While the exact origins are hard to trace, most people believe ancient Chinese civilizations around the 6th century AD were the first to begin creating and manufacturing fireworks. From them they quickly became popular in celebrations and events. Today, one of the most popular trends on the day a couple decides to tie the knot are wedding sparklers.
It’s unclear exactly when or where the idea of a wedding sparkler send off came about, but many believe it stemmed from the more traditional rice throwing send off. Tossing rice at the end of a wedding ceremony is meant to symbolize rain. Historically, rain was a sign of prosperity, fertility, and all-around good fortune because without it life would be much more of a struggle.
Some people believe that dried rice actually harms birds that come in and eat it after the ceremony is over. This could be one of the reasons alternative choices, like wedding sparklers, started to gain popularity. Those myths about the birds were just that it turns out, but the idea of using things like wedding sparklers has remained.
Soon-to-be newlyweds have three different sizes and burn times to choose from when it comes to wedding sparklers: The 10 and 20 inch sparklers last for two-and-a-half minutes, and the 36 inch sparklers will last for almost four minutes. Usually 20 or 36 inch sparklers are ideal for weddings. The benefit of long sparklers is that each guest only needs one sparkler, needs to only light it once, and there is a very long handle to hold.
Sparklers are inherently dangerous, so it might be a good idea to keep them in the hands of adults only. If you’re going to allow children to have them, or can’t seem to get people not to give them to them, make sure they’re under careful supervision.
If you decided a sparkler send-off is right for you, plan on having enough for at least 75% of the wedding guests. Typically that will mean about 102, as the average wedding today has 136 guests.
While their recent popularity might not make them the most unique addition to a wedding ceremony, sparklers have a growing history and can be an event many will never forget.