20-Inch vs. 36-Inch Wedding Sparklers: Which Size Is Best for Your Wedding?
You'd be surprised how much drama can come from picking a stick that you literally plan to set on fire.
If you're planning a wedding sparkler send-off, one of the biggest questions is: Should I buy 20-inch or 36-inch wedding sparklers?
The answer depends on your guest count, the kind of photos you want, and how much time you need to get everyone lined up before Aunt Linda wanders off with a lit sparkler.
Here's how to choose.
20-Inch Wedding Sparklers
Twenty-inch wedding sparklers are a great option for smaller weddings, shorter send-offs, and couples who want plenty of sparkle without needing an extra-long burn time.
They're easier to handle than larger sparklers and work especially well when your guests are already organized and ready before they're lit.
20-inch sparklers may be right for you if:
You're having a smaller wedding.
Your photographer has everyone positioned ahead of time.
You want a quick sparkler exit or photo opportunity.
You don't need several minutes to get the entire crowd lit and ready.
They're also a good choice when your venue has limited space for the send-off.
36-Inch Wedding Sparklers
For larger weddings, 36-inch wedding sparklers are usually our favorite choice.
Why?
More time.
When you've got 75, 100, 150—or more—guests participating, getting everyone's sparklers lit at approximately the same time can take longer than you'd think.
Longer-lasting sparklers give your photographer more time to capture the moment and give you the chance to walk through your sparkler tunnel without feeling like you're competing in an Olympic sprint.
Nobody wants:
“READY! GO! THEY'RE BURNING OUT! RUN, BRIDE, RUN!”
That's not quite the romantic wedding exit you had in mind.
Which Sparklers Are Best for Wedding Photos?
If those gorgeous sparkler-exit photos are high on your priority list, we'd lean toward 36-inch wedding sparklers, especially with a larger guest list.
The additional burn time gives your photographer more opportunities to adjust positioning, exposure, and timing while your guests keep sparkling.
And here's a little secret:
You don't necessarily have to walk through only once.
If there's enough burn time remaining, your photographer may be able to send you through again to get another shot.
Because if you spent that much money on the dress, somebody better get the damn picture.
How Many Wedding Sparklers Do You Need?
For a traditional sparkler send-off, plan on at least one sparkler per participating guest.
But ordering extras is smart.
Some guests may accidentally light theirs early, a few may not light properly on the first attempt, and your photographer or wedding coordinator may want extras available.
If you're planning special sparkler photos in addition to the send-off, you'll want additional sparklers for those too.
Don't Forget to Ask Your Venue
Before ordering wedding sparklers, check with your venue.
Ask whether sparklers are permitted, where they can be used, and whether the venue has specific safety or cleanup requirements.
Outdoor use is typically the easiest option, but every venue has its own rules.
Finding that out before the wedding is much better than standing there in your dress holding 100 sparklers while somebody from the venue says, “Absolutely not.”
So...20-Inch or 36-Inch?
Here's the simple version:
Smaller wedding + quick send-off = 20-inch sparklers.
Larger wedding + more setup time + maximum photo opportunities = 36-inch sparklers.
There's no single perfect size for every wedding. The best wedding sparkler is the one that gives you enough time to create the send-off you're picturing without turning the last 90 seconds of your reception into complete chaos.
And at Ready Set Sparkle, we're pretty big fans of sparkle without the chaos.
Ready. Set. Sparkle. ✨
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