Ohhhhh, brace yourself for the sparkler exit – the Instagram sensation, the social media superstar, the moment that’s been hyped by every wedding guru out there. Expect crazy effects, steamy kisses illuminated by the dazzling light of a hundred sparklers… It all sounds like pure magic! And hey, it can be… If you follow a few simple rules…

1.) Go long, or go home!

Yep, size matters (uh-huh). The short sparklers are okay, I guess… But the first time I laid eyes on those extra-long sparklers, it was like love at first spark. No more panic, no more feeling like you’re in a race against time. The little guys burn out quicker than a firework on fast forward. Unless your crew can organize and light sparklers with the precision of a seasoned arsonist, you’ll end up with a bunch of sad, burnt-out sticks flailing in the air. Instead of cheers, you’ll hear the disappointed murmurs of your guests waving their prematurely extinguished sparklers.

2.) Light up the town!

When I say “a lot” of lighters, I mean a heck of a lot. Aim for at least 10. The biggest blunder I’ve witnessed with sparkler send-offs is when everyone’s scrambling for one or two lighters. Suddenly, smokers become unsung heroes, hailed for possessing the sacred gift of fire. Having a bunch of lighters turns the chaos into organized bedlam. Opt for the long-reach lighters – the ones you’d use for BBQs or fireplaces.

3.) Don’t be fashionably late to the sparkler party

I’ve had countless couples ask me about timing their day around the sparkler exit. My advice? Don’t sweat it. Consider a fake send-off. It might sound less romantic, but let’s call it an Encore Exit. You stage your send-off, and it’s brilliant for a myriad of reasons!

3a.) The crowd is still alive!

People tend to bail before the grand finale, especially if the reception stretches into the wee hours. The elders and parents with kiddos might be heading home well before midnight.

3b.) The tipsy factor is still manageable

Weddings and alcohol – a match made in celebration heaven. It’s a given that people will indulge. Better to have the send-off before the inebriation level turns playing with fire into a risky sport.

3c.) Run that sparkler gauntlet a few times

You’re not making a quick getaway. No disappearing into a car and peeling off into the night. This is all about getting killer pictures! Do it again and again if you fancy, especially if your sparklers are like Gandalf’s staff. This ensures you capture the perfect set of sparkler-lit memories without room for mishaps.

4.) Pucker up – strategically

Now, this might sound a bit goofy, but hear me out… Why not spice up those sparkler shots with strategic kisses? Smooch before you start your sparkler stroll, then halfway through, and why not seal the deal with another kiss at the end? Picture this: you, surrounded by sparklers, kissed by the sparks, and your guests creating a sparkling frame behind you. Pure wedding day magic!

Caroline Stiers is a Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer and a destination wedding photographer specializing in curating a joyful experience while delivering candid, romantic, emotional imagery with an editorial flare.