I often have clients asking questions about confetti, like ‘how much do I need’, ‘what type is best’, ‘what are the alternatives?’. I’ve put this guide together to share some answers to those questions and share some tips and insights so that you can have the best wedding confetti experience.

Paola de Paola Photography

I am a wedding photographer based in London, and I love documenting special moments in a relaxed, stylish way. I welcome you lovely couples to my inclusive, friendly wedding photography blog. Wedding confetti can be such a joyful experience, here are my tips from experience of photographing many weddings.

Couple kissing in front of a confetti explosion

Confetti at Weddings - how did it start?

Let’s trace back the origin of this joyous moment. It probably originated in Italy, when rice, or tiny seeds, were thrown to the newly married couple to wish them health, fertility and prosperity.

Modern couples have embraced this tradition in a more eco-friendly way, using biodegradable dry flowers petals or biodegradable paper confetti.

Guests throwing rice at a just married couple

Dry flower petals confetti and just married couple

The best confetti choice for your wedding

I advise eco-conscious couples to use locally sourced dry biodegradable flower petals or biodegradable paper confetti. Stay well cleared from glittery, non-biodegradable, fashionable confetti, mainly if your wedding is celebrated outdoors in nature. The non-biodegradable confetti will conflict with the local flora, fauna, environment, and ecosystem.

Biodegradable paper confetti and a just married couple

Best place and moment for confetti at Weddings

Before asking your guests to throw the confetti, check with your venue and Church. They will advise where to enjoy this moment fully.
As a wedding photographer, I would choose a spot free from parked cars and people, not guests of your wedding.
And most definitely a place easily accessible for all your guests, even those unable to walk far.

More confetti photography tips

Many couples ask me how much confetti they should buy to capture this joyful moment. It is always better to have more confetti than less. The pictures will look fantastic if the guests are evenly distributed, and it is a wind-free day.

However, having more confetti means that, as a wedding photographer, I can retake the pictures if it is needed to ensure I have the perfect photos.

So, it is to go big and have more confetti. Everyone enjoys this fun, throwing moment reminiscent of a long-gone childhood.

Alternative to confetti

The fun doesn’t have to stop just because you are not allowed to use confetti at your wedding venue. Let’s think of an alternative way to celebrate. What about bubbles, flags, sparkles, streamers or even your phone's light? Feel free to ask me for suggestions if you are stuck. I would love to help.

Whatever you are planning for your wedding day. Don’t let anything or anybody stop the fan. Embrace the possibility of doing it differently, and get in touch if you need my help. I love to be creative and different to ensure your wedding celebration is always successful.