Having fireworks at your wedding? Excellent choice, as fireworks are the perfect way to top off an amazing day. If you’re in the middle of wedding planning chaos though, you’re going to need to get up to speed fast if you want to plan an epic display.

To help, here are the 10 things you absolutely must know if you’re planning wedding fireworks:

1. You need a venue that allows fireworks

Before you do anything else, check with your wedding venue that they allow fireworks. Not all do, or some may place restrictions on their use (more on this below).

2. Your site needs to be the right dimensions

If you’re planning on setting off fireworks, you need a display site that is large enough to keep a safe distance between spectators and the ‘firing zone’. A site that is 50m x 25m should be adequate, keeping your guests around 50-75m away from the fireworks. Don’t forget to look up, as some fireworks can reach heights of 100m – so you don’t want any overhead power cables or trees in the way!

3. It’s against the law to set fireworks off after 11pm

You’ll need to factor this in when planning the schedule of the day. It can be tricky for summer weddings to find a time when it’s dark enough, but don’t leave it too late. You don’t want to upset the venue, the local authority and other guests.

4. It absolutely makes sense to use a professional display organiser

Using a professional team will mean you get the very best professional display, where you don’t have to worry about a single detail. Everyone can enjoy a drink and relax while a crew like 1^st Galaxy Fireworks handles every part of the planning, firing and tidying up.

5. You can get a professional display from as little as £600

It isn’t actually that expensive to get a professional display, and it is well worth it. Choose an off-peak time (i.e. midweek) and 1^st Galaxy Fireworks can offer a fabulous wedding package for just £500 plus VAT.

6. If the venue doesn’t allow fireworks, consider quiet fireworks

One of the benefits of using professionals is that they can liaise with the venue on your behalf. If the venue initially says no to fireworks, you may be able to compromise with special quiet category fireworks which won’t create as much disturbance.

7. Fireworks display packages can be customised

In many cases, you can add personalised touches to wedding fireworks packages such as your choice of colours, fire writing and much more. Some extras are even free.

8. You can even set your fireworks to your favourite song

That’s right, choreographed fireworks perfectly timed to the pacing of the song of your first dance, or the tune that was playing when you first met.

9. Fireworks displays are best when they last 5-10 minutes

Don’t make the mistake of spending a fortune on a 20 minute plus display. The best displays are much shorter, more dynamic, better paced and crucially, don’t cost the earth.

10. If you’re doing DIY fireworks, safety is crucial

If you’re planning on running the show yourself and the venue is happy for you to do so, make sure you only buy certified fireworks from a reputable supplier and you follow all safety instructions down to the letter.