Sparklers 101

We've done the sparkler send-off more times than we can count - they're a festive end to the evening and make for great photos.

Here are the tips we've learned over the years.

1. Sparklers light better from flame then from matches. We usually set out a few lit candles for people to light from. You can also easily light sparklers from another sparkler - so people can "pass the flame"

2. Always have buckets of water or sand for people to extinguish their sparklers or place them once they're spent. It will make clean-up much easier.

3. We use the 2 minute sparklers and find they work the best. It's long enough for the photo-op but not too long where people are left holding them.

4. Sparklers are smelly and can only be used outside. Check with your venue and make sure they're legal in your state.

image from Arthur Remanjon