Sparkler Send Off- Do’s and Dont’s

Here at Keith Watson Events, more and more brides are requesting that the grand exit at their wedding be a sparkler send off with all of their guests. We love the amazing photos that come from it and embrace the unique idea, but here are a few tips on how to make this wedding trend go off without a hitch!

It is important for guests to know what time they should begin gathering for the sparkler send off and where. The DJ or emcee can definitely help by making an announcement when the time comes, but it’s a great idea to have a few signs displayed around the reception area so guests are made aware of the time this is occurring and to get them excited for it!

Packaging the sparklers in a personalized presentation is an easy way to store and display them for guests. Fill a galvanized tub or a wooden crate with these sparkler sets and have them set out in the area the sparkler send off will take place. It is a much more organized and hassle-free way to make sure every guest has a sparkler rather than just passing them out.

Another VERY important thing to remember if you are interested in having a sparkler send off is the size of the sparkler. Some brides make the mistake of purchasing sparklers that are too short in length. You want the sparkler to be as long as possible. The shorter the sparkler, the less time all of your guests have to get all of them lit at the same time.  This means the bride and groom have a shorter window to make their grand exit as well as a smaller amount of time to capture that amazing photo of the send off.

This process is very choreographed, so it also helps if you have several people in charge of directing all of your guests to begin lighting their sparklers. We recommend having multiple lighters stationed in different areas throughout the area where your guests are gathered. We also find that sparklers light better off of each other, so once one is lit, begin having guests light their sparklers off of the flames of already lit ones.

Brides – don’t forget to stop and kiss the groom for an amazing photo and memory! How cute are these couples? And what an incredible photo with the sparklers lighting the bride and groom!

Would you be interested in a sparkler send off at your wedding?

Wood Inspired Wedding Decor

A rustic, natural theme is continuing to grow in popularity for events and is something brides are coming to Keith Watson Events looking to achieve at their wedding. Many brides have chosen to have some portion of their wedding outside whether that be their ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, or the entire event! Either way, incorporating rustic decor is a beautiful idea that we have seen accomplished in so many unique ways.

Willow branches are a gorgeous way to add another natural element into any floral arrangement. For centerpieces at dining tables, they are absolutely lovely placed with tall arrangements to create height and really wow guests. We love this display designed in a clear vase to allow guests to see the branches submerged in the water. Adding votive candle light surrounding this display really makes this entire arrangement stunning as evening approaches.

Continuing with the wood decor accents,  wooden disks are an easy way to enhance a rustic theme at a wedding as well. Here at Keith Watson Events, we use this decor element often when designing rustic centerpieces. Whether using a few small wooden disks and placing mason jars, wine bottles, etc. on them or using one large wooden disk and placing a larger vase or bowl filled with flowers on it. Either arrangement can really play up that country feel brides are envisioning. We even love the idea of using a wooden disk as a cake stand! How creative!

Finally, here are a few more creative ways to use wood decor accents that we just love! One idea we found was to use a log and cut out openings to hold guest’s place card holders. Another fun idea was to make table numbers out of wood. Even having wine barrels as decor is a great rustic addition to your decor.

What do you think of these rustic, country decor ideas? What are some other ways you’ve seen brides pull off this trending theme?