The Exit
There are lots of different types of exits: streamers, bubbles, rice, confetti, -- I've even seen seeds and flower petals. But the sparkler exit is by far the most popular and also the most difficult wedding exit to execute.
It's a fire hazard and it's time sensitive. I've seen a lot of sparkler exits, and some have gone right and some have gone ... not so right. So here are somethings that will set you up for success.
- Get the right kind of sparklers! If you get the wrong kind - the short kind - they will burn too quickly and will be out before you are even down the aisle. I recommend 36 inch sparklers over the 12 inches because they burn for about 3 and a half minutes allowing for plenty of time for you to exit and get all the photos you want. Here's some you can get from amazon.
- Assign someone to be in charge of organizing the lines and lighting the sparklers! This is important if you want to make sure everyone knows what to do without you. That way you can enjoy the last few minutes of your wedding day.
- Have a bucket of water on hand and have people discard their sparklers after the exit. Super important for fire safety. Even if you are sure they are out please soak them in water before throwing away.
- Have people stand far enough apart and lift their sparklers enough that they don't burn you! Your photographer will be able to tell them if they are in shot or not.
- Start lighting from the furthest from the end and use at least 2 people for either side to go a quickly as possible.
- Take your time as you exit. Soak in the last few seconds of your wedding day. Stop at least a couple of times and kiss each other, you'll love the photo results.
- Say goodbye to and thank your parents! Make sure to place them at the end of your exit right by your car.
- Put someone in charge of your car keys! Have them place your car ready to go at the end of the aisle - so all you have to do is get in and go!
Bonus tip: Ask your venue if they include a sparkler exit with their booking! Sometimes they will have one of the employees be the person in charge of organizing the hand out of the sparklers.
