Modern Alternatives To Traditional Confetti

The confetti photograph is still one of the most commonly requested shots for couples in the 21st Century. Who doesn’t love seeing pictures of the couple with confetti cascading down over them? No doubt, they can capture some of the most dynamic and captivating images/videos of the day. Usually scheduled for right after the wedding ceremony, with friends and family coming together. The couple will often hold hands and laugh as they walk through the confetti.

In my time as a Norfolk Wedding Videographer I have seen many a fun moment that has be captured from this tradition.

Where did the custom of throwing confetti originate?

It is difficult to accurately know when the custom of showering newlyweds with confetti began, but it appears to have been used as far back as the Middle Ages or earlier, likely making it an age-old practice. The throwing of confetti was meant to be a way for guests to show their wish of lifelong happiness upon the couple.

The confetti used in celebrations has changed dramatically over the years, due to improved access to materials, a focus on comfort, and an effort to be more environmentally conscious.

Previous items used for confetti have included:

• Candy-coated seeds – such as coriander seeds
• Uncooked rice (I had a rather fun experience in this on a destination wedding in Crete)
• Uncooked wheat
• Uncooked barley
• Dried fruit
• Coloured paper
• Sequins

Why is the use of confetti restricted by some venues?

Many venues, including churches, will have rules about when and where confetti can be used. After a church wedding ceremony it is common place for the vicar to ask you to move away from the doors. This is plain and simply to stop the confetti blowing back inside the building to be cleared up.

Other venues may ask you to avoid throwing confetti on, for example, gravel as it is more difficult to clean up. It is well worth discussing with your wedding venue in advance what their rule are.

Historically, people in the UK used to throw rice. Rice began to cause some issues aroud people being injured as well as it causing a wet sticky mess. When I was in Crete I actually had some rice go down my shirt, as it was very hot I actually think the rice began to cook!

Paper Confetti

In the late 19th century, paper confetti gained popularity as it presented fewer risks than rice, was easier to clean up, and didn’t leave newlyweds in discomfort.

For a long time, paper confetti was the most popular option at wedding parties across the country, and in fact all over the world, but it was not without problems. Although paper is biodegradable, confetti often comes in a range of bright colours and the inks used to do this can cause harm to the environment and the natural wildlife in the area.

In recent years, paper confetti in the form of discs has been making a comeback, this time with more knowledge about the impact on the environment, different dies are being used to make confetti more eco friendly.

Sustainable Confetti Alternatives

1. Dried rose petals and other flower petals

One of the biggest bonuses to flower petals is they are 100% natural, non-toxic and biodegradable. There are lots of companies online where you can buy petals in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colours. I have even had many couples collect their own petals over the time their are engaged and dried them to be thrown on the day. Another big bonus is they smell great!

2. Leaves

Tossing leaves in the direction of the just-married couple can make an elegant look! You may pick out fresh foliage such as olive, oak or eucalyptus or, for an Autumn or Winter marriage ceremony, pick out golden dried leaves like beech, ash and maple. If you would rather a less generous shower of confetti, go with a strong leafy plant then punching small circles with a hole punch and use them up on your special event. Just a single leaf will create plenty of confetti pieces that you can utilize fresh or let dry out. Eco-friendly and able to save money at the same time!

3. Bubbles

Blowing bubbles is an inexpensive, eco-friendly substitute for confetti – they look beautiful in photos, and disappear entirely. Just bear in mind that bubble sets usually contain single-use plastic, so, if you’re attempting to decrease waste, you could try using glass jars and/or making your own instead. (I’d recommend using a clear dish soap to avoid dress stains! Probably best to ask your bridal boutique how your wedding dress will respond to water first – bubbles are a no-go on silk, as they’ll leave behind unwanted marks.

4. Biodegradable Confetti

As I touched on above it is now possible to get many biodegradable confetti options. Offering a classic confetti feel, but with a much better outcome for the environment. Composed of eco-friendly mixtures, most biodegradable confetti items are organic, made from dried blooms or colorless elements that are compostable or soluble in water.

5. Lavender or other Herbs

We all know just how good Lavender and Herbs smell. They are also a fantastic option for a confetti toss. There are lots of options available online or you can make your own. It is worth mentioning though this can take a bit of clearing up so defintaly worth checking in with your venue first!

Over the years it used to be the place of the guests to bring confetti with them I now see it more often is the case that the couple provides the confetti. With that in mind, if you choose to do this it is worth thinking about adding a note to your invitation to say they don’t need to bring their own.