There's a reason the confetti toss is one of the most photographed moments of any wedding day. Get it right, and you've got pure magic. Here's how to make sure yours is everything you dreamed of, with beautiful, biodegradable confetti that's as kind to the earth as it is to your photographs.
Choose Biodegradable Confetti for Your Wedding
Not all confetti is created equally, and for weddings, real freeze dried petal confetti is the clear winner. Unlike plastic, metallic, or even paper synthetic confetti (which is banned at the majority of UK wedding venues and harmful to the environment), real freeze dried petal confetti is 100% biodegradable. The petals break down naturally after use, leaving absolutely nothing behind. No mess, no microplastics, no difficult conversations with your venue co-ordinator.
Biodegradable wedding confetti is now requested or required at most UK venues, so choosing real petal confetti isn't just the beautiful choice, it's the responsible one too. Freeze dried petals catch the light in a way no synthetic alternative can match, drifting slowly and gracefully to give your photographer that dreamy, floaty shot that lasts a lifetime.
Think about your colour palette when choosing your petals. Soft white hydrangea and cream rose petals feel timeless and romantic. Blush pink and dusty rose petals are popular for weddings. If you want something a little bit bolder a mix of rose and hydrangea petals add gorgeous texture and depth, and every single one is completely natural and biodegradable.
Get Your Quantities Right
This is where lots of couples get caught out. Too little confetti and the moment looks sparse in photos, too much and... well actually there's never too much if you ask us! As a general rule you should never have less than 1 litre for 8-10 guests. For a crowd of 50, that's roughly 4-5 litres of petals. For 100 guests aim for 8-10. If you want exact numbers you can use our petal calculator:
Try Our Petal Calculator
When in doubt, go a little more rather than a little less! Left over freeze dried petals make for beautiful table scatter or a petal send off later in the evening.
Think About Presentation
How your guests access and throw the confetti matters more than you think. Loose petals left just on the side can go wrong quickly. Having a clear display that guides guests naturally makes the moment flow so much better.
Confetti cones are a brilliant option, our cone boxes come with a selection of coloured cones that look gorgeous on a welcome table and are easy for guests to pick up and use. If you want something a little more relaxed and decorative, our petal display boxes are perfect for styling into your wedding décor, letting the petals themselves become part of the scene before they're even thrown.
Of course, you can also display your freeze dried petals however suits your wedding best! Think pretty glass jars, wicker baskets, ceramic bowls, or whatever you think can be styled to complement your theme. Whatever you choose, just make sure someone, a bridesmaid, and usher, a coordinator, is on hand to guide guests into position before you make your exist, so the moment happens exactly as you imagined.
If you really don't trust your guests to do it how you think groomsmen or bridal party members can hand out the confetti themselves!
Pick Your Location Wisely
The best confetti shots happen in good light with a clean backdrop. Outside is almost always better than inside! Natural light makes biodegradable petal confetti glow and gives your photographer so much more to work with. A tree-lined path, a church gate, or a simple garden backdrop can all be magical.
Avoid outdoor confetti tosses on very windy days if you can. Petals will blow away before they reach you. A light breeze, on the other hand, can create the most ethereal photographs. Talk to your photographer about the best time of day for the light at your venue, golden hour confetti shots are breath taking.
Brief Your Photographer... and Your Guests
Your photographer needs to know the confetti moment is coming so they can be in position. Talk it through in advance: where you'll stand, which direction you'll face, how guests will be arranged. The best shots usually come from the couple walking slowly through a tunnel of guests on either side, rather than standing still in a crowd.
Brief your guests too! A quick word from your MC, a note in your order of service, or an usher giving clear instructions makes all the difference. You want everyone throwing at the same time, at the right hight, up and over, not straight at your face!
Why Biodegradable Confetti is Better for Your Venue and the Planet
This deserves its own moment, because it really matters. Real freeze dried petal confetti is made entirely from natural flower petals that have been gently dried to preserve their colour and shape. Once thrown, they begin to break down naturally with moisture and time, completely disappearing without a trace. There are no microplastics entering the soil or waterways, no synthetic dyes leaching into the ground, and no litter for venue staff to deal with.
This is why the vast majority of UK wedding venues now specify biodegradable confetti only, and why real petal confetti is the only kind we sell at Petals & Roses. It's better for your photographs, better for your venue, and better for the planet. Everyone wins.
Final Thoughts
The confetti moment is over in seconds, but the photograph lasts a lifetime. A little planning goes a long way, the right biodegradable petals, the right location, a well briefed photographer and a crowd of people who love you. That's really all you need.
Ready to find your perfect freeze dried petal confetti?
Browse our full range at Petals & Roses.
