Wedding Confetti

Confetti throwing originates from a number of cultures:- red and white rose petals were thrown in Saxon times to represent the union of passion and purity, and rice was thrown in Eastern traditions as a symbol of fertility so that the couple would be blessed with children. The word "confetti" derives from the same Italian word as confectionery and was used to describe the sweetmeats - sugar-coated grain and nuts - that were thrown over newlyweds.

Many venues will not allow you to throw traditional paper confetti, as it is considered litter, and is very difficult to clear up afterwards - especially if wet.

However, there are a number of alternatives, such as rice, or fresh flower petals. If you decide that rice should be thrown at your wedding, ask your guests to throw it high in the air and in small handfuls - rice can be particularly painful if thrown at speed!

There is a huge range of flower petal confetti available now, either dried naturally or freeze-dried, meaning that the natural colour and shape is retained, and will last for months. You can choose from a number of different petals - rose, delphinium and bougainvillea being the most popular. They are grown in a wide selection of colours, which means that you can co-ordinate them with your wedding colour scheme.

If you chose to have petal confetti, it is a good idea to let your guests know beforehand, so that they know not to use any paper confetti. You could package the petals up for your guests in paper cones, or have the bridesmaids hand around a basket.

Confetti can also be used to decorate your venue - scattered over tables or pathways, or can even be added to your invitations. Again, there is a huge range available, metallic, iridescent, or even personalised with you and your partner's initials!

The tradition of throwing confetti goes back to before the time of Christ - rice or grain was thrown onto the newlyweds to bestow fertility on the couple.

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