After being in the wedding photography industry for a while, I’ve come across countless posts and questions about confetti. During my time as a Leeds and Yorkshire wedding photographer, I decided to sit down and write this blog to help soon-to-be-wed couples choose the right confetti. Read on for my tips on which type to buy and how to get the best confetti photos on your wedding day!
What kind of confetti looks best in wedding photos?
There’s quite a choice when it comes to picking confetti for your wedding — dried petals, fresh petals, or biodegradable tissue paper. Each has its charm, but from a photography point of view, some types look much better in photos than others.
If your venue only allows petals, I’d recommend going for dried ones. Bigger is best when it comes to dried petals — the larger and more colourful they are, the more they’ll stand out in your photos and the better they’ll flutter through the air.
The Dried Petal Company have a huge selection of dried petals and plenty of advice on their site to help you choose. Try to avoid teeny-tiny petals — and especially lavender. It smells amazing, but you’ll be finding it in your hair, teeth, and clothes all day!
If you’re eco-conscious, be sure to check out Confetti Bee — they offer a wide selection of beautiful, biodegradable confetti that’s kind to the planet and perfect for your big day.
Lastly, there’s biodegradable tissue paper confetti. This type has the best flutter factor — it stays in the air the longest and creates that epic, cinematic confetti moment every couple dreams of. Gone are the days of tiny paper horseshoes — now you can get beautiful tissue paper circles in every colour imaginable, perfectly matched to your wedding palette.
I recently came across Paper Confetti, and they have a huge selection of colours and shapes to choose from. Whatever your wedding theme or palette, you’re sure to find something that fits perfectly.
How Much Confetti Do You Need?
When it comes to confetti, the more the better! You can never really have too much — I promise, no one’s ever complained about an overload of confetti.
If you’re dreaming of that big, joy-filled confetti moment in your photos, aim for around one and a half handfuls per guest (two if you really want to go all out). This ensures your photos are bursting with colour and movement rather than just a few stray pieces blowing in the wind.
And here’s a key tip — don’t count on guests to bring their own confetti. Those days are behind us! If you want that magical confetti shot, make sure to provide it yourself.
Tips for Getting the Best Confetti Photos
- More is more! You can never have too much confetti. Aim for at least a handful and a half per guest to make sure your photos are bursting with colour.
- Keep your chin up. Look ahead, look at each other, or glance toward your guests — just try not to look down. It makes for much more flattering, joy-filled photos.
- Smile through it! Confetti doesn’t hurt (even if a few pieces land on your face), so enjoy the moment and let your happiness shine.
- Take your time. Walk slowly — even slower than feels natural. You can even pause halfway down the confetti tunnel for a kiss or a laugh together — your guests will love it!
- Mind your bouquet. If you’re carrying one, hold it low so it doesn’t hide your face in those all-important shots.
- Throw it high! Encourage guests to toss the confetti up rather than at you. The higher it goes, the longer it’ll stay in the air, creating that dreamy, fluttering effect in your photos.
When Is the Best Time for the Confetti Photo?
I always like to plan the confetti throw right after your ceremony. Whether you’re having a civil or church service, I’ll usually give you a few quiet moments together while I organise your guests. Then, when everything’s ready, you’ll step out to a sea of smiling faces — everyone cheering you on as you walk through a joyful blizzard of confetti. It’s the perfect way to kick off the celebrations!
Confetti Cones or Confetti Basket?
While confetti cones look lovely in photos, they’re not exactly practical. Guests often end up throwing the whole cone or tipping it out in one go, which doesn’t create that beautiful high scatter you get when confetti is tossed straight from the hand. I’ve even seen a few cones accidentally fly through the air — and no one wants to be hit in the face by a rogue paper cone!
Save yourself the hassle and go for a couple of confetti baskets instead. Fill them up and have a few helpers (or me!) walk along the line before you come out, encouraging guests to grab a generous handful. It’s simple, quick, and guarantees a much better confetti moment.
Final Tip
My personal tip — go for colourful, medium to large-sized confetti if you want truly epic confetti photos. The colours will stand out beautifully against a traditional white wedding dress, adding that perfect pop of contrast. If your wedding day is particularly bright, white confetti can easily get lost in the light and won’t show up as well in photos. And if your wedding has a non-traditional colour palette, or you’re celebrating as a same-sex couple, the mix of vibrant colours will still complement your photos perfectly. It’s a win all around!
Wedding Photography
Planning your wedding? I’d absolutely love to capture your day! My photography style is relaxed, natural, candid, and documentary — focused on real moments, genuine emotions, and timeless storytelling. I love creating images that reflect your personalities and the atmosphere of your day, without any forced poses or interruptions.
I’m based in Leeds and photograph weddings throughout West Yorkshire and beyond.
If you’d like to see more of my work, take a look at my portfolio or browse some recent weddings. Ready to chat about your plans? Head over to the contact — I’d love to hear from you!