in off the shoulder wedding dress have their sparkler send off
Groom in black tie kisses the bride on the cheek as she smiles widely and guests wave their sparklers

Light 'Em Up!

Allow some members of your wedding party to have lighters, matches or big candles so that the sparklers can be lit up quickly and mostly at the same time. Make sure no one lights up until the time is right. Having a sparkler per ten guests should make for a nice even coverage (depending on the size of your wedding party). Get them all lit up and remind the guests to point the sparkler to the sky and not at you, the couple! Have all the guests standing still while the couple have their moment and the photographer works their magic. You have around 30 seconds to a minute to nail the perfect shot (if you're speedy, you could run through twice).

Multicultural wedding has a fun and bright sparkler send off
Bride in a strapless wedding dress kisses the groom as their guests circle around them waving sparklers
Bride in strapless celestial wedding dress kisses the groom who lifts her leg during their sparkler send off
Groom wearing a black bow tie carries the bride in between their guests as they wave sparklers
Bride and groom kiss passionately as everyone waves their sparklers
Bride in boho lace wedding dress and cover up with groom in black tie waving sparklers
Bride and groom kiss at the end of their sparkler exit
Bride in floral Mira Zwillinger wedding dress kissing groom as they stand inbetween their wedding guests for their sparkler send off

Sparkler send off photos aren't a want but a need!


Woo! Now you know everything you need to master the sparkler send off shot! But if you're looking for more wedding photo inspiration, then you should take a look at our smoke bomb photo roundup that includes advice and more wedding inspiration. Or take a look at the ten must-have wedding photos.


Slider Images: Darek Smietana |
Interactive DecorPhotography