Many couples out there wonder “what are wedding sparklers?” when they start looking for fun activities for their event. Typically, sparklers are made from a certain length of mild steel wire or a bamboo stick. The most common lengths for these products are 8″, 10″, 14″, 20″ and 30″ long. To make steel wire sparklers, such as the ones we sell here; the wire is coated in a pyrotechnic composition that coats the wire for approximately 2/3 of its length.
High quality steel wire sparklers will have an even distribution of this pyrotechnic compound, free of irregularities, cracks and bumps. Both the wire and the pyrotechnic composition should be completely free of rust and corrosion. It is a sign that the sparklers have been wet or improperly stored in damp conditions. Rusty or corroded sparklers will likely burn unevenly, if at all, and should be discarded to prevent injury.
What are Some Versions Made from Bamboo?
In recent years, many of the Chinese fireworks and sparkler manufacturers have tried to introduce sparklers made with a bamboo splint or stick. Rather than metal wire as the core, a small piece of bamboo has been used instead. Typically, they are dyed a bright color such as yellow, red, or blue. Bamboo stick sparklers should be used with caution and are best avoided. Unfortunately, they smolder and create smoke; so don’t choose them if a steel stick variety is available! One problem with bamboo stick sparklers is that as they burn, the bamboo stick and fibers become charred. As a result, they shed small embers and ash pieces as the lit sparkler is waved about in the air. Bamboo stick sparklers should only be used with care, and are not the best choice when choosing wedding sparklers.
What are Gold Wedding Sparklers?
Most commonly, people are familiar with standard gold sparklers. Typically, this is the only color available, especially in the longer varieties of wedding sparklers. However, shorter sparklers that have less than 5 grams of pyrotechnic compound can be found in several colors. They include red, blue, silver, yellow, and green. Many of these shorter sparklers, typically ten inches in length or less, will also include additional visual and audible effects. These include crackling, whistling, and multiple color-changing effects.
These various-colored items do not burn with the typical and familiar “branching halo” of sparks that is often seen with the original type of sparklers. Instead they feature a much more centralized and smaller orb of colored flame. They are surrounded by a choppier and much more sporadic show of silvery-gold sparks. Also, the colors are rarely very vivid, often appearing washed-out (especially blue sparklers).
What are the Ones with Special Effects?
The latest effects are gaining much interest. Whistling sparklers are a popular variation that the Chinese have released in the past few years. They consist of a standard version that emits a powerful whistling sound as it burns. Yet another optional effect is the crackling version. It produces a series of loud popping, snapping, and crackling sounds in addition to the normal display of sparks. Crackling sparklers are also typically standard gold in color. They also make for great photo opportunities!
For weddings, many people inquire about the availability of silver sparklers; typically since they fit into wedding decor much easier than gold. Unfortunately, silver wedding sparklers are no longer manufactured or sold in the United States. They require chemicals that are not allowed under the current federal regulations.
So, if you’ve been wondering what they are, hopefully this overview has been helpful. Our products can be used for a variety of things. Check out our guide to using sparklers for your wedding exit to get a better idea of what is possible. From everyone at here, we hope you have a sparkling success at your celebration!
