Fireworks at Your Wedding: Expert Advice
Sonic Fireworks has been creating magical moments at weddings for over 25 years. Drawing from our extensive experience, here are some of our top tips to ensure your wedding fireworks display is a spectacular success.
Start with the Venue
Before getting too excited about fireworks, it’s essential to discuss your plans with your wedding venue. Not all venues allow fireworks, and those that do might have restrictions on noise levels and firing times. Engage in this conversation early to avoid disappointment. If the venue is unsure, they might need professional advice from us. We’ve compiled a list of many venues we’ve worked with over the years—check out our Venue Finder for more details.
Timing is Everything
Know the Legal Limits
Fireworks displays must conclude by 11 pm by law. During the summer months (June-July), it may still be twilight at this time, impacting the visual effect. Some venues might impose an earlier cut-off time, such as 10 pm, to keep the neighbours happy. While fireworks can still look beautiful in lighter skies, the experience differs from a fully dark backdrop.
Plan around your Guests
Avoid scheduling your fireworks too late in the evening. Guests might start leaving before the display, especially if it’s meant to be a surprise. A great time to schedule the fireworks is during an evening entertainment break. This allows venue staff to reset the room or set up a buffet while guests enjoy the show. It also provides a memorable end for families with children, while night owls can continue the festivities afterward.
The Element of Surprise
Surprise fireworks can be thrilling, but also tricky to manage. Inform us from the start if you’re planning a surprise to ensure we don’t accidentally ruin it by contacting the wrong person. We recommend explaining about the surprise earlier in the day to avoid any unintended revelations during setup, especially if the firing site is in plain view. We have a dedicated blog post about Surprise Displays.
Special Dates and Availability
Busy Seasons
If your wedding falls around Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve, remember that professional companies are in high demand for public events. However, we might be able to accommodate you by scheduling a private display before or after a major event. Early communication is crucial to explore these options.
Extended Curfew
Note that the usual curfew extends to midnight on November 5th and 1 am on New Year’s Eve, offering more flexibility for your display.
Enhance with Music and Extras
Pyro-musical Displays
We specialize in pyro-musical fireworks displays, where fireworks are choreographed to music, creating an unforgettable experience. Choose music with dynamic changes and crescendos for the best synchronization with the fireworks.
Wedding extras
Get extra oohs and aarhs with a personalised lancework, showing your initials, or watch large red hearts burst high in the sky.
Capture the Magic
Photographer and Videographer Tips
Inform your photographer or videographer about the fireworks. We can guide them to the best spots to capture stunning shots. Don’t forget to have someone film audience reactions—it makes for cherished memories.
Smokes, Sparkles, and Flares
We provide a range of smokes, sparklers, and flares ideal for dramatic photographs. Sparklers add fun for guests during the fireworks show and are available in our fireworks shop.
Working with Your Venue
Respecting Venue Restrictions
Venues may have restrictions on the type of fireworks display fired and a venue specific curfew, due to their local neighbourhood. We offer a popular solution called Whisper Displays—reduced height and noise fireworks perfect for sensitive locations. These displays are particularly impressive when set to music.
Home Weddings
For weddings at home, fireworks might need to be set off from a nearby field, unless you have a large garden or estate. Ensure you have the landowner’s permission and inform local farmers and neighbours about your plans—they might even host their own viewing party!
Communication is Key
Letting local farmers and livestock owners know about your fireworks display and the firing time is crucial. Remember to finish before the 11 pm cut-off, you can have a dazzling display at home any day of the year.
Create Magical Memories
Fireworks add that extra sparkle to your wedding day, creating lasting memories for you and your guests. While not every wedding includes fireworks, those that do leave a lasting impression, becoming a highlight that friends and family will talk about for years to come!
