Ah, marriage. That magical moment when two people say "I do," watched by their loved ones, surrounded by flowers, bubbles... and sometimes, a magnificent firework display bursting into the starry sky. You've thought about it, haven't you? That magical touch that makes eyes sparkle and heads look up.
But not all that glitters is cheap. And that's why you're here: how much do fireworks cost for a wedding? It's an excellent question, and rest assured, we're going to answer it clearly, in detail, and without fuss. We'll talk budget, but also options, tips, and mistakes to avoid. Get ready, it's going to sparkle!
Let's not beat around the bush: the price of fireworks for a wedding varies between €800 and €10,000 . Yes, the gap is wide, and no, this is not a joke.
It all depends on what you want: a short five-minute show or a grand finale worthy of the national holiday? Whether you go through a service provider or opt for a "do-it-yourself" formula (legally, we'll come back to that). And of course, the location of the wedding, the duration, the complexity of the show, the effects chosen, as well as the wedding dress , also influence the bill.
But to give you a realistic idea:
For a simple but nice fire lasting 5 to 7 minutes: expect to pay around €1,000 to €2,000 .
For a more elaborate show, lasting 10 minutes, with special effects: plan on €3,000 to €5,000 .
For an XXL show, it's an open bar: beyond €6,000 , there are no real limits... except those of your wallet.
Before you cry foul or reach for your checkbook, let's take a moment to understand exactly what you're paying for. Because a firework isn't just a box of colored explosives.
It sounds logical, but the longer it is, the more expensive it is. And be careful, we're talking minutes . A 7-minute fireworks display is already quite intense. And believe it or not, 5 well-paced minutes are better than 10 sluggish ones .
Popping meatballs? That's basic. Golden palm trees, hearts, waterfalls, synchronized music? Now we're getting more advanced. The more sophisticated the effects, the more expensive they are.
A musically choreographed firework display (yes, just like in the movies) is sublime, just like a winter wedding dress , but also more complex to put together. It requires equipment, software, testing... and all of that has to be paid for.
A fireworks expert isn't just a guy with a lighter. He must:
check the security of the site
obtain legal authorizations
install the hardware
draw fire
disassemble and clean behind
It's a serious job, and you don't want Uncle Gerard doing it "because he set off firecrackers on New Year's Eve."
There are several options for brightening up your wedding, and they don't all involve selling a kidney.
This is the most common, most secure… and most regulated option.
A certified pyrotechnician takes care of everything: preparation, security, coordination with the town hall, installation, firing... and it's the only legal way to fire large calibers. Plus, you benefit from their insurance (in case the sky decides to fall).
Price side:
Classic formula: from €1,200
Musical show: from €3,000
High-end show: €5,000 and more
Yes, they exist. Ready-made packs, like a satin wedding dress that you install yourself, are triggered instantly (with a fuse or remote control). They are often shorter (2 to 4 minutes) but very simple to use.
It's perfect for those on a budget or for those getting married in an area where it's difficult to hire a professional. But be careful: you still need to check the legality in your area and respect safe distances.
Budget to plan:
Small pack: from €200
Nice pack: between €400 and €700
Large automatic pack: up to €1,200
Does your venue not allow outdoor fires? Don't panic, there are alternatives:
Cold spark fountains (ideal during the first dance)
Synchronized light jets
LED special effects or light drones
It's not a "real" fireworks display, but the wow factor is there. And as a bonus: no weather stress.
It's not always the fire itself that's expensive. There are also the "extras," often overlooked when quoting, but very real once the contract is signed.
If your wedding is taking place in the middle of nowhere, you may need to plan for an extension to cover the service provider's miles.
Some municipalities require special permits (or even application fees) to light a bonfire. A professional can handle this, but it's sometimes charged extra.
Even a well-supervised fireworks display carries risks. Liability insurance is sometimes billed separately. Check this with your service provider.
Personalized music, the bride and groom's names in fire letters, synchronized with the cutting of the cake, a plus-size wedding dress adapted to your figure, or even fireworks "on the water" if you are near a body of water... Every detail counts, but every detail costs.
Good news: You can wow the crowd without breaking the bank. Here are some pro tips for saving without sacrificing magic.
Five minutes may seem short on paper, but in reality, it's more than enough if the pacing is well thought out. Better a dynamic fire than fifteen minutes of limp boom-boom.
The summer months are the most expensive. If you get married outside of peak season (May-August), you can negotiate better rates. The same goes for weekdays.
Are you getting married at a grand estate, perhaps in a magnificent backless wedding dress ? Check: sometimes other weddings are taking place at the same time. You could share the cost of a more impressive firework!
Some town halls love fireworks (they attract crowds), and can help you with permits, or even by lending you a suitable space.
Because a poorly prepared fireworks display can quickly turn into a nightmare (or a lawsuit), here are the classic mistakes to avoid.
If you forget this step, your beautiful show could be interrupted by the police. Not a great way to end the evening.
Setting a fire too close to a tree or barn? Bad idea. The standards are there for a reason, follow them (or let a pro handle it).
Yes, it's tempting to save money. But homemade fireworks can be dangerous, even illegal if you use Category 2 or higher products. Don't play with fire (literally).
Yes, a storm or strong wind can ruin your plans. Some professionals offer weather cancellation insurance. Think about it! Here's an interesting example to check out.
So, how much does a fireworks display cost for a wedding? Let's just say that starting from €1,000 , you can have a truly charming show. And for €3,000 and up , you're moving into another dimension.
Is it worth it? It all depends on you. If you're dreaming of this magical moment, want to end the evening on a high note, and your budget allows, go for it. It's an unforgettable memory, for you and your guests alike.
But if the budget is tight, know that there are alternatives (automatic lights, cold sparks, drones, etc.) that are just as spectacular and sometimes more original.
The trick is to choose what suits you, and not blow the budget to make the sky explode.