Fireworks at your Wedding – Advice
Sonic Fireworks has fired displays for many hundreds of Weddings over the past 20 years. Here are some of our top tips for fireworks at your Wedding.
Talk to the Venue first
Most venues do not allow fireworks and, those that do might have some restrictions on noise level and firing time. Sometimes the Venue may be uncertain about having them and will need some professional advice. Talk to them early on in your planning to avoid any disappointment. We have curated a list of some favourite venues we’ve worked at over the years see, our Venue Finder online.
Firing Time
Your fireworks display must end by 11 pm – it’s the Law. Around the Summer equinox (June – July), it will only be twilight at this time. The weather conditions and the aspect of the display will make a difference in how dark it is.
Some venues may put an earlier deadline such as 10 pm to appease neighbours. During June and July, the sky will be light. The fireworks will still look good but will look different than they would in a dark sky.
Don’t leave the firing time too late because guests may leave the Wedding before the display starts, especially if the fireworks are a surprise. The perfect time is during the evening entertainment break. It will allow the venue staff to reset the room or bring out a buffet while everyone is outside watching the fireworks. It also allows those with children to end their evening in style while the hardened party-goers can go back in for the late session.
Surprise Fireworks
More than anything else, surprise fireworks tend to cause us grief! Mainly because people forget to tell us and sometimes because it is impossible to be incognito at the Venue.
Tell us right from the get-go if you are planning a surprise and for who. We can then ensure we don’t spoil the surprise by sending an email or phone call to the wrong person.
We recommend that you tell the person early-on on the Wedding day that you have a surprise fireworks display. Then if they or guests see us setting up the fireworks, they won’t have the surprise spoilt. At some venues, our firing site is in full view of the guests all day.
Please note that it is now our policy for staff to be in uniform whenever they are working so that the Venue, farmers and authorities know who we are and what we are doing.
Bonfire Night & New Year’s Eve
If your Wedding is on or near Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve, you will likely be thinking of fireworks. However, most firework companies are busy at this time of year doing fundraisers’ and public events.
There might be an option of booking a crew for a follow-on gig. A booked fireworks crew for a big public show can sometimes do a small private display before or after the main show. Bonfire Night displays are usually around 7 pm a later, private booking could happen for 11 pm. Likewise, New Year’s Eve displays are at midnight an earlier private booking could happen at 7 pm. All of this depends on the logistics our best advice is to speak to us early.
(The firework curfew is lifted to Midnight for November 5th and 1 am on New Year’s Eve.)
Music makes the difference
We specialise in pyromusical fireworks displays and, they do elevate the experience to another level. When choosing the music, think about how appropriate it might be for fireworks. Rhythm changes and crescendos in the track are ideal for synchronising the fireworks too.
Capture the moment
Tell your photographer or videographer about the fireworks. We are always happy to advise them about where the fireworks will appear and how to get the best shots. Also, ask someone to film the audience reactions while watching the display makes for a good memory!
We work with the Venue as well as for you
Please be aware that the Venue has neighbours and a local reputation to maintain so that if they restrict the display style or firing time, they are doing so for a good reason.
Sonic Fireworks offers a style of display called Whisper Displays that are gaining popularity. These displays are reduced height and noise fireworks for sensitive venues. We spend a great deal of time and effort to ensure we can create spectacular displays with these fireworks. They are even better when set to music.
Smokes, Sparkles and Flares
We have a wide range of Smokes, Sparklers and Flares that are ideal for dramatic photographs. Sparklers are great fun for the guests to wave when watching the fireworks. These items are available from our shop.
Home Weddings
Weddings at home with a marquee in the garden, the fireworks will probably need to be in a local farmers field unless you have a large garden or estate. We will need the landowner’s permission to work.
We strongly advise letting the local farmers and livestock owners know about your fireworks display and what time it’s firing. Let the neighbours know (they might organise a party to watch the fireworks!)
As long as we have the landowner’s permission, we fire before 11 pm – then nothing is stopping you from having fireworks.
Magical Memories
We describe fireworks as the cherry on top of the icing, on top of the cake! In other words, very few Weddings have them. However, those that do have fireworks will create something that your family and friends will be talking about for years!
