Try to vary your show with at least 3-4 different effects, such as a combination of peony bursts, brocades, and waterfalls, with a multi-effect cake for the finale.

The cost of a peony averages about $25 USD. [3] X Research source

A 10-shot brocade shell starts at about $20 but can cost as much as $100 depending on the intensity and duration of the effects.

A 10 ft (3. 0 m) waterfall firework should cost around $40 USD.

You can find multiple-shot crossettes starting at about $15-$20 USD.

Since set pieces are usually custom-designed, these can cost several hundred dollars, but the impact is worth it if you have the room in your budget.

Cakes can range in price from $25 to over $150, depending on their size and the effects they produce.

For instance, although most states in the U. S. allow the use of consumer fireworks (also known as Class C or 1. 4G), New Jersey prohibits the use of aerial fireworks and firecrackers. [10] X Research source Some cities don’t allow any fireworks. You may also be limited on when you can use the fireworks. For instance, in Indiana, fireworks may not be used after 11:00 p. m. or before 9:00 a. m. , except on holidays, when the time is extended to midnight. [11] X Trustworthy Source State of Indiana Official site for state-approved sources related to life in Indiana, including laws, services, and culture Go to source

The minimum distance for spectators may vary depending on your location. For instance, in Missouri, the distance is 70 feet per inch (roughly 10 meters for every centimeter) of the internal mortar diameter of the largest shell you will be firing. In this case, a show closing with a mortar that is 2 inches (5. 1 cm) in diameter would require a spectator distance of 140 feet (43 m) [13] X Research source Make sure you pick a flat, open area that doesn’t have any dry grass, dead leaves, nearby buildings, trees, or other fire hazards. [14] X Research source

Most fireworks effects should be rotated at least every minute or so. Plan to only fire a few shells at a time. If you fire too many, the effects will be lost.

Reinforce or brace your trough with brackets or heavy lumber. Secure your trough with stakes or spikes, or use an A-frame to prevent it from tipping over. [17] X Research source If you have a lot of fireworks, you may need more than one trough. Measure the size of your trough, then create a rough drawing of how your fireworks will be spaced out. Use this to determine whether you will need more than one trough.

You may want to bury the shells so that they are slightly angled (about 15°) away from the crowd. You should never fire shells over the crowd’s head, as sparks may fall to the ground and cause injury. [18] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source Read the label on each shell carefully so you will understand how far the fireworks will travel before they explode. Many fireworks have a “bury line” that will show you how deep to plant them in the sand.

Make sure you are still allowing the minimum space required by your local laws between the fireworks and the audience.

To determine how much fuse to use between fireworks, cut a 6 in (15 cm) piece of fuse and light one end. (Be sure you’re nowhere near your shells when you do this. ) Time how long it takes to burn all the way through, then use that as your guideline for spacing your fireworks. [20] X Research source To safely light your fireworks, use a long-handled lighter to ignite the fuse. Light only the very tip, then back away at least 20 feet (6. 1 m) and wait until each firework is finished before you light the next one. [21] X Research source

To make sure you can quickly reach the water if you need it, keep a large bucket at each corner of your display trough, or have one fire extinguisher on each side. This is even more important to do when you shoot fireworks on hot, dry nights. It is even possible to use a spray mist of cool water on the top of each mortar to cool the shells a little bit to further reduce the risk of a misfire, but be careful not to put your head directly over the mortar when you do this.

You don’t have to cancel your show because of light rain as long as you protected your fuses with plastic bags, but you might want to delay the show for the comfort of the crowd.

Have a few friends plan to stay close during the show in case you need help dousing out flames. If you do catch on fire, drop to the ground and roll to smother the flames.