There are a lot of folks out there wondering if wedding sparklers are safe to use at their upcoming event; and it’s completely understandable. Weddings are very intimate affairs, and the idea of cramming hundreds of sparklers into a crowded area can seem like a terrible idea. However, they are actually quite safe to use if you follow some basic safety guidelines. Furthermore, there are some key tips to make sure you creating the safest environment possible for your guests. Here’s everything you need to know to have an incident free celebration.

Image of an Indoor Venue Setup for Wedding SparklersChoose the Right Space

By far the most important factor when keeping wedding sparklers safe is to choose the right location for your activity. Common sense tells us that an outdoor wedding space is the best option. However, there are things to consider such as trees, shrubs, and structures. Anything flammable can present a risk, so you want to make sure you have plenty of space. You don’t want to accidentally light a pile of dry leaves on fire!

Choose the Right Sparklers

Picking out the correct product for your needs is also extremely important. Certain types work better for weddings than others. For instance, if you are using them indoors, you want to choose smokeless sparklers for your activity. Conversely, you have more options if you plan to use them outdoors. Color versions or items made with wooden handles smoke too much for indoor use. However, when you are doing your activity outdoors, you won’t need to be concerned by the amount of smoke generated. Overall, just make sure to get ones that are designed for your needs to have a safe and happy experience.

Lighting and Disposal Techniques

The two most crucial times for safety is when you are lighting or disposing of your used sparklers. Matches, lighters, and torches can quickly become a much bigger hazard than expected, so caution must be used. Consider delegating someone to go around and get everyone lit. Your lighting devices should never be left unattended as an additional precaution.

Disposal is serious business too; especially making sure they are all the way extinguished! Most sparkler accidents and injuries happen from carelessness after the product is no longer performing. Your best bet is to have a bucket of water or sand nearby so your guests can toss them in there. Proper disposal is a vital step to keeping wedding sparklers safe to use.

Educate Your Guests

Education is one of the easiest ways to make using wedding sparklers safer. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most effective is a loudspeaker announcement. You can have your DJ or another delegate talk about safety before your planned activity. As a bonus, it is also a great time to explain what you will be doing and how. You’ll be amazed at how much simpler coordinating your guests can be with a little education.

Image of an Adult Lighting a SparklerAdults Only

No matter how responsible a child may seem, a wedding is not the right place to test that theory. I strongly urge you to keep the sparklers away from kids during your celebration. First off, most activities will be geared towards adults. Second, adults follow instructions much better than children. It’s ultimately up to you, but my advice is to stick to the older crowd.

Best Practices to Keep Wedding Sparklers Safe

Of course, the best way to keep wedding sparklers safe is to follow the basic safety guidelines. These are general in nature and encompass more than just weddings, but they hit on every major sticking point. Here’s a quick breakdown, and you can read our full list sparkler safety rules here.

  1. Always follow your local and state laws, and use good judgment.
  2. An adult must always be present to supervise use.
  3. Read and follow the instructions on the product packaging very carefully.
  4. Clothing and other flammable objects should be kept away from sparklers.
  5. Only use them outdoors, and keep away from buildings, trees, and vehicles.
  6. Never attempt to light more than one item at a time.
  7. Never use fireworks of any type while intoxicated. Alcohol and sparklers do not mix.
  8. Sparklers are not toys; never throw them or approach another person with one.
  9. Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers directly. Children under age 16 should have very close supervision.
  10. When finished, place them in a bucket of sand or water to ensure they are fully extinguished.

Overall, using wedding sparklers safely is a matter of preparation, common sense, and choosing the right product. By making sure you educate your guests and only allow adults to participate, you eliminate most of the risk. Remember, most incidents occur during the sparkler lighting process or disposal; so pay close attention to those factors. However, when planned out properly, sparklers in general are very safe and can be enjoyed at weddings or other celebrations without fear. Good luck and I hope you have the wedding of your dreams!