Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plan a Backyard Fireworks Show Like a Pro

Nothing compares to the thrill of planning a fireworks show and getting to see your hard work in action. A well-sequenced show has rhythm, flow, and a sense of storytelling. In this guide, you'll learn how to plan a backyard show like a pro from choosing the right products to building a finale that leaves everyone cheering.

Getting Started

Before you can even think about sequencing your show, you need to know your audience and shoot site. Consider:

• How big is your shoot site?

• How many people will be watching?

• Do you want loud, colorful, or low-noise effects?

Thinking about these factors will help you choose the right mix of fireworks and avoid having an overcrowded setup.

Choosing Products

Once you've figured that out, it's time to choose your products. A pro-level show includes variety. You can put together a great show using only 200- and 500-gram cakes. Adding in some artillery shells and NOABs will add more height and volume, but it all comes down to what you want in your show.

Pro tip: Build a product list before you start shopping. Don’t try to plan your show while you’re at the store. It’s like going grocery shopping without a list when you’re hungry. You’re just going to end up with a bunch of random stuff you don’t need. Write down what you’re looking for and find fireworks that match your criteria.

Timing

When it comes to timing the perfect show, here are a few things we recommend:

• Spread out your big moments - Don't fire all of your hard hitters at the beginning. Place them strategically to keep your audience engaged.

• Use pauses thoughtfully - Short pauses (2-3 seconds) create anticipation. Long pauses (10+ seconds) break the attention of the audience. Avoid long pauses if you can.

• Look at product durations - Almost every firework will have its duration listed on the packaging. Skip the guesswork and use this to help time your show. These durations can be off by a few seconds, so plan for a bit of an overlap to avoid dead air time.

Coordinating Effects

Firing off one firework at a time works great, but when you're ready to step up your game and create a layered show, here are some handy tips:

• Watch product videos to determine how your show is going to look and to compare items.

• Use a Show Builder tool to see how two cakes will look together.

• Don’t forget to check the duration. If you have a 25-sec cake and a 30-sec cake, light the 30-sec cake first so they end at the same time. 

When you’re planning out your show, think about combining complementary effects. Pair effects that naturally go together, such as:

• Gold: Brocade Mine & Nishiki Kamuro

• RWB: White Strobe with Blue Dahlia and Red Dahlia

• Quiet: Horsetail or Falling Leaves & Flying Fish

• Noisy: Crackling tails & Crackling Chrysanthemum

• Layers: Any mine effect & Chrysanthemum, Peony, or Brocade

Finale

No show is complete without a finale. Your finale should clearly feel bigger than anything that comes before it. More shots, faster pacing, more layering, and bigger breaks. Some pro tips:

• Use multiple shoot positions

• Finish with big colors or crackle

• Vary the height and size of your breaks

Key Takeaways

Sequencing a backyard show comes down to smart planning. Choose the right products, nail your timing, layer your effects, and end with a bold finale. With this approach, your show can feel like a full-scale production.

Check out the full Tako selection on the Spirit of '76 wholesale site.