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Ohhh Ahhh Wedding Pyrotechnics

Who doesn't love a spectacular fireworks display? Romantic and fun this can be a great way to end a beautiful wedding day and may not be as out of reach as you think.  Before you get too excited about this special effect option, make sure to educate yourself then follow the steps to see if it is feasible.

Autumn & Drew - Pamela Luedeke Photography

• Make sure you have the space to accommodate for setup and safety. You'll need a wide open area with at least 150' in all directions, away from people, occupied buildings, and parking lots.

• Consider the cost.  The length of time is one measurement of cost while the other factor is quantity of fireworks for the duration.  A 30 minute fireworks display with delays between sets is not as exciting as fireworks that are boom, boom, boom . . . pardon the pun :) Although lower budgets can be accommodated, a quality 10 minute presentation will cost about $3000.

• Hire a company who knows what they're doing.  Fireworks are explosives (duh!) and can be extremely dangerous to handle.

• You'll need a permit.  This is typically obtained through your local governing body. The production company will be able to navigate you through the permiting process, but the responsibility is yours. Allow a minimum of 30 days for this process, but longer is better.

• Although is seems like fireworks are frequently cancelled due to weather, in reality, rain and light snow are fine; high winds or dry conditions are not.

• It may be necessary for you to hire security and fire protection services.  If this is a condition of your permit, make sure you fully understand the additional costs that will be incurred for these services.

Besides the standard fireworks display, you may also wish to consider gerbs.  Shown at left, these are typically used to create dramatic exits for the bride and groom, but are sometimes used in fewer numbers on the dance floor as well.

Sparklers, shown in the top image, are a way to add pyrotechnics without requiring a permit.  However, as with each of these options, you need have them approved by your venue.

Have you seen Disney's latest princess movie, Tangled?  Remember the glowing lanterns that were released each year into the sky?  Well, those are a real product called Sky Lanterns! Made of rice paper and bamboo, they are fully biodegradable and can be seen for miles.  They also are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. They symbolize prayers being raised to heaven  . . . what a wonderful way to begin your marriage!

Contact your wedding planner for assistance in coordinating spectacular displays such as those listed.

Happy Fourth of July!