How to smash plates safely at your event

Controlled chaos is the whole point, and the controlled part is what makes it fun for everyone. A few minutes of planning keeps the moment joyful.

Choose the right spot

Smash onto a hard floor such as stone, tile, concrete or a hard dance floor. Avoid carpet, grass and anywhere fragments are hard to sweep. Mark a clear zone and keep tables, drinks and bare feet out of it.

Throw down, never at

Plates go down onto the floor in front of you, never towards people, the band or the couple. Give each smasher space, and go one row at a time for big groups.

Dress for it

Closed shoes for anyone in the zone. Keep children and pets well back, and make sure whoever is supervising knows the plan.

Clean up straight after

Have brooms, dustpans and a sturdy bin bag ready before the first plate breaks. Sweep as soon as the moment ends so the dance floor is clear again.