Sparkler Send-off; Is this weird?

Lots of people do this, but I personally think it makes guests feel like props for your photos. It’s also going to indicate to many guests that it’s time to leave, so the party may not last as long as you hope.

While some find it common, others do not and are used to the couple actually leaving at the end of the send off. So be prepared for many confused guests who leave early since that is the traditional cue that the party is over.

No, I don't think it's weird. I would just explain to guests that it's a photo op.

I don't think it's weird! All of our friends and family did this. It's a great photo op, but also allows your older guests and those that want to leave early, send you off before they leave.

Most photographers and DJs will explain/announce this to the guests when it's about to happen. So that helps eliminating the confusion.

I went to a wedding where they did this. The bride and groom, when going around to each table, explained what they were doing and that it was so the grandparents would be included but could also leave earlier. The couple got their pictures and went back inside and started dancing again. There wasn’t a noticeable amount of guests that left after the send off.

I don't think it is, but I do think guests will think the wedding is ending and will be ready to leave at this point.

I think it would be weird to do this just a personal experience could you add an extra hour to the photographer

I would personally skip the send-off or add an extra hour to your photography package.

I would find it confusing as a guest. Just announce that you want to take photos with sparklers and everyone outside and to please join you if they are interested. But in your case, the time difference between when the "send off" will be over and the technical end of the reception is so slight that it won't really matter if people leave at the end of the photo off vs. stay until 10.

We've been at a wedding where they did this. We and other guests used it as an opportunity to duck out immediately after the sparkler exit. Like a pp said, we did feel a little like props for a photo. (Also, the couple/photographer were super disorganized which definitely influenced so many people leaving both before and immediately after the staged exit, so if you do this make sure someone who knows what they are doing organizes the sparkler exit so it's quick and efficient.)

Not weird at all. This is becoming quite common. Just have your DJ announce that the party will continue after the sparkler “send off”.