A Small Favour... Please Think Twice Before Buying LED Foam Wands

Every now and then, I'll finish packing away at the end of a wedding and notice something that makes me feel a little bit sad.

Scattered around the dancefloor are dozens of LED foam wands.

By the time the last few guests have left, they're usually being swept into black bin bags.

Sometimes fifty of them.

Sometimes a hundred.

And that's the end of their story.

They've travelled thousands of miles from a factory on the other side of the world, been switched on for a couple of hours, and then headed straight for landfill.

They're More Than Just Foam

At first glance, they look fairly harmless.

They're light.

They're colourful.

They're fun for a few photographs.

But inside each one are batteries, wires, LEDs, plastic components and a small circuit board.

They're designed to be disposable.

And that's exactly how they're treated.

Do They Make The Party Better?

In all honesty...

I've never noticed a dancefloor become busier because someone handed out glow wands.

People dance because they're enjoying themselves.

Because they're surrounded by their favourite people.

Because the music feels right.

Because the atmosphere is there.

Not because they're holding a flashing stick.

The best parties I've ever been part of didn't need them.

Weddings Are Already Becoming More Thoughtful

One thing I've really enjoyed seeing over the last few years is how many couples are making more considered choices.

Seasonal flowers.

Locally sourced food.

Reusable decorations.

Hiring instead of buying.

Small decisions that, collectively, make a real difference.

To me, LED foam wands feel slightly at odds with that way of thinking.

Just Something To Consider

Ultimately, it's your wedding.

If you love them, have them.

My job has never been to tell people how their wedding should look.

But if you're only buying them because you think they'll somehow create a better party...

I'd save your money.

After hundreds of weddings, I can honestly say that the things people remember are never the glow sticks.

They remember the hugs.

The terrible dance moves.

The singalongs.

Your dad unexpectedly stealing the show.

Your best friend losing their voice to Mr Brightside.

The moments.

Not the props.

So if you're looking for one small way to make your wedding a little kinder to the planet, and I think a little more timeless too...

This would be a good place to start.