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20 Years of Sonning Fireworks: This is why we love performing wedding fireworks displays!

23 February 2019

It was a crisp October night, the team had snuck onto the site in the dark to setup a show and now using their best A-Team skills were hiding down banks and behind bushes, waiting. The firing system was armed and even from their vantage point you could not see any of the fireworks due to the cloud cover, it was a very dark night.

Suddenly they hear the chatter of guests coming out of the building, a nervous laugh or two as they are led out by the father of the bride carrying a single rocket. You see, his daughter had asked for fireworks however he had said he couldn't afford them and then he had spoken to us. Together we hatched the plan to give his daughter the surprise of her life.

Rewinding a bit, back in the reception venue after collecting his rocket from the team he interrupted his daughter and said "I know you wanted fireworks at your wedding so badly and I just couldn't afford them, so I've got you this one rocket instead". The daughter was touched but slightly embarrassed as her Dad led her friends and family out onto the lawn carrying the one rocket.

The guests all waited on the gravel drive as he shuffled off into the darkness, he fumbled with the lighter in the dark and a few seconds later he quickly returned as the rocket fuse burnt.

WHOOSH, the rocket went up, the crew knew that this was their cue, BANG the rocket exploded, then WHAM, the sky light up with dazzling colours and huge bursts, it was no longer a single rocket, but a whole show! The show carried on in true #SonningStyle, quiet pretty sections, loud colourful bursts culminating in multiple aerial shells of golden rain that filled the whole sky and just kept going and going.

The cheers and shouts from the audience told us everything we needed to know. The crew got up from their hiding positions and walked over to a hysterical bride, she was so overwhelmed she just couldn't stop crying! A very pleased father of the bride and most certainly a perfect end to their perfect day!

We have a great deal of experience in firing wedding fireworks displays, please feel free to contact us to discuss any ideas you have around fireworks and your wedding. Whether you are after a fully synchronised fireworks display to music or a traditional wedding fireworks show we can help make your wedding day extra special!

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Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a major public event, Sonning Fireworks can help make your firework display truly memorable. Contact us today to discuss your event, and let us create a spectacular show that lights up the sky and thrills your audience.

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Firework Display FAQs

How much space is needed?+

The absolute minimum distance we require is 50m from spectators, roads, car parks and public byways. This distance increases with the size of the show as we start using larger fireworks. We complete a full risk assessment to ensure only the appropriate fireworks are used for the distance available.

What's the benefit of computer-fired fireworks?+

All our shows are fired by computer and use the full width available onsite, so rather than the traditional single firing location we fire from three or more locations. This means we use the same number of fireworks but fire them in multiples rather than one at a time, making the show far more impressive. This is only possible because we fire 100% of our shows using our computer firing system.

Are firework displays affected by the weather?+

In most circumstances no, however wind direction is critical. A strong wind blowing away from the crowd toward a suitable fallout area is acceptable; a wind blowing toward the crowd can be unacceptable.

Do you clear up afterwards?+

Yes. We endeavour to clear up as much as possible, though there may be a few small bits of cardboard left which soon disappear when the site is mowed. Venues come back to us as their preferred supplier again and again because we respect their venue and their rules.

Can the firework display be a surprise?+

Most of the time we can set up a display without your guests knowing, however with some sites and some sizes of display this is not always possible.

Can we start the firework display ourselves?+

Most certainly. We have a wireless firing system that the bride and groom (or host) can use to start the display safely from back with the crowd.

Can fireworks be choreographed to music?+

Yes! We specialise in fireworks to music, otherwise known as pyromusicals — stunning displays choreographed precisely to your chosen music. Whether you want a romantic first-dance moment or a dramatic finale, a carefully designed musical firework display brings your event to life with rhythm, emotion and spectacle.

How long does a wedding fireworks display last?+

Most wedding fireworks displays last between 4 and 8 minutes, depending on your budget and style. We recommend a high-impact display that leaves a big impression without dragging on. For larger budgets and Bonfire Night shows, displays can last 15–25 minutes.