Cost considerations

There is a tendency to try and spread a small budget much too far in the mistaken belief that "times equals value". It is important to realise that there is no direct relationship between cost and duration. A budget of, say, R10 000 could be fired in either a few minutes (an unforgettable experience) or over 30 minutes (a rather tedious and boring affair).

Cost comparison

It is very difficult to assess identically priced displays from different sources. Although it is important to compare estimates of proposed material content, showing total numbers and calibre sizes of the fireworks to be used, it is equally important to consider the quality of the fireworks and the expertise and enthusiasm of the operators.

Just as in any other business, you have a pyrotechnician and a pyrotechnician; we do not all produce the same quality and the same type of display. Fireworks with identical brand and reference numbers are available in a variety of qualities. Being direct importers, we check on the quality. We do not import cheap inferior fireworks merely to pad a display. The fireworks we import and use are superior quality fireworks specially manufactured for the US market.

Duration of a display

The duration of a display should be determined by the occasion. In our experience, if the display is meant to climax the evening, it should last about 5 to 10 minutes. This would be sufficient to obtain maximum impact. If the display is meant to be the main event of the evening, then a minimum duration of 15 to 25 minutes should be considered. Fireworks displays are best appreciated if the firing is brisk without blank pauses. It's not duration that counts, but how spectacular the display is.