Going Out with a Bang: Cremation Fireworks

Cremation fireworks can be a great way to celebrate a loved one’s life. Learn what’s involved in planning this celebration of life event.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What are Cremation Fireworks?
• How Much Does It Cost and What Companies Provide the Service?
• Are Cremation Fireworks Legal?
• Planning Your Fireworks Event
• Are Cremation Fireworks the Right Choice?
• What are Some Other Creative Ways to Memorialize a Loved One’s Remains?
• Opal is Here to Help
• FAQs
• Additional Resources

Key Takeaways

• Cremation fireworks are a unique way to celebrate a life. You can either add remains to the firework or place them in a bag and tie them to the explosive.
• Hosting an event can be expensive, given the cost of the display and potential venue rental, but Opal has some affordable options.
• Fireworks are generally not legal, so work with a licensed provider who will ensure the event is permitted.
• Planning a fireworks event requires finding a provider and a venue, and determining the best way to send off a loved one. Common approaches include decorating the venue with photos, sharing stories, and doing other activities your loved one enjoyed.
• Opal can assist you throughout the process, from direct cremation to guiding you through celebration of life ideas.

Introduction

The date was August 20, 2005. The funeral was Hunter S. Thompson’s. His good friend Johnny Depp fulfilled his dying wishes, having his ashes blown from a 153-foot tower, exploding in a dazzling display as an elite crowd of friends, family, and celebrities looked on.

This celebration marks an evolving trend. Our attitudes towards death are shifting. Instead of honoring loved ones with a somber memorial, we are looking at ways to celebrate their lives. Southern California families are increasingly drawn to cremation fireworks for a spectacular, personal send-off.

“I think we are learning that traditions are going out the window. Families are saying they want something different.”

Jim Carver, funeral director at Greenlawn Funeral Homes, from the article Going Out with a Bang; Human Ashes to be Shot with Fireworks in Springfield

You may wonder how these fireworks work, where you can use them, and how to plan your memorial event. Opal is here to help.

What Are Cremation Fireworks?

There are various ways to create fireworks for cremation, as follows:

• Pyrotechnic Expert Approach: You can work one-on-one with a pyrotechnic expert who will customize the fireworks by taking a small amount of the cremated ashes, approximately three tablespoons, and loading them into a fireworks shell that’s incorporated into a short fireworks display.
• Non-Customized: Many firework providers purchase their fireworks prepackaged. Instead of customizing them, they simply place the cremains in a bag and tie them to the firework. The ashes will explode with the fireworks.

How Much Does It Cost and What Companies Provide the Service?

Cremation fireworks can be pricey. We have talked to providers who offer a short display (3-4 minutes) for about $ 5,000. However, renting a venue can still be tricky for Los Angeles and Orange County families, given the prevalence of wildfires throughout Southern California.

Still, we have options that can point you in the right direction. For example:

• San Bernardino: Some venues in this area offer fireworks displays, though they can be expensive.
• Vegas and Other Out-of-State Destinations: It is easier to find venues that allow fireworks in Vegas and other parts of the United States outside California.
• Wide Open Spaces: If you have a friend with open land, you may be able to host your fireworks event on their property, with their permission. However, you will still need a permit, and the land must meet regulatory standards. Based on what providers have told us, this means ensuring enough space (typically 100-200 feet) so the fireworks don’t hit anything, including cars and property, and that the location is not in a fire-prone area.
• Professional Displays: Some companies set up displays at stadium-like venues, much like you might see on the 4^th of July. Based on conversations with providers, these typically cost $40,000 – $50,000.

Are Cremation Fireworks Legal?

For the most part, fireworks are illegal in California, and Los Angeles and Orange County have some of the strictest local ordinances in the state. There are some allowances for ‘safe and sane’ fireworks. These fireworks do not explode or fly into the air. They include:

• Fountains
• Ground spinners
• Sparklers
• Smoke devices

These fireworks must bear the California State Fire Marshal’s ‘Safe and Sane’ seal, and even then, they can only be set off on certain days and times, in specific cities, typically near the 4^th of July.

Fireworks that shoot into the air, explode, and make loud noises are not allowed unless a licensed provider handles the display with an event permit. California takes this risk seriously. Violators can face fines of up to $50,000 and up to a year in jail.

SoCal families planning a cremation fireworks event should always work with a licensed provider who understands local permitting requirements to avoid fines and risks. 

Planning Your Fireworks Event

Here are the steps Los Angeles and Orange County families can take to plan their fireworks event.

1. Decide on a Date: It can take up to 30 days to secure permits for a fireworks event, so plan well in advance.
2. Determine the Best Venue/Location: The venue and location must suit a fireworks display. Availability can also impact scheduling.
3. Connect with a Fireworks Provider: Opal can connect you with a provider offering relatively affordable services.
4. Make Other Celebration Plans: Plan other aspects of your celebration. Will there be food? Will you display pictures of your loved one? Tell stories? Check out some of our Celebration of Life blogs for recommendations.

Ideas for Your Fireworks Celebration of Life

There are many ways to host a fireworks celebration of life. Here are some ideas:

• Honor Your Loved One: Make the event about your loved one by displaying photos and sharing stories before the big send-off. Engage in activities they would appreciate, and decorate with an aesthetic that suits their personal taste.
• Consider the Display Itself: If possible, work with the provider to ensure the display features your loved one’s favorite colors. Decide which firework shapes fit their aesthetic.
• Be Flexible with the Venue: With limited venues that work with fireworks in Southern California, families should be open-minded and consider both casual and formal options.
• Be Considerate: Ensure a safe, positive experience by working with a professional and letting everyone know there will be fireworks at the event. Consider quieter effects, and provide a separate area for guests to sit and watch the display without feeling endangered.

Ways to Personalize a Cremation Fireworks Celebration

Are Cremation Fireworks the Right Choice?

Cremation fireworks aren’t for everyone. For example, if your loved one didn’t enjoy fireworks when they were living, they likely wouldn’t appreciate them as a send-off. But they could be suitable for:

• Someone who believes in celebrating life rather than mourning death
• Anyone who loves to be the center of attention
• An adventure seeker/outdoor enthusiast
• A person who might believe in the romantic symbolism of a fireworks display
• An individual who likes to host community events that bring people together
• Someone with a sense of humor who wants to literally “go out with a bang.”

What Are Some Other Creative Ways to Memorialize a Loved One’s Remains?

While cremation fireworks are arguably the most spectacular sendoff one can give to the departed, there are other, more sedate but equally creative options. A portion of the cremains can be incorporated into:

• Jewelry
• Cremation stones
• Ash diamonds

And for those who prefer the more traditional route, Southern California families can always scatter ashes on land or arrange a sea scattering event off the coast of Los Angeles or Orange County.

Opal Cremation is Here to Help

Opal Cremation knows that celebrating a loved one’s life — however you choose to do it — should feel personal, not complicated. Beyond our all-inclusive direct cremation packages, we can connect you with fireworks providers and help you think through venue, timing, and permitting questions.

You can arrange cremation by phone or online, and our team is available 24/7 to help with both the practical and personal side of planning.

Visit our support center for additional resources and FAQs about cremation.

Choose one of our Southern California cremation locations to get started:
Los Angeles Cremation • Orange County Cremation

FAQS

How much of the ashes are used in the fireworks?

Fireworks only require about 3 tablespoons of a loved one’s ashes. You can divide the rest and keep it in urns or integrate it into other celebration-of-life options, such as sea scatterings, cremation diamonds, and parting stones.

How long does a cremation firework display last?

While cremation fireworks can last up to half an hour, affordable options are typically five minutes or less.

What kind of locations work for a cremation fireworks send-off?

The best location for a cremation fireworks display has plenty of outdoor space, with 100-200 feet of openness in every direction. Venues and neighborhoods may have strict fireworks regulations because of fire hazards, noise, and other concerns, making this the most challenging part of cremation firework planning.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the event?

Weather is a major factor, as you won’t be able to host your display if it is raining or excessively windy. It’s wise to choose a backup date to prepare yourself for inclement conditions.

Do fireworks have to be loud and intense?

No, fireworks do not need to be loud and intense. Providers can adjust fireworks so they are not overly loud. They are a good choice for areas with noise restrictions or pets, wildlife, or livestock nearby.

Additional Resources:

5 Ideas for a Unique Memorial Celebration After Cremation
As Unique as Your Loved One: 7 Thoughtful DIY Memorial Keepsake Ideas
How to Plan and Plant a Memorial Garden
Before You Send Flowers, Here Are 5 Unique Sympathy Gift Ideas