Who doesn't love the end of a wedding when everyone stands up and cheers before showering the couple in confetti, hugs and kisses? Makes for great photos as well as fun.
Alas, we are all to aware of the impact traditional confetti has on the environment. Heartbreaking that glitter is bad (I love sparkles). Also, many venues don't allow confetti in doors and are quite specific on what can be used outdoors due to clean up, staining and other property related issues. So, what to do and how to do it differently?
No throw options:
Bells - yes bells, give your guests mini bells to ring at the end of the ceremony. The tinkly kind! Even better if you source them second hand. They make a great little keep sake for guests too (ps. you can have them engraved).
Whistles - like to make noise? Raver in your younger days? Little whistles are an alternative to bells. Not as a pretty but guaranteed to get the party started especially if you have it as part of a toast to introduce the newly weds for the first time.
Bubbles - a personal favourite, bubbles are a great alternative to petals etc. Also, they are a fabulous way to keep kids entertained, big and small. Combine a battery operated bubble machine or a bubble cannon to amplify what your guests create. Fabulous in photos too!
Throw options:
Dried Flowers & Petals - such a lovely alternative to traditional confetti and you can be even more mindful of the local environment by choosing native varieties. For a local supplier check out Blooming Beez on Instagram. Based in Northern NSW, Blooming Beez is a seasonal family run ORGANIC flower farm. So yes, not only low impact confetti alternative the growing methodology is too. Also, they do edible varieties so you can create your own floral cocktail for the reception or add them to your cake topper.
Herbs - dried or fresh (think rosemary) are lovely alternatives to dried flowers and petals. Fun fact, herbs were a traditional confetti in Elizabethan times!
Leaves - another personal favourite are leaves, or hole-punched leaves gathered from the ceremony area. Low impact on the environment (collect fallen leaves only) without losing any confetti style impact. Hole-punch in circles or hearts for even more romance.
Seeds & Bird Seed - if it is a private property and the owner is happy to have seeds scattered around, seeds and/or bird seed a great too. Be selective on what you choose to ensure it is complimentary to the local flora and fauna.
Biodegradable - there are a plethora of options for biodegradable options if you want your paper confetti, even glitter varieties. Check out the range at Eco Confetti an Australian company dedicated to alternative, eco confetti options, or BioConfetti a Victorian based supplier of biodegradable confetti - they plant a tree for every order and are partner of Climate Action.
