Due to the single-use plastic ban, confetti made from plastic or glitter is now banned for sale confetti is now banned. Although it’s biodegradable, most churches ban rice confetti. It’s not only a slipping hazard, but attracts pigeons!
Many flowers used for confetti (larkspur/delphiniums & hydrangeas) are unsafe near animal friends. So only use at pet-free weddings. Same applies for ‘plantable cards’. Read how to make gardens safe for pets.
Never release balloons or fire lanterns (nor butterflies, doves or kites – all harm birds, wildlife and marine creatures).
You could collectively buy a Terracycle Party Supplies Box to recycle remaining confetti, but if not, just bin it (don’t throw it around, as the plastic is harmful to local birds and wildlife (and marine creatures, when it washes down drains).
Dried Rose Petal Wedding Confetti
Instead, use a natural biodegradable confetti. The Dried Petal Company offers lovely freeze-dried rose petals (grown in Europe with no pesticides). Order a few weeks ahead, but no longer before, and don’t store them in the fridge).
You can even buy eco-friendly cones, to throw your confetti from!
Flower Wedding Confetti from Shropshire
Shropshire Petals grows its own wedding confetti on a farm. Again, some flowers are not pet-safe, so stick to rose petals if animal friends are nearby. Sent in eco-packaging, choose delayed delivery (3 months and more before weddings).
As a guide, 1 litre of petals provides around 10 to 12 handfuls of throwing confetti. Of course, many couples also like to add flower petals to the wedding table.
Other Zero Waste Confetti Options
The other main options usually centre around recycled paper or card, cut into pretty shapes. These could be from used maps to music sheets. Avoid brands that pack in plastic, which rather defeats the point: We like this recycled music sheet confetti and recycled Mills & Boon romance novel confetti!
Why Biodegradable Wedding Confetti?
More couples now look for environmental options that still add joy to their big day. Biodegradable confetti gives all the joy of the classic tradition, but it’s safe for nature and easy to clean up.
Better for Nature
Biodegradable confetti breaks down quickly and leaves no plastic or metal behind. It’s made from natural materials like dried flowers, rice paper, or leaves.
You can toss it in outdoor spaces, gardens, or even on beaches without worrying about harming wildlife or leaving a mess behind. Local authorities often approve it for use in places that ban the usual plastic confetti.
Adds to the Beauty
Biodegradable confetti can be as pretty as you like. Dried rose petals, lavender, colourful leaves, or rice paper in your wedding colours all look stunning in photos.
Some couples mix blooms to match the bouquet or the overall theme. The right mix creates a dreamy effect, especially when the confetti floats down over the newlyweds.
Easy Clean-Up
Unlike standard confetti that needs hours to pick up, biodegradable options disappear over time. Rain or a gentle sweep is enough to wash most away.
That means you spend more time with guests and less time cleaning up afterwards.
Suits Many Venues
Many wedding venues, especially gardens, barns, and country houses, ask for environment-friendly confetti. Biodegradable options are almost always allowed, even where other types are banned.
Always check with your venue first, but expect far less hassle when you choose the greener option.
Safer for Pets and Wildlife
Weddings sometimes include pets, or take place in parks teeming with animals. Biodegradable confetti is safer if you use pet-safe flowers.
Avoid delphiniums/larkspur, hydrangeas and other pet-toxic blooms for wedding confetti, near animals. Same with ‘plantable seed packets’ (many flowers including lilies, poppies, rhododendrons and all bulbs are also toxic).
Simple to Personalise
There are plenty of ways to make biodegradable confetti your own. Choose colours that match your flowers or bridesmaids’ dresses. Add a scent like lavender or rose for an extra surprise as the confetti is tossed.
Supports Small Businesses
Many biodegradable confetti options come from independent sellers or small farmers. Buying from these groups supports local jobs and small-scale farming.
You get a unique product, and your choice helps someone’s business grow.
Stress-Free for Photographers
Bright and soft biodegradable petals or rice paper look fantastic in slow-motion shots. They flutter rather than plummet, giving photographers time to get the perfect photo as the confetti swirls around the couple.
