Including Sparklers in Your Event
As we gear up for summer events, people begin thinking of things they can add to make their event unique. One of those things is sparklers. Originally available only near the 4th of July, sparklers can now be purchased year round from numerous web sites. Children love them and brides and grooms are increasingly including them in their wedding reception, but sparklers can be dangerous. You are literally playing with fire.
If you decide to use sparklers at your event, first check with your venue to be certain they are allowed. Sparklers should be used outdoors only and not close to dry grass or any other substance that might burn. They can leave dark stains on concrete walkways and driveways, so, if possible, use them on grass, gravel or asphalt. If children will be playing with the sparklers, be sure they have adult supervision.
If you plan to use sparklers at a wedding, choose ones at least 14 inches long. If you use shorter ones, by the time the last sparkler is lit, the first ones will have burned out. If the bride and groom will walk through a tunnel of guests, be certain the tunnel is at least 6 feet or more wide and guests are standing about 3 feet apart. You don't want to risk catching the bride's veil on fire or burning a hole in her gown or someone's clothing from a flying spark.
Once guests are lined up, the wedding coordinator and perhaps a second person can begin lighting the sparklers. For safety, use a long handled butane lighter and light the tip of the sparkler, not the center or end. Never attempt to light more than one sparkler at a time. Lighting a bundle of them can cause a small explosion and someone could get burned. When lighting, hold the sparkler at a horizontal angle or with the tip pointed slightly downward. Be certain to have a bucket of water or sand nearby in which to place the used sparklers and never touch the wire rod while it is hot.
If you want to create a unique ending to your reception, but you are concerned about safety, you might give each guest a glow stick or a popper instead of a sparkler. Guests can form a tunnel for the departing couple and either wave their sticks or pull the poppers as the couple walks through. Your exit will be just as special, and much safer.
If you decide to use sparklers at your event, first check with your venue to be certain they are allowed. Sparklers should be used outdoors only and not close to dry grass or any other substance that might burn. They can leave dark stains on concrete walkways and driveways, so, if possible, use them on grass, gravel or asphalt. If children will be playing with the sparklers, be sure they have adult supervision.
If you plan to use sparklers at a wedding, choose ones at least 14 inches long. If you use shorter ones, by the time the last sparkler is lit, the first ones will have burned out. If the bride and groom will walk through a tunnel of guests, be certain the tunnel is at least 6 feet or more wide and guests are standing about 3 feet apart. You don't want to risk catching the bride's veil on fire or burning a hole in her gown or someone's clothing from a flying spark.
Once guests are lined up, the wedding coordinator and perhaps a second person can begin lighting the sparklers. For safety, use a long handled butane lighter and light the tip of the sparkler, not the center or end. Never attempt to light more than one sparkler at a time. Lighting a bundle of them can cause a small explosion and someone could get burned. When lighting, hold the sparkler at a horizontal angle or with the tip pointed slightly downward. Be certain to have a bucket of water or sand nearby in which to place the used sparklers and never touch the wire rod while it is hot.
If you want to create a unique ending to your reception, but you are concerned about safety, you might give each guest a glow stick or a popper instead of a sparkler. Guests can form a tunnel for the departing couple and either wave their sticks or pull the poppers as the couple walks through. Your exit will be just as special, and much safer.
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