As a wedding photographer one of the moments I really enjoy capturing is the confetti. There’s not much better than a happy couple, lots of smiling guests and tons of fabulous floaty confetti! It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate straight after the ceremony with your family and friends and create some beautiful photos.

I’ve captured hundreds of confetti shots over the years and have put together some of my top tips for brides and grooms-to-be to help you prepare for your own wedding day.

Ask your venue in advance if and where they allow confetti

Most venues and churches in the UK are happy for confetti to be thrown but may have restrictions on the location used. Make sure to check with them in advance and let your photographer know where it’ll be happening so that everything runs seamlessly on the day. If your photographer has worked with the venue before, they’ll also be able to give you some good location suggestions to help you get the best backdrop.

2. Floaty biodegradable paper confetti is best!

I find the most successful confetti shots are with chunky biodegradable paper confetti. As it’s lightweight it will float in the air for a longer time, compared to dried flower petals which are often smaller and fall more quickly. The chunkier paper options are also great for showing up on camera and less likely to make you flinch when it’s thrown your way! Make sure to double check your confetti choice with your venue, as there are sometimes restrictions on types of confetti used. To help be kind to the planet, make sure it’s biodegradable and avoid anything with plastic or glitter. If you’re unable to use paper, then ask your florist for some fresh rose petals, as these can look very romantic and show up beautifully.

3. Stick to your wedding colour scheme

Matching your confetti colours to your overall colour scheme can help tie everything together in the images, rather than looking mismatched. I often find pure white confetti shows up beautifully on camera, and works with most colour schemes. Otherwise try choosing white alongside a secondary colour included within your wedding styling.

4. There’s no such thing as too much confetti

However, there is such a thing as too little confetti! Try and buy enough for your guests to have a generous handful each. This way your photos will be full of confetti and smiles, and there will be a fab energy to the shots! I usually find having it within a basket that everyone can take a handful from works best, as it’s easier for guests to throw than using cones or paper bags.

5. Don’t rush down the confetti aisle

This one is important! I always remind my couples ahead of the confetti moment to take things slowly. Your instinct can sometimes be to march quickly down the aisle, making it all over in an instant. However, your photographer and videographer can capture much more if you take things a little slower. Why not stop halfway for a kiss with you new husband or wife? Be present and soak in every second!

6. Don’t forget to smile!

When your guests are throwing confetti towards you, it can be easy to look down or flinch in anticipation. You don’t need to look at the camera, but try to keep your eyes up and your expression happy! If it’s difficult to look ahead, then try to focus on your new husband or wife instead. I find that the biodegradable paper confetti is less likely to make you flinch due to being more lightweight too.

7. Factor the confetti into your timings and have help on hand

When getting married outside, I usually recommend having bridesmaids or groomsmen handing out confetti as you sign the register. This means it can be thrown straight away as you walk back down the aisle and saves us from having to line everyone up again later. If you’re getting married indoors and the weather is dry, try and have everyone head straight outside for confetti after the ceremony before any drinks and canapés. Make sure there’s someone on hand to direct your guests into the right location, such as your wedding co-ordinator, groomsmen, or bridesmaids. I would recommend allowing 15-20 minutes for this.

Confetti photos are always so much fun and often turn out to be some of my favourites from a wedding day! I hope these top tips help with your wedding preparations, and by planning the moment in advance you’ll get some fabulous results. Above all else, make sure to enjoy it!

If you’re getting married in the UK and would love some beautiful fine art wedding photography, get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!

TARA STATTON PHOTOGRAPHY