Throwing confetti has been an important part of wedding celebrations for centuries. It is a joyful custom that symbolises good luck, happiness, prosperity, and well wishes for the future. As Newlyweds exit their ceremony, Guests throw confetti to celebrate their union, and to bless their new life together.
The word confetti is derived from the Italian word confetto, meaning a small sweet or sugar-coated almond. In medieval Italy, people tossed these sweet treats and flowers during parades, carnivals, and weddings to wish prosperity. Thankfully, by the late 19th century the tradition had evolved into throwing colourful paper pieces – a much safer, cleaner, and more festive version.
Petals required!
At the Greek Loggia, our beautiful outdoor ceremony setting, we ask couples to use only natural dried flower petals for their confetti. This is an eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable choice, which also means there’s no need for post-ceremony confetti tidying. One of our favourite suppliers is Confetti Bee who specialise in gorgeous, dried petal confetti in a rainbow of beautiful colours.
However, be aware that some natural petal confetti can be rather similar to the consistency of pot pourri – dry and scratchy, and very uncomfortable if any gets caught down the front of a wedding dress!
Confetti throw timing
In recent years, couples have chosen to stage the confetti throw later in their day against a carefully chosen backdrop, but in my view the very best time to do it is immediately after the ceremony as the wedding couple walk back down the aisle. These are the first married steps they will be taking together, so there is a joyous spontaneity at this moment which is very special to capture – the excitement is genuine, the smiles are natural, and that pure joy emotion is unlikely to be recreated later.
Handing out confetti
Confetti can be put in cones, envelopes or bags to be placed on ceremony chairs, but this can be fiddly for guests and also creates rubbish that requires clearing up afterwards. An easier option is to fill large baskets that bridesmaids take around for guests to grab a handful from just before the end of the ceremony. There is often a short pause towards the end whilst legal paperwork is completed, so this is an ideal opportunity to hand out confetti, perhaps with some background music playing.
Confetti throwing etiquette!
The golden rule to consider when throwing confetti is ‘up’ not ‘at’ the wedding couple! If confetti is gently tossed upwards, it flutters down gracefully onto the couple, looking really romantic. Thrown directly at the couple, they are likely to get it right in their faces and potentially their mouths – not so great for the photos!
With the right timing, beautiful natural petals, and a little guidance for your guests, your confetti moment will be one of the most joyous and memorable parts of your wedding day.
Louise Hartley
To find out more about Bignor Park or Weddings at Bignor Park please contact us.