Things to consider for wedding fireworks in the Philippines

Supplier Credentials & Legitimacy

• Are you licensed by the PNP–FEO as a Fireworks Display Operator (FDO)? What’s your current license number and validity?
• Are you a manufacturer, dealer, or strictly a display operator? Which licenses do you hold?
• Can you share a copy of your business registration (DTI/SEC) and Mayor’s Permit?
• How many wedding displays have you executed in the past 12 months? Any we can verify with the venues?
• Do you have recent client references (preferably weddings in the Philippines) we can contact?
• Who will be the lead pyrotechnician on our event day, and what certifications/training do they have?
• What is your incident and near-miss record for the past two years, and what corrective actions were taken?

Permits, Compliance & Government Coordination

• Will you secure the Special Permit for Fireworks Display (SPFD) from PNP–FEO on our behalf? What documents do you need from us?
• Do we also need a Fire Safety Clearance for Fireworks Exhibition from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)? Will you handle this?
• What LGU (city/municipal) permits are required at our venue’s location, and who applies for them?
• Are there local ordinances or designated fireworks zones that affect our venue? How do you verify compliance?
• If our venue is near an airport or within controlled airspace, do we need to coordinate with CAAP? Will you manage that process?
• How far in advance do you start the permit process to avoid delays?
• Can you provide copies of approved permits and clearances at least one week before the wedding?
• If any permit is denied, what are our options (date/time adjustment, venue repositioning, alternative effects)?

Insurance, Liability & Risk Management

• What public liability insurance coverage do you carry specifically for fireworks/pyrotechnics? What’s the coverage amount and insurer?
• Can you name the couple, wedding planner, and venue as additional insureds?
• Do you carry workers’ compensation for your crew?
• Will you provide a site-specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) for our event?
• What is your emergency response plan (medical, fire, crowd control) and who is the designated safety officer?
• How do you manage misfires or duds during/after the show?

Venue Readiness & Site Survey

• Will you conduct an on-site inspection with our planner and venue coordinator? When?
• What are your minimum space and safety-distance requirements based on the effects we want?
• How do you determine the fallout zone and spectator exclusion area?
• Do you require a specific surface (soil/sand/concrete) for racks and cakes? Will you provide ballast/anchoring?
• Are there any venue conditions that would prevent a display (overhead lines, trees, roof eaves, thatched structures, tented receptions)?
• How do you protect nearby structures, vehicles, boats, or landscaped areas from fallout and sparks?
• What firefighting equipment will be on site (type and quantity of extinguishers, water/hoses, fire blankets)? Who provides them?
• Will BFP or venue security be present during the show? Who arranges them?

Show Design & Guest Experience

• What types of effects do you recommend for weddings at our venue (aerial shells, cakes, fountains, low-noise, “cold spark” fountains, stage pyro)?
• Can you design a low-smoke or low-noise show if the venue or LGU has restrictions?
• Can we synchronize the display to our ceremony or first-dance music? How do you handle audio timing and cueing?
• Do you offer thematic color palettes or sequences that match our wedding colors?
• Can you spell initials/hearts or create custom monograms/logos with pyrotechnic set-pieces?
• How long do you recommend the show to maximize impact within our budget?
• Can you provide a visual show plan (script, cue list, or mockup/simulation) for approval?
• Do you coordinate show timing with the emcee, band/DJ, photo/video team, and drone operator?

Environmental Considerations & Cleanup

• What materials will fall into the environment (paper, clay plugs, plastic caps)? Are biodegradable options available?
• How do you prevent debris from entering pools, beaches, reefs, or nearby waterways?
• Will you provide full post-show cleanup of the site and surrounding fallout zone? How long does it take?
• How do you handle unburnt components or duds found after the event (collection, transport, disposal)?
• Do you offer “eco-friendlier” effects (reduced debris, low-smoke compositions, laser/LED alternatives) if required by the venue?

Noise, Curfews & Community Impact

• What time windows are allowed for fireworks at our venue’s LGU? Are there curfews or blackout dates?
• How loud will the show be? Can you design a quiet/silent display if needed?
• Will you notify nearby barangays, subdivisions, or coast guard/marina (if applicable) in advance?
• Do you provide signage or stewarding to keep spectators outside exclusion zones?

Weather, Wind & Contingencies

• What are your weather thresholds for wind, rain, and lightning? How do you measure on site?
• What is the decision timeline on event day if wind changes direction toward guests or structures?
• What are our options if the show must be paused, repositioned, or canceled due to weather (partial shoot, delay, reschedule)?
• Are there fees for weather-related postponement or split-day reloads?
• How do you secure racks and devices against gusts or soft ground?

Drones, Aerial Filming & Airspace

• Can we run fireworks and a camera drone at the same time? What minimum separation/altitudes do you require?
• Who coordinates drone flight plans and any required notices to CAAP, LGU, or venue?
• Do you offer drone light shows as an alternative or complement to fireworks? What are their permit and weather considerations?

Logistics, Power & Crew

• How many crew will be on site and what are their roles?
• What time do you arrive for setup, and how long is the build and safety check?
• Do you need vehicle access, loading bay permissions, or special passes from the venue/security?
• Do you require power, or are your firing systems fully battery-operated?
• What communications do you use (radios, headsets) for cues and safety?

Safety Systems & Firing Method

• Do you use electronic firing systems with coded ignition, continuity checks, and dead-man switches?
• Do you perform test continuity checks before arming the show?
• How do you zone and sequence effects to maintain safe distances at all times?
• What PPE do crew wear during setup and firing?
• How do you secure the firing site to prevent guest access?

Product Quality & Sourcing

• Where do you source your pyrotechnics? Are they compliant with Philippine regulations for import/manufacture?
• Can you provide MSDS or product safety data for the effects we’ll use?
• How do you store and transport pyrotechnics to the venue? Is storage permitted on site before the show?

Budget, Inclusions & Contracts

• Can you send a detailed, itemized quote (effects, crew, logistics, permits, insurance, cleanup, taxes)?
• Which permits and fees are included vs. billable add-ons (PNP–FEO SPFD, BFP Fire Safety Clearance, LGU fees, venue charges)?
• What are your payment terms, milestones, and accepted payment methods?
• What is your cancellation and refund policy (client cancellation vs. force majeure vs. permit denial)?
• Are standby hours, overtime, or re-visits charged separately?
• Do you offer package tiers (short finale, classic 3–5 minutes, premium musical show)? What’s the price range for each?
• Can you propose cost-saving substitutions that preserve impact (e.g., more cakes/fountains, fewer large aerial shells)?

“Cold Spark” & Indoor/Stage Pyro

• Are “cold spark” fountain machines allowed at our venue? Do they still require permits or venue approvals?
• What minimum clearances do you need around stages, ceilings, drapery, floral installations, and sprinkler heads?
• Will you assign a dedicated stage-pyro operator during entrances/first dance cues?
• How do you prevent residue spotting on gowns, suits, or décor?

Coordination With Photo/Video & Program Flow

• Will you brief our photo/video team on exact cues, angles, and safe positions?
• Can you schedule a quick cue rehearsal with the emcee/band/DJ?
• Do you provide a 10-minute and 1-minute warning before ignition for program timing?

Health, Accessibility & Special Cases

• How do you mitigate smoke for guests with asthma or respiratory sensitivity?
• Do you have recommendations for infant/elderly-friendly shows (distance, duration, low-noise)?
• Are pets allowed at the venue? Any guidance for pet safety during displays?

After-Show & Handover

• How long is the cool-down and site sweep after the finale?
• Who signs off the site as safe (supplier, venue, security, BFP) before guests can re-enter restricted areas?
• Will you send a brief post-event report (what was fired, any deviations, cleanup completion)?

Red Flags to Watch For (Ask Directly)

• If a supplier cannot show a current PNP–FEO FDO license, can’t articulate permit steps, or refuses to share insurance proof—why?
• If a supplier proposes household-area launches, ignores curfews, or minimizes safety distances—how do they justify compliance?
• If a supplier suggests last-minute displays without permits—what risks are we assuming?

Quick Comparison Checklist (for Shortlisting)

• Licenses verified (FDO + business permits) ✔
• Written plan (site map, distances, fallout, RAMS) ✔
• Permits handled (PNP–FEO SPFD, BFP clearance, LGU approvals, CAAP if needed) ✔
• Insurance proof naming venue/couple/planner ✔
• Venue inspection scheduled ✔
• Cleanup and debris plan ✔
• Weather thresholds and backup plan ✔
• Itemized quote with all fees and taxes ✔
• Crew size, call times, and communications plan ✔
• Photo/video/drone coordination ✔