Tech

Lighting It Up: How to Plan and Design a Firework Display

Crawford Miller

Are you considering putting on a firework display for your upcoming wedding reception or annual 4th of July BBQ?

Bang! Zoom! Swoosh!

Oooooh. Ahhhhhh.

Those are some of the noises you can expect when you put on a dazzling firework display for friends and family. You can put on a beautiful yet quiet show full of fountains, Catherine wheels, and sparklers, or a loud and proud showcase with rockets and firecrackers. But how do you choose which is the right direction for your event?

Read on for all the essentials on putting on a fireworks extravaganza for your lucky guests.

Learn About Types of Fireworks

Thankfully, you can legally purchase and let off fireworks in some form or another in most American states. So the most important thing you need to consider when incorporating fireworks into your event planning is what kind of display you want.

If you want to make a statement, choose Catherine wheels, fountains, and rockets. Select firecrackers, whistlers, and bottle rockets to celebrate with a bang. Then there are all the fun fireworks for big and small kids: sparklers, smoke bombs, paratroopers, jumping jacks, and snakes.

Go here to see all of these fireworks and more online.

Know Which Fireworks Are Illegal

Now that we’ve gone over the types of fireworks you can use, we must chat about the illegal fireworks in the United States. After all, your luxury party won’t be so fancy if the police show up on your doorstep!

In America, illegal fireworks are regulated by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).

In most cases, fireworks are banned for consumer purchase due to having too much gunpowder. The limit is set at more than 50 milligrams. Legal fireworks must also have a fuse that burns for between three and nine seconds.

What Events Are Fireworks Appropriate For?

The vast array of firework design options makes fireworks suitable for almost any celebration. These could include:

  • Wedding receptions
  • Gender reveals
  • Corporate events
  • Birthday parties
  • BBQs
  • Political rallies
  • Sports events

You can also use fireworks to celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and Lunar New Year.

Whatever event you want to use fireworks for, make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules around fireworks of the venue you hire or the neighborhood you live in before purchasing anything.

Educate Yourself on Firework Safety

Buying fireworks is just the first step in planning a booming fireworks display. Whether planning a big or small event, you need to understand firework safety. Ensure all pets are securely locked inside your home and don’t let small children handle live fireworks outside supervised sparklers.

Other precautions include not standing over fireworks when lighting them, keeping a bucket of water or hose nearby, and dousing completed fireworks in water before handling them.

A Firework Display to Remember

If you’re putting on a firework display, it’s essential to plan out your firework selection and the order you plan to let them off. From full-of-fun paratroopers to beautiful and silent fountains, there is a type of firework to inspire awe in even the most ba-humbug family members. Just be sure to brush up on your fire safety before lighting the fuse.

For more top tips on planning a party, browse the other articles on our website today.