Why Do We Throw Confetti At Weddings? | History, Symbolism & More!

Throwing confetti has been a part of weddings for centuries.

There are many reasons why people throw confetti at weddings.

The most common reason is to bring good luck and happiness to the newly married couple.

At Gorse Hill we adore confetti moments.

Join us as we delve deeper into this wonderful wedding tradition.

History of Confetti

The tradition of throwing wedding confetti is believed to have started in Northern Italy during the Middle Ages and has been a part of weddings in the UK since Pagan times.

The word 'confetti' comes from Italy and is the Italian word for sugared almonds.

In the past, people in Italy would throw these sweet treats into the air during special events and celebrations.

In the UK people usually threw rice instead of confetti.

Rice is not as tasty as confetti but it is less likely to cause harm or injury.

Eventually, people started using colourful alternatives to rice which we now know as wedding confetti.

Before wedding confetti became popular people used to throw flowers, petals, grains, or rice at the couple to bring them good luck, prosperity, and fertility.

What Confetti Should People Use?

When picking confetti for your wedding it's important to choose a kind that can break down naturally.

Paper confetti and dried flower confetti are popular choices that can biodegrade.

Before buying confetti make sure to consult your wedding venue as they might have specific rules or preferences.
 

 

How much confetti do you need?

Confetti is a classic wedding tradition that can add a touch of fun to your special day.

If you want your confetti to look amazing in your wedding photos it's important to have enough of it.

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your wedding confetti:

• Buy lots of it. You can never have too much confetti! When you're shopping for confetti, be sure to buy enough for at least a few handfuls per guest to throw.
   
• Enlist the help of your bridal party or groomsmen. On the day of your wedding have your bridal party or groomsmen hand out small bags of confetti to your guests. This will ensure that everyone has confetti to throw.
   
• Place pouches of confetti on everyone's chairs at the ceremony. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you may want to place pouches of confetti on everyone's chairs at the ceremony. This will make it easy for your guests to grab some confetti as they're leaving the ceremony.
   
• Coordinate with your photographer so they are in the right spot to capture the confetti moment.

With a little planning you can easily make sure that your wedding confetti looks great in your photos.

Alternatives to Throwing Confetti

In recent years there has been a growing movement to use more sustainable alternatives to traditional confetti.

This is due to concerns about the environmental impact of confetti which can end up in landfills or waterways.
 
Fortunately, there are various alternatives to traditional confetti that can be used at weddings.

Two popular choices are dried flower petals and bubbles.

Dried flower petals are not only beautiful but also give off a pleasant fragrance.

They can be purchased from flower shops or stores that sell crafting supplies.

On the other hand, bubbles are a fun alternative that works well for outdoor weddings.
 

 

Wedding Confetti Moments at Gorse Hill, Surrey

At Gorse Hill, we believe that wedding confetti adds a lovely touch to photos.

We kindly ask couples to select environmentally friendly confetti that is light in colour and can naturally break down.

This ensures the preservation of our beautiful natural surroundings.

We hope you enjoyed discovering the reasons behind why we throw confetti at weddings.

If you want to learn more about other wedding traditions such as Why Do Brides Throw Their Bouquets, feel free to visit our Blog.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Why Do We Throw Confetti At Weddings?

Q: When to Throw Confetti at a Wedding?
A: When you throw confetti at your wedding is completely up to you. However, the most popular time to do so is immediately after the ceremony.

Q: Where did throwing confetti originate?
A: People have been throwing confetti at weddings for centuries. The tradition is thought to have started in Northern Italy during the Middle Ages. Before paper confetti was invented people threw items like flowers, petals, grains, or rice at the happy couple.

Q: Why do we throw confetti at weddings?
A: Confetti is thrown at weddings to symbolise good luck, fertility and happiness for the newly married couple. It is also a way for guests to show their support and excitement for the couple.

Q: Does everyone throw confetti at a wedding?
A: Most wedding guests would get involved in throwing confetti. It's a fun way for guests to show their support for the happy couple and to add a touch of colour and excitement to the day.

Q: Do I need confetti for all guests?
A: It’s not compulsory to have confetti for all guests but it would be a nice gesture to include at least a handful of confetti per person. This way everyone can participate in the tradition of throwing confetti at the happy couple.

Q: What do people use instead of confetti?
A: There are many alternatives to traditional confetti that can be used to create a beautiful and festive atmosphere for example flower petals and bubbles. The best alternative for you will depend on your wedding venue, budget, and personal preferences. If you're having an outdoor wedding you should choose confetti that is biodegradable. If you're having an indoor wedding you may want to choose an alternative that is easy to clean up.