Planning a sparkler exit is one of those little wedding details that feels simple at first… until you start looking at sizes. Suddenly there are choices everywhere, and you’re trying to figure out which ones burn long enough, which ones look best in photos, and which ones won’t feel rushed.

The size you pick affects everything from timing to photos to how relaxed the moment feels. So it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand your options.

Let’s walk through the three most common sizes, 10 inch sparklers, 20 inch sparklers, and 36 inch sparklers, and figure out which one fits your day.

Why Sparkler Size Matters More Than You’d Expect

Most couples think about the look first. They picture the warm glow, the long aisle of light, and those dreamy exit photos.

But size isn’t just about brightness. It decides how long your sparkler lasts and how smooth the exit feels.

Short sparklers burn out quickly. Long sparklers give you time to walk, smile, pause, and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed. Once you understand the difference, choosing a size feels much easier.

10-Inch Sparklers: Small and Best for Quick Moments

Burn Time

Around 30–40 seconds

Good For

• Kids

• Table setups

• Quick indoor or reception photos

10 inch sparklers look cute and are easy to hand out, but they don’t give you much time. By the time one side of your group gets theirs lit, the other half is already fizzing out.

For a full sparkler exit, this usually creates a rushed, slightly chaotic vibe. Your photographer also has a tight window to capture anything.

Where they do shine is in smaller, slower moments:

• Fun for kids holding sparklers with supervision

• Mixed into centerpieces

• Short sparkler photos on the dance floor

If you read wedding sparklers reviews, you’ll see a lot of people saying they wished they had sized up. That feedback almost always comes from couples who used the 10-inch option for their exit.

20-Inch Sparklers: The Most Popular for Sparkler Exits

Burn Time

About 1.5–2 minutes

Great For

• Most sparkler exits

• Guest lists of 60–150 people

• Moments where you want enough time to walk slowly

20 inch sparklers are the “just right” choice for most weddings. They give you plenty of burn time without feeling too big or hard to manage. Guests can line up, light theirs, and enjoy the moment while you walk through at your own pace.

They’re bright, light to hold, and beginner-friendly. They also look amazing in photos because the spark lasts long enough for your photographer to grab several angles.

Most of the sparkler exit photos you see on Pinterest or Instagram are taken with this size, not too short, not too long, just reliable and pretty.

36-Inch Sparklers: Big, Bold, and Perfect for Dramatic Exits

Burn Time

Around 3.5–4 minutes

Perfect For

• Large weddings

• Slow, romantic exits

• Couples who want time for multiple poses

• Wide, open outdoor spaces

36 inch sparklers are the show-stoppers. They’re long sparklers with huge visual impact and a beautiful glow. If you want to take your time or stop for a dip kiss, these give you plenty of room to breathe.

They work especially well when the guest line is long, because it takes time for everyone to light their sparkler. The extended burn time keeps the whole group sparkling even if it takes an extra minute.

A couple of notes:

• They take a little more space

• They’re heavier for small kids

• They cost more, but the effect is worth it if you want a big moment

Still, many couples say these are the pictures they frame and treasure the most.

Which Size Should You Choose?

Here’s the easiest way to decide:

Pick 10-Inch Sparklers If:

• You want them for décor

• Kids will be using them

• You’re not planning a full sparkler send-off

Pick 20-Inch Sparklers If:

• You want an easy, smooth sparkler exit

• You have a medium-sized guest list

• You want something lightweight and reliable

Pick 36-Inch Sparklers If:

• You want dramatic photos

• Your guest group is large

• You want time to walk slowly and pose

• You want long sparklers for maximum glow

Most couples end up choosing 20 or 36 inches because they offer the right mix of beauty and burn time.

How Many Sparklers Should You Order?

A simple rule:

For 20 or 36 inches:

One sparkler per guest is plenty.

For 10 inches:

Plan on two per guest since they burn out quickly.

For lighting, torch lighters or grill lighters work best. They help everyone light up fast so the whole line sparkles at the same time.

What Couples Say in Reviews

If you skim through wedding sparklers reviews, you’ll notice a trend. People usually rave about their 20-inch or 36-inch exits. The photos are brighter, the timing feels relaxed, and everyone enjoys the moment instead of panicking to light their sparkler before the flame disappears.

It’s exactly the kind of send-off couples hope for when they picture that last magical moment of the night.

Conclusion: Choose the Sparkler Size That Fits Your Vision

Wedding sparklers can turn your exit into a warm, glowing memory you’ll never forget. The right size helps everything run smoothly and creates photos you’ll love forever.

10 inches are fun for small moments.

20 inches are the most dependable for sparkler exits.

36 inches bring the drama and give you plenty of time to soak in the moment.

Think about your guest count, your space, and the style of photos you want. Then choose the sparkler that brings that vision to life.

If you’re still torn between sizes, feel free to reach out or drop a comment. I’m happy to help you pick the best option for your wedding.