Fireworks have been a staple of celebrations for centuries, and for good reason! They add a breathtaking touch that makes any event unforgettable. And what event is more deserving of a spectacular display than a wedding?

When it comes to making a grand exit or simply wowing your guests, Illinois wedding fireworks are the perfect choice. But with so many options, how do you choose the right ones? As a long time fireworks enthusiast and business owner, I'm here to give you my top five recommendations for the perfect wedding celebration.

1. Aerial Displays

This is the obvious choice if you’re looking for maximum grandeur. Aerial fireworks are those big, sky-filling effects you see at professional shows - colorful bursts, crackles, and shapes that grab everyone’s attention. They can create “wow” moments at a wedding, especially during a send-off or the reception finale.

When done right, aerial fireworks can create a core memory that few other wedding elements can match. Of course there are a couple drawbacks that make it a little more complicated, but I’ve laid those out for you:

• Pros:

  • Huge impact for guests

  • Can be choreographed with music

  • Works well for outdoor evening weddings

• Cons:

  • Requires a professional team

  • You’ll need permits and approval from your venue

Cost: A short show is usually $1,500–$2,500. Larger, more complex shows with music and multiple firing points can be $5,000 or more. My recommendation would be a 3-5 minute display, averaging between $2,000 and $5,000.

2. Fountains and Cakes

Sometimes, a full-blown aerial display isn't what you're looking for - or you just can’t figure out how to work it into your celebration. For a more controlled and subtle firework experience, fountains and small cakes are a great choice.

Fountains shoot a shower of sparks into the air without the loud bangs, while cakes offer a multi-shot display from a single fuse. These are fantastic for a more low-noise celebration, or to complement other aspects of your Illinois wedding fireworks display.

Fountains can work pretty well for wedding party entrances or exits, as you can line up several nicely to make something of an alley for bridal parties to run through. Here are a few things to consider for ground level or smaller displays:

• Pros:

  • Lower noise than aerial shells

  • Easy to set up and fire

  • Affordable and great for smaller spaces

• Cons:

  • Less dramatic than large aerials

  • Shorter duration per firework

  • Still requires safety distance from guests and flammable materials

Cost: Fountains $10–$30; small cakes $20–$50. Depending on how many you want for your celebration, you’re looking at a couple hundred dollars (far more budget friendly than aerial displays).

3. Wedding Sparklers

Sparklers are a smaller-scale option that you’ll typically see involved at some point during a wedding. They’re popular for the couple send-off because they’re inexpensive, easy to distribute, and don’t require a professional to light. AND they make for some pretty awesome photos!

The key to pulling wedding sparklers off is in the planning. Use extra-long sparklers so they last long enough for photos, have someone in charge of lighting them quickly, and make sure guests know where to stand for safety.

• Pros:

  • Affordable

  • Easy for guests to participate

  • Creates great photo opportunities

• Cons:

  • Burn very hot (about 1,200°F) - must be handled carefully

  • Can be tricky to light quickly for large groups

  • Some venues don’t allow open flames

Cost: $2–$3 each when bought in packs.

4. Cold Spark Machines

The only thing that could stand between you and your beautiful fireworks display (besides your budget of course) is your venue. If it has strict rules against traditional fireworks or you just want a unique indoor option, cold spark machines are behind door two. These devices produce a spectacular, non-pyrotechnic fountain of sparks that is cool to the touch and safe for indoor use. They are perfect for a grand entrance, your first dance, or as a backdrop for the head table.

• Pros:

  • No heat, smoke, or smell

  • Safe for use near people and indoors

  • Reusable for multiple moments during the night

• Cons:

  • Higher rental cost

  • Requires electrical setup

  • Not as big or colorful as traditional fireworks

Cost: $300–$500 per machine for rental.

5. Colored Smoke

For a summer wedding that’s happening during the day, fireworks might not be the best option. Colored smoke fountains are an amazing option for photos. They create a vibrant, billowing cloud of color that looks incredible in pictures.

• Pros:

  • Bright, eye-catching photos

  • Works well in daylight

  • Low noise

• Cons:

  • Short duration (30–90 seconds)

  • Wind can blow smoke away quickly

  • Not ideal for small or enclosed spaces

Cost: $10–$15 each.

Common Illinois Wedding Fireworks Questions

• How Much Are Illinois Wedding Fireworks? Prices range from a few hundred dollars for smaller effects to $5,000+ for a large professional show.

• Are Wedding Sparklers Dangerous? They can be if not handled properly. Make sure to use long sparklers, supervise lighting, and have a safe disposal plan.

• Where to Buy Illinois Wedding Fireworks? For a safe experience make sure to purchase fireworks from a licensed fireworks retailer like Cedar Point Fireworks who can guide you on the safest and most stunning options for your day.

• Are Fireworks Worth the Hassle? It depends on your priorities. If you want a big, memorable moment and are willing to deal with permits, costs, and logistics, fireworks can be unforgettable. If you prefer something simple, sparklers or other lighting effects might be a better fit.