For most couples, finding fun and inexpensive ways to enjoy their wedding is extremely important. Whether you to cram as much fun in as possible or have a tight budget, staying on the cheap is always an attractive option. As the US appears to be headed towards a recession, one of the most prominent options people are leaning into is sparklers for weddings. However, you need to make sure that you are stretching your money as far as possible and making the right purchase. To help, here are 12 tips for buying wedding sparklers before you crack open your wallet.
Most Important Tips for Buying Wedding Sparklers
To make the most informed decision possible, you really need to know all that factors at play. Below, I have broken down the 12 most important considerations to make. I’ve tried to give as much information as possible as each. Here’s what you need to know.
Have a Plan Ahead of Time
One of the most important steps to take before placing an order is to have a plan in place for how you want to use them. For instance, some people want to use them as a decoration in their table centerpieces. Conversely, some people have more active plans such as using them as a prop for their wedding exit. I always suggest looking at the different ways to use sparklers at a wedding before deciding anything about your purchase. That way, you can go into the transaction with your eyes completely open.
Check the Seller’s Reputation
With so many different places to buy items online, choosing the right retailer can be tricky. One of the most tried-and-true ways to avoid heartbreak is to check the seller’s reputation. Since most online marketplaces don’t allow the sale of sparklers, checking for legitimate reviews can be more difficult. However, I always refer to the sparkler company reviews on Wedding Wire since they are geared specifically towards brides. All the testimonials on the site are typically genuine, so you can rest assured that you’re buying from a reputable retailer.
Choose the Right Size Sparklers
Choosing the right size for your needs is one of the best tips for buying wedding sparklers that you’ll need. There are plenty of options from which to choose, but each size really sparkles in specific situations. For centerpieces, the 10 inch variety is probably all you really need. However, if you plan to take photos, bumping up to the 20 inch length is almost a requirement. Lastly, for wedding exits, opting for a length of 36 inches is ideal due to the extended performance time. By taking the time to look at the different types of sparklers available for weddings, you can ensure you are making the right choice.
Order the Proper Amount for Your Wedding
Once you’ve determined the size you prefer, you need to decide how many to order. For shorter versions, it’s best to have at least 2 for each guest to be safe. However, for longer versions, 1 per guest will usually suffice. As an example, imagine you are planning for an average wedding event for 200 guests. If you choose a shorter version, that would mean buying at least 400 sparklers. However, if you opt for a longer version, you could get away with around 200 of them. Buy understanding how many you need, you can ensure you place the proper sized order.
Brand and Quality Matters
No matter what type of item you are purchasing, there is a wide range of quality you can expect. Some people shop for the best prices, but I always urge to consider quality when determine the actual value of a given product. Sadly, some people don’t believe that sparkler brands matter in relation to quality at all. In fact, some think they are all the same but in different boxes. All too often, I hear reports of generic brands falling apart during the performance; and occasionally even causing injuries! One of the best tips for buying wedding sparklers I can urge is that triple-dipped brands are always the best choice for an event this important.
Only Choose Metal Wire Versions
If you’ve looked at the various options available for purchase before, you’ve probably seen both metal and wooden handled versions. Typically, the wooden handled ones are a bit less expensive, but they come with some major hang-ups. First off, the wood can become brittle and create unwanted ash, embers, and other debris during the performance. Additionally, the extra smoke they create can be extremely detrimental to your photos. Overall, if you have the option to buy metal versus wooden handle sparklers, always choose metal if you can spend a little extra.
Choose Your Accessories Carefully
For most couples, the presentation of their sparklers will be a major factor at their wedding. Nobody wants to have ugly items scattered across their reception tables, so you need to weigh your options ahead of time. Whether they are going to be placed in vases, jars, or buckets, you want to make those choices ahead of time to ensure a proper fit. Similarly, decorative touches like ribbons or tags can be added to dress them up even more. I always urge couples to look at the different sparkler accessories that are available before making any type of final decision. Weighing all your options is one of the best tips for buying wedding sparklers I can offer.
Always Choose a Smokeless Version
As I mentioned before, wooden handled versions can create unwanted smoke during their performance. However, not all metal handled versions are completely smoke free. In order to have a low-smoke experience, there are a few criteria that your sparklers need to meet. First off, they need to be made of metal. Additionally, they need to produce gold-colored sparkles since they don’t contain any color pigments. Lastly, you want to avoid any “special effect” versions that contain crackling sounds or whistles. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are getting smokeless sparklers for your wedding.
Use a Proper Torch Lighter
Another one of my favorite tips for buying wedding sparklers is to have a great ignition source planned. If you are just lighting a handful of them in your backyard, it isn’t such a big concern. In this type of setting, any of the brands of butane lighters will do the job just fine. However, wedding activities call for dozens of them being lit all at once. So, I suggest grabbing a few torches designed for sparklers to make the job easier. They will make very quick work of the task since the high temperatures will ignite the tips instantly. Moreover, they ignite instantly with the simple click of a button. When you weigh all the options, these specialty torches are by far your best choice.
Order Early and Observe the Proper Shipping Regulations
Another important thing you need to consider is your timeline for ordering. All too often, people wait until the very last minute and end up getting their sparklers too late. Even if your order arrives ahead of time, it’s nice to get some practice with them so you know what to expect at your event. With so many activities taking place in the days leading up to a wedding, having ample time is the smartest choice.
Additionally, you need to be wary of how you will be receiving your order. Some sketchy companies will offer overnight shipping, but that is simply not legal. The fact of the matter is that it is completely illegal to ship sparklers via air transportation. In order to guarantee shipping in 3 days or less, the company in question bust be doing something illegal. Though you likely won’t get in trouble, it could result in a delay in their arrival. In some cases, you may never get them at all and be out the money you spent. By choosing a reputable sparkler company, you can eliminate these potential issues.
Avoid Generic Sparklers that are Poorly Manufactured
I mentioned the importance of choosing a quality brand for your wedding. However, the other side of that coin is avoiding generic sparklers that are lackluster in quality. Sadly, most sparklers are poorly manufactured using the cheapest methods possible. Typically, these are only dipped once into the “magic compound” and packaged in paper-thin sleeves. These can be called knock-off or counterfeit wedding sparklers due to their misleading labeling. Again, one of the best tips for buying wedding sparklers is to choose a reputable and respectable brand.
Check and Follow All the Local Laws
Lastly, you simply must check with your local government agencies before consider to have sparklers at your wedding. Not only does each state have a unique set of rules, but laws can also vary at the county or city level. A few years ago, I received an email about a large fine given to a couple on their big day. When I asked, they said they never bother to check their state fireworks laws ahead of time. Fortunately, it wasn’t a huge fine; only $250. However, it should be a stark reminder of how important it is to do your due diligence when planning wedding activities.
Why Follow These Tips for Buying Wedding Sparklers?
Hopefully, you spent the time to read through each and every one of these tips. If you did, then you should be armed with all the knowledge you need to make a wise decision. It isn’t always easy making plans for a perfect wedding day activity; especially when some sparkler activities can be a bit complicated. However, if you follow these tips for buying wedding sparklers before you purchase them, the process will go very smoothly. If you have any other questions you need answered, please check out our ultimate guide to wedding sparklers for an even deeper understanding. Good luck and thanks for reading!
