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🎆 Fireworks Budget

What should I spend on fireworks?

Pick the kind of show you want and how many people are watching. We'll estimate a sensible budget for a safe, satisfying backyard display.

Show size

Estimated budget

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Building a backyard show

A great display isn't about one giant purchase — it's about pacing. Open with fountains and sparklers, build through repeaters and Roman candles, and close on a single big cake. Our tiers scale spend per guest so a bigger crowd gets a bigger finale:

  • Modest — $6/guest + $25 base · Sparklers, fountains & a few small cakes.
  • Crowd-pleaser — $12/guest + $60 base · A mix of cakes, Roman candles & repeaters.
  • Showstopper — $22/guest + $120 base · Big 500-gram cakes and a real finale.

⚠️ Safety first. Check local laws and burn bans, keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby, light one item at a time, and never let kids handle anything but sparklers. Douse spent fireworks before trashing them.

Fireworks budget FAQ

How much should I spend on fireworks?

For a backyard Fourth of July show, most hosts spend $100–$400 depending on crowd size. A crowd-pleasing display runs about $12 per guest plus a base of ~$60 for the finale pieces.

Are backyard fireworks legal?

It varies a lot by state and city — some allow consumer fireworks, others ban everything but sparklers. Always check your local laws and any burn bans before buying. When in doubt, go see a public show.

What fireworks give the best bang for the buck?

Multi-shot 'cake' repeaters give the most show per dollar — one fuse, dozens of shots. Pair a few cakes with sparklers and fountains for kids, and save one big 500-gram cake for the finale.