Bubble Exit vs Sparkler Exit: Which Wedding Send-Off Should You Choose?

Quick Answer: Bubble exits work best before dark, ideally just before golden hour portraits. Use bubble machines (not just wands) to fill the air, and consider a “faux exit” so guests can cheer without missing the fun. Good lighting and timing make all the difference for photos. Sparklers shine at night if you use long sparklers, skip flash, and give guests a clear plan.

Quick Comparison: Bubble vs Sparkler Exit

Feature	Bubble Exit	Sparkler Exit
Best Time	Before golden hour or post-ceremony	After the last dance, after dark
Lighting Needs	Natural sunlight or light backlighting	No flash — ambient or natural lighting only
Guest Safety	Very safe for all ages	Requires fire safety and spacing
Setup Tips	Use bubble machines + backlight	Use long sparklers + a lighting plan
Energy	Playful and light	Dramatic and bold

What You Need to Know First

Bubble and sparkler exits are both popular for a reason. They’re interactive, photogenic, and give your guests a way to celebrate with you. But they’re not interchangeable. The biggest differences come down to lighting, timing, guest coordination, and photo setup.

I’ve photographed over 150 weddings, had a bubble exit at my own, and have seen both types done well – and not so well. The key is matching the exit to your day and giving it a little structure so it flows smoothly and looks great in photos.

Best Times to Do Each Exit

Bubble Exit Timing Tips

• Right after the ceremony
• Before golden hour portraits
• Right before dancing starts

Best tip: Do a faux exit. Guests cheer, you get your moment, and then slip into portraits while the energy is high.

Sparkler Exit Timing Tips

• After the last dance
• Before too many guests leave
• When it’s dark enough for the spark glow to show

Lighting matters: I don’t use flash for sparkler exits. It ruins the effect. I rely on ambient or natural light so the sparkler trails show properly.

Exit Tips That Actually Matter

Bubble Exit Photography Tips

• Use bubble machines – they produce far more bubbles
• Wands are fine for aesthetics but not for volume
• Backlight the bubbles using sunlight or soft flash if needed
• Walk slowly through a tunnel of spaced-out guests

Real Example: At Caysin and Matthew’s wedding, we timed the bubble exit just before golden hour portraits. The light was soft, guests were excited, and the energy carried right into portraits without delay.

Don’t forget before your bubble exit:

• Test bubble machines in advance
• Space guests into a clear tunnel shape
• Talk to your photographer about lighting
• Keep the walk slow and natural

How to Photograph a Sparkler Exit Without Flash

• Use 36-inch sparklers – smaller ones burn out too fast
• Walk slowly so I can time the shots well
• Ask guests to hold sparklers still and high
• Use grill lighters or torches for fast lighting
• Have a water or sand bucket ready for safe disposal

What I’ve seen: The best sparkler exits are planned. The worst ones use short sparklers, start late, or rush the couple. When the lighting and flow are right, it’s one of the most natural, cinematic moments of the night.

Don’t forget before your sparkler exit:

• Confirm with your venue that sparklers are allowed
• Have a clear lighting plan — no flash
• Ask a few friends or vendors to help coordinate
• Space guests out and give them clear instructions

FAQ

Can we do both a bubble and a sparkler exit?

You can technically do both if your timeline allows, but most couples choose one or the other depending on lighting, timing, and the flow of the night.

What if we want sunset portraits and a bubble exit?

A faux bubble exit right before golden hour portraits works perfectly. Guests are involved, and you get dreamy light.

Are bubble exits safe for nighttime weddings?

They can work, but only with proper lighting. Without sun or flash backlighting, bubbles won’t show up well in photos. Daylight is best.

How do you light a sparkler exit without using flash?

Use soft ambient lighting or continuous light sources nearby. I avoid flash entirely so the spark trails stay visible and warm-looking in photos.

What ruins these exits in photos?

• Bubble exits: Doing it at night, no machines, poor lighting
• Sparkler exits: Short sparklers, no spacing, bright flash, rushing

Final Thoughts

Both exits can be beautiful, it just depends on your timing, lighting, and what kind of vibe you want. If you want something playful and easy to pull off, bubbles are the way to go. If you’re aiming for a more cinematic night moment, sparklers deliver when planned right.

I’ve seen them both done right, and I’m happy to help you time and plan whichever one fits your day best.

Thinking about adding a send-off to your wedding timeline?
Reach out and let’s talk about making it photo-ready.