Planning guide
Party Size Guide
The right amount of fireworks depends on the size of the audience, how long you want the main show to last, and whether you want a simple backyard moment or a full evening event.
| Party size | Budget range | Recommended duration | Key products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10-20) | $75-$150 | 10-15 minutes | Fountains, novelty items, small cakes |
| Medium (20-50) | $200-$400 | 20-30 minutes | Cakes, fountains, a few aerial items |
| Large (50-100) | $500-$1,000 | 30-45 minutes | Multiple cakes, shells, defined finale |
| Block party (100+) | $1,000+ | 45-60 minutes | Full show sections, backups, finale sequence |
Stretching a budget without weakening the show
- Use fountains and quieter ground items before the main show so the event feels longer.
- Do not light your strongest items first; save the largest cake or fastest sequence for the end.
- Buy fewer, better cakes instead of many nearly identical small items.
- Build variety across height, color, pace, and sound rather than only chasing shot count.
Rule of thumb by show length
10 minutes
Plan 5-8 main items plus a short finale. Light one at a time and avoid long dead gaps.
20 minutes
Plan 10-15 main items with a clear middle section and one planned quiet break.
30+ minutes
Split the show into sections so it does not feel like one long string of similar effects.