Long gone are the days when artificial confetti was the go-to option to shower the newlyweds with; not only is it difficult to clean up (nobody wants another couples’ confetti floating about their feet), it’s not biodegradable and is therefore damaging to the environment.
With eco weddings on the rise (listen to our podcast on the topic), finding ways to make your wedding environmentally friendly and doing your part for the planet is more important than ever to many couples planning their big day.
Meghan and Harry went plastic free at the royal wedding, and plenty of brides are following suit, while lots of couples are opting for sustainable gift lists; another easy way to make your wedding more sustainable is with confetti alternatives.
The wedding experts at Ash Barton have curated seven sustainable alternatives to confetti that don’t compromise on style or elegance for your wedding.
1) Dried flowers
If you want the same effect as a confetti mix slowly falling from the air, dried flowers are the way to go.
You can ask your florist for baskets of petal confetti, buy freeze dried petals online or DIY your own confetti by drying out flowers.
If stored in a cool, dry place this confetti can last for up to a year. Therefore, it’s perfect to make over a period of time and store for your wedding day.
If DIY simply isn’t your thing, or you’re like us and truly can’t keep a plant alive long enough to harvest the petals, check out The Confetti Cone Company; they create bespoke concoctions of real petals to match your wedding bouquet or colour scheme.
2) Leaves
Leaves may not sound like the most appealing natural alternative to confetti, however if it is done right it can create a beautiful effect outside the wedding venue.
Simply choose some fresh smelling leaves and purchase a heart shaped hole punch. One leaf will create plenty of heart shaped confetti pieces which can be used immediately or dried to preserve for your big day.
Leaf confetti is a perfect idea for rustic autumn weddings, in shades of brunt orange and golden brown.
3) Seed bombs
Think fun snaps but more environmentally friendly. Seed bombs are a unique and visually interesting way to add sustainability to your wedding. Filled with wildflower seeds, they explode as you throw them at the feet of the bride and groom.
We have to admit, we were about concerned at the idea of being pelted with seed bombs in our carefully chosen white dress, but having seen seed bombs in action, we’re sold on the idea.
4) Birdseed
Birdseed is one of the original alternatives to artificial confetti. Not only will the birds flock to you as you throw it, creating a unique photo opportunity but every seed will be eaten or develop into new flowers.
By using birdseed, you are actually nurturing the environment rather than harming it. Put the birdseed in recyclable paper pouches or cones that state ‘for the love birds’ for that extra fun touch.
5) Artificial snowflakes
For a winter wedding, artificial snowflakes can create a gorgeous effect of snow falling over the newlyweds, for a magical festive feel. The best thing about artificial snowflakes is that they dissolve instantly once in contact with water. So not only is it a self-cleaning confetti option, but a sustainable one too.
6) Lavender
If you’ve been stressed and sleepless in the run up to your wedding, chances are lavender has become your new BFF.
If you choose to have your guests shower you with lavender, as well as walking out the wedding venue to a lovely, delicate scent, the dried crop will add a burst of colour and texture to your wedding photos.
7) Biodegradable confetti
Sometimes we just want to stick to tradition. Confetti is fun and colourful, making it the most picture-perfect decoration. Luckily, no compromises need to be made as biodegradable confetti now exists.
Made with natural, dye free materials, choose from a range of biodegradable confetti options and make the wedding planning process easier by buying your confetti instead.
