One of the most joy-filled, candid photo ops during a wedding is the confetti toss. Whether you're exiting the ceremony, making your grand reception entrance, or just celebrating in style, confetti creates dynamic, emotional, and visually stunning photos. But not all confetti is created equal—for couples planning their big day, choosing the right type makes a huge difference in both appearance and clean-up. As a wedding photographer, here's my breakdown of the best types of confetti and why one might work better than another for your wedding.
1. Dried Flower Petals – Romantic & Biodegradable
Best for: Outdoor weddings, nature-lovers, rustic or boho aesthetics
Why it's great: Dried rose petals, lavender, or delphinium confetti look effortlessly romantic. They're soft, natural, and flutter beautifully in photos. Since they're biodegradable, most venues—especially outdoor or countryside ones—welcome them without hesitation.
Why it beats others: Unlike traditional paper confetti, petals add texture and a timeless elegance without the mess or environmental impact.
2. Tissue Paper Confetti – Colorful & Lightweight
Best for: Vibrant, playful weddings or themed color palettes
Why it's great: Tissue paper confetti is ultra-light, meaning it hangs in the air longer—perfect for slow-motion video or dramatic wide-angle shots. It also comes in any color imaginable, so you can match it to your wedding palette.
Why it beats others: It creates more "air time" for confetti shots, allowing photographers to capture multiple frames in one toss. However, it's less eco-friendly unless you use biodegradable options.
3. Biodegradable Paper Confetti – Eco-Friendly & Versatile
Best for: Eco-conscious couples, modern or minimalist weddings
Why it's great: Available in many shapes and shades (think hearts, stars, circles), biodegradable paper confetti offers the versatility of paper without the environmental guilt. It’s often made from rice paper or plant-based materials that dissolve with rain or wind.
Why it beats others: It gives you clean, crisp visuals while being kind to the planet and most venues' rules.
4. Bubbles – Mess-Free & Magical
Best for: Indoor weddings, venues with strict confetti rules, or allergy-sensitive guests
Why it's great: Bubbles float through the air like fairy dust and add a whimsical, dreamlike element to photos. They’re completely mess-free and safe for all venues.
Why it beats others: They eliminate clean-up concerns entirely. For evening weddings, consider glow-in-the-dark or LED bubbles for extra magic!
5. Ribbon Wands or Streamers – Elegant & Reusable
Best for: Formal weddings, interactive exits, or budget-friendly options
Why it's great: Guests wave these instead of throwing anything, creating movement, smiles, and involvement without any cleanup. Streamers flutter beautifully and can be color-coordinated with your decor.
Why it beats others: Perfect for venues that don’t allow confetti of any kind. Plus, they double as favors and photo props.
6. Sparklers – Dramatic & Cinematic
Best for: Evening send-offs or romantic nighttime photos
Why it's great: Sparklers create a magical, golden glow and can result in some of the most breathtaking images with proper lighting. They’re ideal for summer weddings or sparkler tunnels.
Why it beats others: They’re not technically “confetti,” but they pack the same wow factor and make for unforgettable photos. Just check fire restrictions with your venue beforehand.
Choosing What’s Right for You
When deciding on confetti, think beyond just aesthetics—consider your venue's rules, clean-up logistics, and your wedding's overall vibe. If you're unsure, dried petals or biodegradable paper are usually safe bets that offer both beauty and practicality.
And don’t forget to tell your photographer in advance! We'll be ready with the perfect lens and camera settings to capture that once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Want confetti photos that feel as magical as your day? Let’s talk about how to make it happen.
Reach out to book your wedding photography consultation today.
