The Complete Guide to Wedding Confetti 🎉
Few moments at a wedding are as joyful, fun, and downright photogenic as the confetti toss. Whether you’re walking hand in hand down the aisle as newlyweds or standing surrounded by your favourite people, confetti creates that burst of colour, movement, and celebration that looks amazing in photos.
This guide covers everything you need to know about wedding confetti: how much to buy, what type to choose, venue rules to keep in mind, the pros and cons of different confetti shots, plus tips to make sure your photos look as good as they feel.
How Much Confetti Should You Buy?
Luckily, I have created a really handy Confetti Calculator to make it easy for you to buy the right amount of Confetti without overbuying!
Venue Considerations
Before you place that bulk order of confetti, check with your venue. Most venues will have specific rules around what you can and can’t use.
Biodegradable only: Paper or plastic confetti is usually banned. Natural petals or biodegradable options are almost always required.
Designated areas: Venues often limit confetti to outdoor spaces or particular zones to make cleanup easier and keep the grounds looking pristine for the next wedding.
Check the weather factor: If your wedding is indoors, many venues won’t allow confetti at all — so bubbles, sparklers, or ribbon wands might be a better option.
Choosing the Right Confetti for Your Wedding
Confetti is more than just fun — it can add to your wedding aesthetic.
Match your palette: If you’re working with soft blush and sage tones, think dried rose petals and eucalyptus. For bold, modern colours, go for brightly dyed petals or colourful biodegradable paper.
Classic & romantic: Real petals (rose, lavender, delphinium).
Eco-conscious: Dried leaves or biodegradable rice paper.
Unique twist: Herbs (like lavender or rosemary) or even rabbit food (seriously — it’s just dried vegetables and works beautifully as a sustainable option).
Confetti Photos: Aisle Toss vs Posed Throw
There are two main types of confetti photos — both stunning, but with different vibes.
The Aisle Toss 🌿
This happens naturally as you walk back up the aisle after saying “I do.” Guests shower you as you beam your way out.
Pros:
Feels organic and joyful.
Captures real emotion in the moment.
Everyone’s already gathered, so no extra organising.
Cons:
Confetti can be unevenly thrown — some guests go big, others forget.
Lighting or space might not be ideal.
Couples often flinch, which can lead to less flattering photos.
You only get one shot at it.
đź’ˇ Image placeholder: Example of an aisle confetti shot, with movement and candid reactions.
The Posed Throw 🎉
This is where your photographer gathers guests in one spot after the ceremony for a dedicated confetti photo.
Pros:
More control over lighting, background, and placement.
Easy to encourage guests to really go for it.
You can repeat it if needed.
Works perfectly for a dramatic kiss shot, giving you the best of both worlds — confetti drama without the flinching.
Cons:
Slightly more staged (though still full of fun).
Takes a bit of time to organise everyone.
đź’ˇ Image placeholder: Posed confetti kiss shot.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Confetti Shots
Hand out cones or envelopes: Makes it easier for guests and ensures everyone joins in.
Go big on quantity: More confetti = better photos.
Throw up, not at: Encourage guests to toss confetti into the air above you, so it rains down beautifully instead of hitting you in the face.
Double up: Have a natural toss down the aisle and a posed one later — it gives you variety in your gallery.
Pro-Tip, especially for those on a stricter timeframe
One thing to keep in mind: confetti gets everywhere. And I mean literally everywhere. In your hair, down your dress, inside your suit jacket, tucked onto your shoulders — you name it, it’ll find a way there. That’s half the fun, but if you’re short on time and planning to dive straight into group photos afterwards, it’s worth having someone on “confetti duty.” Whether it’s a bridesmaid, bridesman, groomsman, parent, auntie, uncle (honestly, anyone will do), make sure you’ve got a designated helper to dust you off and rescue you from a confetti avalanche before the next round of photos.
Where to Buy Confetti
Specialist suppliers: Companies like Shropshire Petals or Proper Confetti offer biodegradable petals in endless colours.
DIY: Dry your own petals (roses, hydrangeas, lavender work best) or bulk-buy dried flowers online.
Eco-friendly shops: Look for sustainable rice paper or dried leaves.
Amazon - click here for a link to Bunny Bistro who supply petals usually for the purpose of feeding small animals (but it’s still dried petals with less cost.)
Final Thoughts
Your confetti shot will be one of the most joy-filled photos of your day. Whether you keep it natural with petals, colourful with paper, or quirky with something unique, a little planning goes a long way. Check your venue’s rules, choose a style that matches your day, and most importantly — have fun with it.
And if you’re still on the hunt for someone to capture those confetti-filled moments (and everything else in between), I’d love to chat about photographing your wedding.
👉 Get in touch here to start planning.
