Our Ultimate Guide to the
Best Wedding Confetti Moments
Tossing wedding confetti is one of those traditions that’s stuck around for good reason. Originally introduced to symbolise fertility, prosperity and new beginnings, it’s now less about symbolism and more about celebration. Confetti moments are a time for everyone to come together and have a bit of fun (I mean have you ever seen people looking grumpy in a confetti moment picture?!).
Whether you’re showered in colourful paper circles, floaty petals or an alternative idea that fits your vibe, confetti is one of the most fun and photogenic parts of the day. This guide is packed with advice and top tips from industry pros to help you choose the best confetti for your wedding – from how much to order, to tips for nailing the perfect confetti photo, plus creative alternatives if you want something a bit different.
Let’s make your confetti moment unforgettable.
Cover image Vicki Clayson Photography
What Confetti to chose?
There’s more than one way to throw confetti! The type you choose can influence your photos, your clean-up, and even your venue’s approval. Here’s a breakdown:
- Biodegradable paper confetti – Lightweight, colourful, and floats beautifully for those dreamy confetti shots. Often available in big dots, shapes, or fine pieces. This can be left on the floor to rot (if outside) or swept up.
- Tissue paper confetti – not all tissue paper confetti is biodegradable depending on the finish. Metallic finishes or plastic coatings means they will not degrade and will need to be swept up
- Dried flower petals – Romantic, natural, and eco-friendly. Some varieties fall faster than others, so choose carefully if you want maximum photo time.
- Leaves, lavender or herbs – Subtle, fragrant, and often venue-approved. Great for rustic or woodland weddings.
- Traditional rice – Once the go-to wedding toss, rice symbolises fertility and abundance. It’s now less common due to safety and environmental concerns, but some venues may still allow it – always check first.
Couples used to rely on guests to bring confetti, but these days it’s more common (and much more coordinated!) for couples to provide it themselves. This means you can make sure the colours match your wedding palette, there’s enough for that perfect photo moment, and you avoid a rogue mix of styles and materials.
“Biodegradable paper confetti is best for photos as it falls slowly, allowing maximum time to capture plenty of gorgeous shots.” Proper Confetti
“Biodegradable paper is generally more effective… but certain petals can work well too.” Vicki Clayson Photography
Pro Tip: Always check with your venue—some only allow petals or specific eco-friendly options.
Why not check out our blog: Best alternative Wedding venues
Choosing the best confetti colour
Not sure which colours to go for? Start with your wedding palette and then play! The best confetti blends include 2–3 shades that either match or contrast your look for a photo-friendly pop.
“Start with your wedding palette and pick 2–3 shades for a beautiful blend – soft pastels and neutrals are timeless, while bold tones make a striking statement for epic confetti photos.” Proper Confetti
Companies such as Proper Confetti sell confetti by individual colours or pre mixed packs (see examples below).
Pro Tip: Use Canva’s colour wheel to find contrasting different colour combinations based on your wedding palette
You may also like our blog: How to nail a colourful wedding
How Much wedding confetti do you need?
Short answer? More than you think. A good guideline is a generous handful per guest, but if in doubt – double it. The best confetti moments come from a full-on flurry, not a quiet sprinkle.
“Aim for one handful per guest—our pack sizes make it easy to choose based on group size.” Proper Confetti
“If you think you have enough confetti, you’re wrong. Always buy more!!” Pink Photographics
Pro Tip: Industry advice is order for around 75% of guests – some won’t join in, others will grab extra. Give your hype crew first dibs!
How to Nail the Best Confetti Photos
Want that perfect shot? It’s not just about the confetti – it’s about the energy. Here’s how to get the best wedding confetti photos:
- Have guests line up in two rows to create a confetti tunnel – it gives structure, makes throwing easier, and helps frame the moment perfectly.
- Keep moving – walk, laugh, kiss, high five
- Look around – not just straight at the camera
- Assign a hype person to get the crowd cheering
- Guests need to throw it up, not straight at your faces
- Choose a location with a darker background for contrast
“Get a hype man! The ceremony’s over – let’s get the party started!” Doodah Photography
“Throw the confetti up, not at the couple (however tempting it is!).” Pink Photographics
“If there’s the option of a darker background, go for it – the colours will pop more in your photos.” Vicki Clayson Photography
You also don’t need to spend hours prepping tiny cones or envelopes. In fact, skipping them can actually make for better photos. When guests can grab big handfuls from baskets or tubs, they tend to throw more, and they throw upwards – not just shake confetti out of a cone. That means more confetti in the air, more colour, and more movement for your photographer to capture.
“Just have a couple of big baskets or tubs and get people to grab handfuls. It’s easier and more effective for the throw.” Vicki Clayson Photography
“Place someone in charge of handing your confetti out just before the throw to avoid any surprises!” Proper Confetti
Pro Tip: Keep it playful. Your photographer will be in burst mode, so change up your expressions and movements for the best results.
Check out our directory for amazing Photographers
Confetti Alternatives That are just as FUN
Not feeling traditional wedding confetti? No problem. There are plenty of playful alternatives to suit your vibe:
- Bubbles (go big with bubble guns!)
- Ribbon wands
- Mini bells or tambourines
- Paper planes
- Biodegradable snow or feathers
“Get multiple bubble guns as well as the normal little wands and scatter them throughout the run.” Vicki Clayson Photography
Pro Tip: Choose something interactive – guests will love being part of the moment.
Our Final Confetti Tips
When the confetti settles, don’t rush off. That little moment at the end – brushing petals from each other’s hair or laughing together – is full of connection and emotion.
“When you get to the end of your confetti tunnel, take the time to tidy each other up a bit… they make the loveliest pictures.” Doodah Photography
Pro Tip: Pause, breathe, and enjoy that little pocket of calm and love.
Thanks to our Experts
Confetti supplier: Proper Confetti
Photographers: Vicki Clayson Photography
Additional images by: Kirsty Rockett Photography, Carmel McCabe Photography
