Photographer's Tips For a Perfect Wedding Confetti Moment

Confetti throw is probably one of the most fun ways of including your guests in your wedding photos. It gives you an opportunity to get happy photos, full of smiles and excitement on your guest’s faces. It’s a memorable moment worth considering for your wedding - cheap to create, fun for adults and children and often a ‘‘money shot’’ of the day. My Instagram page is full of confetti ideas because I love organising it for my couples and sharing happy memories! If you’re wondering how to organise a confetti moment on your wedding day and where to start, follow this post to the end for tips and advice. This will give you a comprehensive look at what to get, where to do it and how to make sure you get the most photos out of it!

Confetti types for your wedding

Let’s start with confetti types for different weddings. Which confetti do I choose? If you are going for an outdoors, countryside wedding then dried rose petals work well. Save flowers from birthdays and anniversaries and dry them in the oven. Place the petals (or whole flowers if small) on a baking tray lined with paper and cook at 95 degrees C for 10 minutes. Be careful to make sure the flowers are free from pesticides and bugs.

Fresh white rose petals are a great option for a glam, black-tie wedding.

If you are planning a vibrant city wedding then bright, bold tissue confetti will look amazing. You can get confetti cannons but make sure whoever is handing it out tells your guests how to use it. It needs to point up, otherwise, it can be dangerous for you, your partner and others.

Or if you want neutral confetti then simple, plain white boxed confetti from Etsy or eBay is a good option.

Dried rose petals work well on laid back, relaxed weddings

When and where do we go for the big toss?

A perfect moment for the big confetti throw is right after the ceremony when you are exiting the venue or the ceremony place. Walking down the aisle throw can be a great option of 2 in 1 shot, but those seated far from the aisle will have to hurry up finding locations to toss. The best option, in this case, is to exit the ceremony, wait a few minutes for the photographer to set the confetti tunnel and march out again through it.

It's worth checking with your venue if they allow it on the premises. Some churches can be funny about that, even with fresh/dried eco petals. If it’s not allowed on the premises I'll always suggest a location - it might be just you and the bridal party for that one, but the photos will still look amazing.

An example of aisle exit confetti toss.

Fresh white rose petals are a great option for a glam, black-tie wedding.

Who hands down the confetti?

Ideally, this is a job for the bridesmaids, best man or close family and friends that you know will be happy to help out on the day. They should give out confetti to your guests when they arrive for the ceremony, or, place on their seats to ensure every guest has some ready for the big post-ceremony throw! Alternatively, it’s good to have a spare ‘‘bucket’’ of loose confetti for easy access. A designated person can then quickly hand out some more as they walk through the tunnel, just before you.

It’s good to have a mixture of small and large pieces of confetti. Different sizes look better in different light situations.

Confetti will eventually make it’s way down your dress, no matter the size of confetti or the dress type!

Who will organise the ‘big throw’?

Your photographer, planner or coordinator should take care of that. I usually arrange two lines or group people in a certain way for maximum effect depending on the venue. You could also ask your registrar or celebrant to make an announcement at the end of the ceremony to give guests a heads-up regarding the timing of the confetti throw.

An example of confetti tunel. All of your guests make up this slim, long line and everyone has a chance to toss. Lots of photo opportunities!

And toss!

Some final tips

Walk slowly and enjoy the moment! Don't rush in excitement, take it slow in order to get the best photos. You can even share a kiss midway.

Ideally, guests should throw confetti up rather than at you! Although you might be in for a surprise, some guest really like to take this opportunity to express their excitement (revenge) and shower your face with a handful of flowers! 🌸