I love a bit of confetti so heres some advice so the bride and groom can have some gorgeously fun photos without lots of hands/arms obscuring their faces…
But have fun, celebrate and let those petals represent well wishes and shower them with love!
So where did this tradition come from?
Paper confetti can be traced back to symbolic rituals of tossing grains and sweets during special occasions such as weddings, traditional for numerous cultures throughout history as an ancient custom, but adapted from sweets and grains to paper through the centuries. [1] Paper confetti took over from sweets as the were less painful and cheaper to purchase, imagine having sweets thrown at you? ouch!
What can I use?
Flower petals or paper which with biodegrade. No plastic, the Earth doesn’t need more plastic.
Buy in bulk and put it into a a basket or a pretty bucket. I wouldn’t bother with cones, bags or other confetti containers, sure they’re pretty and have your name on them but they don’t contain much, they cost more as you’re paying for the bag and the printing and they’re always dropped on the floor and need picking up. Waste of money to be honest.
Where can I throw it?
Ask your venue before you buy any so you know where you stand.
Churches want you to do it by the gates, so its doesn’t cause too much mess to the church and its respectful of the graves.
Some venues such as working farms or in venues in a National park want you to throw it inside, this is so they can clean it easily and it doesn’t break any National park rules.
The majority are fine as long as its biodegradable confetti – absolutely no plastic! you know the type, shiny little hearts, stars etc. that are put on tables – nope, nope, nope, don’t use it.
If all else fails? you could have bubbles! but watch you don’t tip them on the dress. I’ve photographed bubbles a couple of times and they are lots of fun! and kids love them. If you do want them you can get a couple of the bubble guns online are a good price to really create a good amount of bubbles.
Helpful advice
Using over arm, throw into the air above the bride and groom – so it falls like gentle petals over them, instead of directly into their faces.
Then lower your arm quickly so its not in front of their faces.
Halfway down the confetti aisle have a kiss or a dip for a bit of drama.
Don’t rely on guests bringing confetti, they wont as they worry about if they can use it. Buy a couple of litres in bulk and avoid the ‘we didn’t know it was allowed so didn’t bring any’ situations, because the confetti shots are definitely worth it.
You can make confetti yourself by using craft punches and leaves, or by drying petals from garden flowers, bunches of flowers. No need to worry though, theres so many places that sell confetti where you can buy it and not worry about it.
Guests, put your camera or mobile away – enjoy the moment! The bride and groom want you to be there for them, so be there them – take part in the festivities!
Oh and the brides not going to thank you for emptying the entire container on her hair, so maybe don’t do that. After all she’s about to have her group shots.
Hope this has helped, its been lovely looking back at these lush confetti moments and reminiscing, all my lovely couples hold a special place in my heart.
[1] Ref from Wikipedia