How Much Do Wedding Fireworks Cost?

If you envision your wedding day ending in a blast, nothing lights up the night sky like fireworks. Fireworks are colorful and exciting and they provide an awe-inspiring “wow” factor for your guests not to soon forget.

Often set off between dinner and dancing, fireworks let the champagne-flowing crowd know that the serious partying is finally beginning. “It’s a great transition into the fun part of the evening,” says event planner Caroline Eddins.

Considering whether to incorporate fireworks into your celebration? Here is what you need to know — from legal issues to cost to creative options.

What Kinds of Venues Are Ideal?

The best place to view fireworks, Eddins says, is around a body of water (such as a lake, river, or coast) where the fireworks can be shot from a barge. Besides adding a safety factor, the reflectivity of the water makes for a great-looking feature.

No access to water? And let's not forget big open areas such as golf courses or countryside sites. The trick is having enough unobstructed terrain to present a safe and stunning spectacle.

Can I Legally Have Fireworks at My Wedding Venue?

Before you even begin planning, make sure your venue allows fireworks. Even if they do, they may already have a list of proven vendors who are familiar with local regulations. These vendors take care of permits, paperwork and coordination with safety officers.

Hosting a wedding on private property? You will have to bend your own knees a little. Begin your search online with “[your county] fireworks laws [state],” and rely on official city or county government websites for the best information. And if all other household fireworks are legal where you live, professional-style displays might also be.

Yet professional oversight is just as necessary. Forget the DIY and hire licensed pyrotechnic professionals — they’ll keep you legal, safe and spectacular.

What Time Is Best to Shoot Off Fireworks?

Fireworks are under curfew in many areas. In parts of Pennsylvania, for example, the most you can do is light them this late: 10 P.M. — with some exceptions on holidays.

“Even in places with less restriction, I would still recommend maybe not going to the absolute end of the evening,” Eddins says. “Hour and a half to two hours before the end is perfect,” she says. “That’s the time when guests need a second wind between the dinner and the dancing. Fireworks fit the gap just right.”

How Long Should the Show Be?

Short and sweet is best. “Three to five minutes is your magic window,” Eddins says. “We put on a 12-minute show once, and it felt like it went for all day.”

What’s the Price Tag?

Despite what you might think, fireworks don’t have to be a rich-person wedding luxury. A standard three- to five-minute show runs between $2,500 and $3,000, although intricate displays can exceed $5,000.

Planning to project on water? Don’t forget the extra cost for barge or boat rental, which is typically charged separately.

Which Seasons Are Best?

Fireworks are a dream any time of year. They’re especially popular for summer and winter weddings — especially around holidays such as Independence Day or New Year’s Eve. Spring is also an option, though you’ll need to take potential rainstorms into consideration with the calls you make.

What If It Rains?

A gentle rain typically isn’t a problem, but no one wants to play in thunderstorms or high winds that can lead to a cancellation. Rain can cause fuses not to light and debris to become dangerous, while hot weather increases the risk of fire.

If you don’t have a rain cancellation clause in your contract, you might be responsible for the entire fee. One workaround? See if another couple at your same venue is interested in taking over your fireworks booking for a new date, if your venue and fireworks vendor agree.

Are There More Affordable Options?

Yes! Indoor venues, or budget constraints, may call for cold spark fountains, a hot trend. These non faint effects propel a controllable stream of sparks into the air, perfect for entrances or cake cutting. Rentals generally cost around $250 a pair.

For an outdoor send-off, you can always go with the classic sparkler. If you prefer, guests will form a line and wave sparklers from your hand as you leave, which makes for unforgettable photo opportunities. A bulk box of sparklers may cost less than $150.

Fireworks can make a wonderful exclamation point to your wedding celebration — if, and only if, you plan ahead and put safety first. And whether you bring the full wow or decide on just a little sparkle, the result is likely to turn a few heads.