I See The Light

As much as our Special Moments Event Planning team loves the scene in Tangled where Rapunzel sees all of the sky lanterns taking off, some things only happen in fairytales.

The truth is that most municipalities and wedding venues do not allow the launch of sky lanterns because of the risk of fire. They are free floating and can set fields and trees on fire, especially in areas with considerable amounts of hanging Spanish moss.

Another favorite wedding release item that might soon be a thing of the past are balloons. In the Tampa Bay / Sarasota areas, there are several challenges.

Sarasota weddings at venues such as The Powel Crosley Estate and The Ringling that are right by the Sarasota Airport and it is very unsafe to release balloons with planes landing and taking off.

In downtown Tampa releasing balloons is a no-no because of the number of tall skyscrapers, while over on the beach you can be on a direct flight path for airplanes.

Recently several states have begun banning the release of balloons. Critics say the helium-filled balloons pollute the environment and threaten birds and other wildlife when they fall to earth.

Here in Florida, if ten or more balloons are released at once, it could lead to a $250 fine.

Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, and Maine are considering legislation, joining California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia which already have laws that ban or restrict balloon launches.

We are finding that because of many of these restrictions couples are choosing fun colorful options like ribbon wands, sparklers, pop up streamers and glow sticks as beautiful options for Grand Exits.

Be sure to check with your wedding venue regarding their rules and regulations in these areas, and our Special Moments Event Planning team is happy to work with you in creative options for your wedding day.