Confetti or no confetti? Here’s my two cents.
If you’re asking me whether you should have confetti at your wedding ceremony, my answer is pretty simple.
Abso-bloody-lutely.
I love it.
It’s fun, it brings incredible energy to the end of a ceremony, and let’s be honest, it can create one of the most iconic photographs of your entire wedding day.
You know the one.
The newly married couple walking back down the aisle, surrounded by their favourite people, confetti flying everywhere, smiles from ear to ear.
Maybe there’s a kiss.
Maybe there’s a dramatic dip and kiss.
Either way, it’s often the money shot that ends up plastered all over Instagram.
And for good reason.
But before you go ordering 100 personalised confetti cones, there are a few things worth knowing.
First Things First. Does Your Venue Actually Allow It?
This is the big one.
If having confetti is something you’re absolutely set on, I’d encourage you to investigate your venue’s rules before you even book the place.
Because not every wedding venue allows it.
Some are perfectly happy with confetti. Others only permit it outdoors. Some restrict the types of materials you can use, while others don’t allow it at all.
And then there are venues that permit confetti but charge an additional cleaning fee.
None of these policies are necessarily unreasonable. Venues have their own considerations when it comes to maintaining their properties.
But it’s important to understand what’s permitted before committing to your plans.
And if there’s an additional cost involved, that’s something for you to decide.
Is the confetti toss worth the extra expense?
For some couples, absolutely.
For others, not so much.
Your wedding. Your priorities. Your call.
What Type of Confetti Should You Use?
Honestly?
Whatever you like, provided your venue permits it.
Paper confetti, flower petals, dried leaves, biodegradable options. There are plenty of choices.
And I’ve seen some bloody creative ones over the years.
I once worked with a couple who collected dried leaves and used heart shaped hole punches to make their own confetti. Time consuming, but they loved doing it together.
Another couple came from a family of wheat farmers, so they incorporated wheat from the family property into their confetti toss.
A lovely personal touch that meant something to them.
And that’s the beauty of weddings.
Sometimes the simplest little details can carry the most meaning.
Just remember that something being labelled biodegradable doesn’t automatically mean your venue will allow it, particularly in outdoor or environmentally sensitive locations.
Check first.
The Great Confetti Distribution Dilemma
Now, here’s something you probably haven’t thought about.
When the hell do you hand the confetti out?
Because as simple as it sounds, the timing can make a difference.
One option is to distribute it as guests arrive for the ceremony.
Easy enough.
Except now you’ve got guests sitting there for the next 25 or 30 minutes, sometimes longer, trying to look after a little cone, cup or bag of confetti.
They’ve got a drink in one hand.
Maybe a phone in the other.
They’re wiping away a tear during the vows.
And somehow they’re expected to protect this bloody confetti like it’s the Olympic torch.
It’s not the end of the world, but it can be a nuisance.
So what are the alternatives?
If you’re signing your marriage paperwork during the ceremony, that can be a brilliant opportunity for the venue staff, coordinator or another nominated person to distribute the confetti.
There’s usually music playing, everyone’s relaxed, and the paperwork is being taken care of.
By the time the signing is finished, guests have their confetti ready to go.
Perfect.
Alternatively, your celebrant can coordinate a brief pause towards the end of the ceremony while the confetti is handed out.
It just takes a little planning with the other vendors beforehand.
And that’s really the key.
A good confetti toss starts long before anyone throws a single piece.
Sometimes You’ve Got to Respectfully Treat Everyone Like Idiots
Now, before anyone gets offended, hear me out.
I’ve got a saying when it comes to weddings and funerals.
Sometimes you’ve got to respectfully treat everyone like idiots.
And I don’t mean that people are actually idiots.
Quite the opposite.
When people attend a wedding or funeral, they’re stepping into an environment where they genuinely don’t want to do the wrong thing.
So what happens?
They wait.
They wait for someone to tell them when to stand, where to go, what to do and when to do it.
And that’s completely understandable.
So, as the person holding the microphone, part of my job is to guide them.
Politely. Clearly. And hopefully with a bit of humour.
Which brings me back to confetti.
Because you’d be amazed how spectacularly people can f*ck up something as simple as throwing little bits of paper into the air.
There’s Actually a Right Way to Throw Confetti
Yep.
And I always give the guests a quick briefing before the couple makes their grand exit.
First things first.
Don’t throw it directly at the couple’s heads!
If your confetti is sitting in a cone, cup or bag, tip it into your hand first.
It’s much easier to throw properly that way.
And when the moment comes, throw it upwards and over the couple, allowing it to float down around them.
Not directly into their faces.
Not at their backs.
And definitely not while they’re still ten metres away.
But here’s where the timing becomes important.
If the Couple Is Walking Straight Down the Aisle
Simple.
As they walk past you, throw your confetti upwards and over them.
That creates a beautiful shower of confetti as they make their way through their guests.
If the Couple Is Stopping for a Kiss or Dip
Now we’re getting fancy.
And this is where a little coordination makes a massive difference.
If the couple is planning to stop halfway down the aisle for a kiss or dramatic dip, I’ll brief the guests accordingly.
Those positioned before the halfway point can throw their confetti as the couple walks past.
Those around the halfway point and beyond can wait until the couple stops for their kiss.
Then, on cue, up goes the confetti.
The couple has their moment.
The photographer gets the shot.
And everyone has earned their drinks at the bar.
That’s the money shot.
And it works because everyone knows what they’re doing.
Your Photographer Will Bloody Love You
Now, here’s where your creative team comes into it.
Your photographer, videographer and content creator will typically have already discussed these moments with you well before the ceremony.
Are you planning a kiss halfway down the aisle? A dramatic dip? Or are you simply walking straight through?
These are exactly the sorts of details experienced creatives love to establish in advance.
And for good reason.
They know where they need to be positioned, what moments they’re anticipating and how best to capture them.
My job as your celebrant is to be across those plans too, work alongside your creative team and make sure your guests understand their part in bringing it all together.
Because when the couple, the creatives and the guests are all on the same page, that’s when the magic happens.
A little teamwork goes a long way.
And the results can be pretty bloody spectacular.
So, Confetti or No Confetti?
For me?
It’s a big fat yes.
I love the energy it brings, I love the atmosphere it creates, and I absolutely love seeing couples get those incredible photographs afterwards.
But it’s not essential.
If confetti isn’t your thing, don’t feel like you need it.
A brilliant song, a cheering crowd and two ridiculously happy newlyweds walking back down the aisle can be every bit as special.
And if you do decide to have confetti?
Check your venue’s rules.
Choose something you love.
Think about when it’ll be distributed.
Make sure your celebrant and creative team know the plan.
And for the love of God…
Throw it UP, not AT the couple.
Happy planning.
Ryan.
