A Guide To Choosing Biodegradable Wedding Confetti

Confetti is an essential part of any wedding day. Not only is it a wonderful way to greet a newlywed couple, but it also provides some beautiful photo opportunities. The tradition is believed to have started in Italy during the Middle Ages, where sugared almonds or ‘confetti’ were given to wedding guests. While plastic and metallic confetti are mainstream in this day and age, more and more people are turning to eco-friendly options such as flowers, herbs and dried leaves – a step back in time to the Middle Ages. Ready to start planning your dream wedding? Here’s all you need to know about biodegradable wedding confetti.

Biodegradable confetti vs standard confetti

When choosing whether to use biodegradable confetti or normal confetti, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

Biodegradable confetti

Pros:

• It’s made from environmentally-friendly materials that naturally break down, and there’s no threat to wildlife
• It’s easier to find a venue as the majority these days only allow biodegradable options
• It’s easier to clean up

Cons:

• It’s slightly more expensive
• Although it’s becoming more common, there are still less options than standard confetti

Standard confetti

Pros:

• You’ll find that it comes in a large variety of colours, materials, sizes and shapes
• It’s a more budget-friendly option
• Plastic or metallic confetti has a longer shelf life than natural confetti

Cons:

• It’s bad for the environment as they don’t break down: they can also enter waterways and harm wildlife
• You may find it more difficult to find a venue as most of them don’t accept standard confetti
• It’s more difficult to clean up

What flowers should I choose?

Some of the best flowers to use for natural confetti include:

• Roses: a symbol of romance and available in many colours. Our dried rose petals are a striking fuschia colour
• Lavender: adds a fresh and soothing scent. Our French lavender has an intense sweet and floral fragrance
• Hydrangeas: the petals come in clusters and a variety of colours
• Cornflowers: the blue petals add a splash of colour to reds and pinks
• Daisies: the white petals go with any background and create a classic, timeless look
• Baby’s breath: the tiny white blossoms add a touch of elegance
• Delphiniums: sturdy petals ideal for throwing

Should I use fresh or dried flowers?

While both are biodegradable, there are a few key differences between fresh and dried flowers:

Fresh flowers

Pros:

• More vibrant colours
• More fragrant
• Better for throwing as they have more of a weight to them, so they land where you throw

Cons:

• Some flowers are only available fresh at certain times of the year
• Can become mushy over time, especially in the heat

Dried flowers

Pros:

• Longer shelf life than fresh flowers
• More variety as they’re available year-round
• Less likely to stain clothes

Cons:

• Less vibrant colours
• Less fragrant
• More delicate and can break easily

How to make biodegradable confetti at home

1. Choose fresh flowers and avoid any that are turning brown
2. Remove the petals from the stem
3. Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate
4. Arrange the petals in a single layer on the paper towel, making sure they don’t touch
5. Place another sheet of paper towel over the top of the petals
6. Place the plate in the microwave and heat until the petals are no longer damp – how long depends on each microwave, but an 800 watt will take around a minute and a half
7. When the petals are dry, transfer them to an air-tight container and keep in a dark place until ready to use (they can last up to a year)