Throwing Rice At Weddings: Is It Still Okay?

Throwing rice at weddings has been a tradition for thousands of years, possibly dating back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians, and continuing through to the present day. The ritual is intended to bring the newlyweds good luck, fertility, and abundance. However, in recent times, the tradition has been called into question due to concerns about the impact of rice on birds and the safety of wedding guests. Despite these concerns, the tradition of throwing rice at weddings remains popular, with many couples choosing to include it in their wedding celebrations.

The history of throwing rice at weddings

The tradition of throwing rice at weddings is believed to have originated in ancient times, possibly dating back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. The practice is thought to have been a way of wishing the newlyweds good luck, fertility, and abundance. Rice, being a symbol of a good crop, was thrown at the couple as they exited the ceremony to symbolise prosperity and fruitfulness.

The tradition of throwing rice at weddings has evolved over time, with different cultures adopting their own variations. The ancient Romans, for example, used wheat or oat instead of rice. In ancient Rome, wheat and oat were staple foods, and tossing them at the newlyweds was a way of wishing the couple a prosperous and fruitful life together. The Celts, another ancient civilisation, were known to toss rice, millet, and other grains to appease spirits and ask for blessings for the couple.

The practice of throwing rice at weddings continued into the Middle Ages, with rice becoming a popular choice due to its symbolism of wealth, fertility, and good health. Some historians also believe that rice was used to cast away evil spirits and improve the chances of the bride becoming pregnant.

Today, the tradition of throwing rice at weddings has declined due to concerns about the impact on birds and the mess it creates. However, the tradition persists in modern weddings, with couples often choosing to use alternative items such as confetti, rose petals, or sparklers for their wedding exit.

Is throwing rice harmful to birds?

Throwing rice at weddings is a tradition that has been observed for thousands of years, possibly dating back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. The rice symbolises good luck, fertility, and abundance.

However, in the 1980s, a popular myth emerged that uncooked rice killed birds. The story goes that birds would swoop down to eat the rice, and the grains would then expand in their stomachs, causing them to explode. This belief led to a bill introduced by a Connecticut state legislator in 1985 to ban the throwing of rice at weddings.

Despite the persistence of this myth, ornithologists and scientific experiments have proven that uncooked rice does not harm birds. Wild birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and migratory birds, regularly consume uncooked rice without any ill effects. The digestive systems of birds are strong enough to break down the rice, and their stomachs do not contain boiling liquids required to make the rice expand rapidly.

While throwing rice at weddings is not harmful to birds, it may still be prohibited at some venues due to safety concerns and the difficulty of cleanup.

Alternatives to throwing rice

Throwing rice at weddings has been a tradition for thousands of years, possibly dating back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. The rice symbolises good luck, fertility, and abundance. However, the tradition has gone out of fashion due to concerns about the impact on birds and the environment, as well as the mess it creates. Many venues have banned rice-throwing for these reasons.

Birdseed

Birdseed is an environmentally responsible alternative to rice, as it is biodegradable and will not harm birds. It is also festive and self-cleaning.

Dried Flowers, Herbs, or Leaves

Dried lavender, rose petals, wildflower petals, and dried olive leaves create a fragrant and romantic atmosphere. This option is also biodegradable and eco-friendly, but it may be more expensive. Be mindful of potential allergies among your guests.

Biodegradable Confetti

Biodegradable confetti, such as heart-shaped seed confetti, is a fun and colourful option that is better for the environment than plastic-filled alternatives. When planted, the seeds grow into wildflowers, creating a habitat for important pollinators.

Paper Airplanes

Paper airplanes are a playful and imaginative alternative, especially if the couple met while travelling or had a long-distance relationship. This option is also eco-friendly if you use recycled paper or biodegradable seed paper.

Bubbles

Bubbles are a fun, inexpensive, and mess-free option that will delight your guests and create beautiful photographs. Just be sure to use an eco-friendly, non-toxic bubble solution.

Bells

Instead of throwing something at the couple, guests can ring tiny bells, bicycle bells, or jingle bells to create a joyful atmosphere without making a mess.

Streamers

Streamers provide a stylish pop of colour without the mess, as guests hold onto one end while the other end unrolls. They can be recycled at the end of the event.

Sparklers

Sparklers create a festive and magical atmosphere and make for beautiful photographs. However, the oxidizers and binders in sparklers are not biodegradable, so they are not the most eco-friendly option.

Lanterns

Paper lanterns with a candle inside create a warm, soft light as the couple departs. The lanterns are biodegradable, but they are not one of the most popular alternatives.

Glitter

Glitter creates a magical atmosphere, but it is important to choose a biodegradable, water-soluble, and safe type of glitter to ensure easy cleanup.

Coconut

Coconut flakes create a snowy, romantic effect and are a fun idea for a tropical wedding. They are also compostable.

Flags and Pennants

Guests can wave flags, pennants, ribbons, or streamers in the couple's wedding colours as they depart. These can be printed with messages, monograms, or the wedding date and can double as favours for guests.

Noisemakers

Noisemakers allow guests to express their joy without throwing anything at the couple. They can be customised with the wedding date and the couple's names and kept as souvenirs.

The best time for the rice toss

If you're doing the rice toss at the end of the ceremony, make sure to include the timing in your ceremony program or ask your wedding officiant to announce it before the ceremony begins. This will ensure that your guests are prepared and know what to expect.

It's also important to note that the rice toss should always be done outside, regardless of whether you're having an indoor or outdoor wedding. This is for better lighting in your wedding photos and easier cleanup. Ask your officiant or honor attendants to organize your guests into two lines outside, so you and your partner can seamlessly exit down the middle.

If you're doing the rice toss after the reception, you can ask your DJ to make the announcement so that your guests are aware of the timing.

Clean-up and safety concerns

The tradition of throwing rice at weddings dates back to ancient times, with various cultures adopting this custom to symbolise fertility, prosperity, and good luck for the newlywed couple. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the clean-up and safety implications associated with this practice.

One of the primary concerns with throwing rice at weddings is the potential hazard it poses. Rice grains scattered on the ground can create a slippery surface, increasing the risk of guests, vendors, or even the couple themselves slipping and falling. This liability issue has led some wedding venues to ban the practice to protect themselves from potential lawsuits. It is crucial to consult with your venue before incorporating a rice toss into your wedding plans.

Another consideration is the tedious clean-up process required after the rice toss. Picking up each grain of rice can be time-consuming and challenging. Some venues may offer clean-up services, but it is essential to confirm this in advance. If not, you may need to assign someone, likely a hired vendor, to be in charge of cleaning up the rice promptly to avoid any accidents.

Additionally, while the myth that rice kills birds has been debunked by ornithologists and scientists, it is worth noting that rice tosses can attract large numbers of pigeons or other birds. This was one of the reasons for the rice-throwing ban in Venice, Italy. If you are concerned about the environmental impact or the potential nuisance of birds, you may consider alternative options for your wedding toss.

Lastly, the rice toss can pose a minor annoyance or safety risk to guests. Getting hit by rice grains can be uncomfortable, and some guests may not appreciate having rice in their hair or eyes. It is important to consider the comfort and safety of your guests when planning your wedding exit toss.

Frequently asked questions