18 inch sparklers

18 inch sparklers burn for approximately 60 to 100 seconds depending on the specific product. This is roughly twice the burn time of a standard 10 inch sparkler, which burns for around 30 to 40 seconds. The longer burn time is the reason 18 inch sparklers are the most popular choice for wedding exits - all guests can chain-light and still be burning when the couple walks through the tunnel, with enough time remaining for the photographer to take multiple shots.

Buy one per guest, plus 10 to 20 percent extra to cover any that fail to light, guests who drop theirs or want a second one. For a wedding with 80 guests lining both sides of an exit path, you need at least 80 sparklers, and ideally 96 to 100. Buying slightly more than you need costs very little and avoids the disappointment of the last few guests being left without one for the moment.

Gold sparklers are strongly recommended for weddings. Gold produces a warm, classic shower of sparks that photographs beautifully in both natural and flash photography, creates significantly less smoke than coloured varieties and is more comfortable for guests standing close together. Coloured sparklers can produce vivid effects but the additional smoke they generate makes them less suitable for a tunnel exit where guests are standing in close proximity. For any occasion where photography matters, choose gold.

Use the chain-lighting method. Have one or two people with a portfire start at the front of each line and light the first sparkler on each side. Then guests touch the tip of their unlit sparkler to the burning end of the lit one beside them - the chain moves down the line in seconds. This is the only practical way to light 50 to 100 sparklers fast enough that the first guests are still burning when the last ones are lit. Never attempt to light large quantities individually from a lighter or match.

No. 18 inch outdoor sparklers must only be used outside. They produce heat, sparks and smoke that are not suitable for an enclosed space. For indoor celebrations - cake presentations, restaurant birthdays or indoor venue moments - our ice fountains are specifically designed for indoor use and produce cold sparks safely in enclosed spaces. Never use outdoor sparklers of any size indoors, regardless of how briefly.

Our minimum order for home delivery is £99 including VAT.

There is no minimum for click and collect from our retail outlets. Orders over £599 qualify for free fireworks - check our delivery information for full details.