FLUTTER, FLUTTER MY DARLINGS

Confetti is one of those tiny wedding moments that can look absolutely cinematic… or like a sad sprinkle of regret. 😅
So here’s the full lowdown on paper confetti, dried petals, fresh petals, and bubbles — plus my photographer-approved tips for getting that big, joyful, full-frame confetti moment that makes you squeal when you see your gallery.

This is your wedding confetti guide

⚡ First things first: ask your venue
Before you order a single fluttery circle…
Ask your venue:
Is confetti allowed at all?
Indoors, outdoors… or both?
Do they only allow specific types (paper vs petals)?
Any “must be biodegradable / must be petals / no colour” rules?
Some venues are a hard no — eg Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh doesn’t allow confetti, even biodegradable dried petals

wedding couple laughing and smiling covered in confetti after their confetti run outside in Edinburgh.

wedding couple holding hands whilst being showered with dried petal confetti. bride wears a silver sequin dress and groom in kilt

🎊 The confetti options

1) Biodegradable paper confetti (my personal fave) ✨

Pros
Huge choice of colours (mix + match to your palette)
Shows up brilliantly in photos (even in dull Scottish light 🙃)
It flutters for longer than petals = more “wow” in every frame
Adds an instant colour boost to your day
Easy to throw, easy to control, great for big groups
Cons
Some venues still prefer petals only (always check)
Cheap confetti can bleed colour / feel papery-dusty (buy reputable)
My note: if you want that epic confetti tunnel look — paper tends to deliver the most consistently.

2) Dried petal confetti (often purchased on Etsy)

Pros
Natural, biodegradable, venue-friendly (often the “approved” option)
Soft, romantic look
Delphinium petals are light and floaty compared to heavier petals
Cons
Can drop faster than paper (depends on petal type + size)
Sometimes there’s a bit of petal dust — and honestly… nobody wants a faceful of dust
Colours are usually more natural/limited than paper mixes

3) Fresh petals (the dreamy-but-tricky one)

Pros
Smells lush (hello sensory joy)
Feels “luxury garden party” in real life
Cons
Often not allowed (fresh petals can be slippery + messy)
They’re heavier and can fall quickly
Can stain (depending on petal type)
Cost adds up fast
If you love the look, ask your florist about which petals are safe + venue-approved.

4) Bubbles 🫧 (a brilliant plan B)

Pros
Great for venues with strict rules
Fun, whimsical, and genuinely cute in photos
Minimal clean-up
Cons
Some bubble mixtures can mark fabrics — test first (or pick low-stain solutions)
Wind can steal your bubble moment
You usually need a LOT of bubbles for it to look full-on
Pro tip: bubbles work best when a few people are positioned close to you, blowing constantly for 10–15 seconds OR buy a couple of quality bubble guns (the kids can play with them after!)

wedding couple being showered with bright coloured paper confetti inside the weaving shed in Dundee.

elegant wedding couple showered with confetti at edinburgh city chambers

🎊 How to nail your confetti moment (photographer-approved)

More info for the ultimate wedding confetti guide

✅ 1) Forget the tiny little bags (hear me out!)
They look cute… but:
a pain to fill
cost more
get dropped
end up in bins|

Instead: get 1–2 wicker baskets from a charity shop and fill that baby UP.

Guests grab a big handful on the way out. Easy. Looks great. WORKS! ✨

Bonus: repurpose the basket after — cards basket, blanket basket, or take it home and live your cosy life.

✅ 2) Put two people in charge
Pick two wedding party MVPs and give them one job:
stand by the exit
basket in each hand
“Grab a handful! Bigger than you think! One… two… GO!”
It makes the moment smoother and avoids that awkward “everyone forgot the confetti exists” vibe.

✅ 3) Do it IMMEDIATELY after the ceremony
This one matters a lot.
Confetti should happen before:
canapés
fizz
drink handouts
Because once glasses appear:
guests don’t want to put drinks down
confetti ends up in drinks
people drift off
the moment loses momentum

⚡Ceremony → confetti → straight into group photos⚡

Everyone is already together, and it makes family formals soooo much easier. (But yes… that’s another blog 😉)

✅ 4) Buy more than you think you need
If you want the “epic” shot…
More. More. MORE. 🎊🎊🎊
Aim for big handfuls — and yes, guests can take two handfuls if you want that full tunnel moment. We want a blizzard of confetti people!!

Rule-of-thumb guides vary, but lots of UK confetti sellers suggest approximately 1 litre for around 10–20 guests, depending on how generous you want the throw.

✅ 5) Only buy from reputable suppliers
Quality matters for:
colour-fast paper
clean, well-dried petals
true biodegradability claims

Also: don’t “sparkle it up” with metallic confetti — it’s often not biodegradable and many venues will ban it on sight. It’s harmful to the environment too.

✅ 6) Keep a little back… for you
Why should guests get all the fun?
Save a few handfuls for portraits and we’ll do a mini “confetti yourselves” moment.
It’s playful, it breaks the ice, and the photos are *chef’s kiss* ✨⚡

🎊 Edinburgh City Chambers confetti note

If you’re marrying at Edinburgh City Chambers: confetti isn’t allowed in/at the building area, but you can do it nearby (many couples pop out to the Royal Mile area).

My local tip: Parliament Square is a cracking option — super close, feels Old Town, and gives you a bit of breathing space from the busiest pinch points.

🙋‍♀️ Most-asked wedding confetti questions

If you still have questions after the wedding confetti guide…

How much confetti do I need?
More than you think. If you want a full tunnel shot, plan for generous handfuls. Many UK guides suggest roughly 1 litre per 10–20 guests depending on serving style.

Is confetti allowed at my venue?
Always ask. Some venues ban confetti entirely (even biodegradable), and some restrict types/colours.

Is paper confetti biodegradable?
Some is, some isn’t — buy from reputable suppliers and avoid metallic mixes.

What confetti looks best in photos?
Biodegradable paper confetti usually shows up strongest and flutters longest; delphinium-style petals are the best “petal option” for floatiness.

Can we do confetti indoors?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no — this is venue-dependent. Always check.

What if our venue doesn’t allow confetti?
Bubbles are a fun alternative (test for staining first).