Make Your Wedding Eco-Friendly With Biodegradable Confetti

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, and with so many couples now considering the environmental impact of their big day, it's no surprise that biodegradable confetti is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Standard confetti is often made from harmful materials such as foil, sequins, acrylic, leather and plastic, which can cause long-term damage to plants and animals. Biodegradable confetti, on the other hand, is a much more eco-friendly option, breaking down and decomposing naturally without causing any harm to nature.

There are plenty of biodegradable confetti options available, from dried flower petals to leaves, rice, pressed flowers, bubbles, and even biodegradable glitter. Many of these can be made at home, allowing you to get creative in the lead-up to your wedding.

Dried flowers

You can ask your florist to source dried petal confetti, or buy freeze-dried petals online. You can also make your own dried flower confetti by collecting flowers in the months leading up to the wedding and drying them out yourself. This is an easy and inexpensive option, and there are many online tutorials available to guide you through the process.

When choosing flowers, opt for those that haven't been dyed, as these can contain traces of plastic or other non-biodegradable materials. You could use flowers that are also featured in your bouquet or table centres as part of your wedding theme.

Dried flower confetti is available in pre-filled packets or cones, or you could pop them into personalised wedding cones or envelopes for guests to scatter.

Not only is dried flower confetti eco-friendly, but it also adds a gorgeous vintage feel to your special day.

Leaves

Using leaves for wedding confetti is a fun, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option. It's also a great way to involve kids in the wedding preparations. You can use leaves from your local area or your garden, but remember not to take too many from one place as they are an important part of the ecosystem.

• Pick and gather the leaves: You can pluck leaves from existing plants or collect fallen leaves. Choose leaves with pretty colours, such as rich oranges, reds, yellows, and greens. You can also use leaves that are slightly damaged or dried out, as long as they are not too brittle.
• Clean the leaves: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or bugs from the leaves. This step will enhance the natural beauty of the leaves.
• Dry the leaves: Before punching holes, make sure the leaves are dry. You can speed up the drying process by using a microwave or an oven, or simply let them air-dry.
• Punch the leaves: Use a regular single hole punch or a shaped hole punch, such as a heart-shaped one, to punch out as many holes as possible all around the leaves. You can also use scissors to cut the leaves into smaller pieces.
• Collect your confetti: Gather all the punched-out pieces and your biodegradable confetti is ready!

Leaf confetti is perfect for autumn weddings, and you can even choose a tree that is special to you to add a touch of sentimentality. Remember to store your confetti in a cool, dry place, and it should last for at least a week, and up to several months.

Rice

If you do choose to use rice as your biodegradable wedding confetti, it is best to check with your venue first, as many ban the use of confetti due to the potential harm to the environment and the difficulty of cleaning it up.

Pressed flowers

Step 1: Choose Your Flowers

Select a variety of flowers in different colours and sizes to create a stunning mix. Consider the colour scheme of your wedding and choose flowers that complement it. You can also mix in some leaves, such as eucalyptus, oak, or hawthorn, for added texture and scent.

Step 2: Press the Flowers

There are several methods to press flowers, including using a flower press, a heavy book, or an iron. For a flower press, place the flowers between two pieces of absorbent paper and then close the press tightly. For a heavy book, place the flowers between two pieces of absorbent paper and then place the book on top, stacking other heavy objects on top if needed. Leave the flowers to dry for several weeks. If you're using an iron, place the flowers between two pieces of parchment paper and then gently press with a low-heat iron.

Step 3: Create Your Confetti

Once the flowers are fully dried and pressed, carefully remove them from the paper. You can now create your confetti by plucking or cutting the petals from the flowers. Be gentle to avoid crumbling the delicate petals. Mix the petals together to create a colourful blend.

Step 4: Store Your Confetti

Place your pressed flower confetti in an airtight container to keep it fresh and dry. If stored properly, your confetti can last for several months or even up to a year.

Step 5: The Big Day

On your wedding day, provide baskets or cones filled with your pressed flower confetti for your guests to toss. It will create a magical moment as you walk down the aisle or exit the ceremony. The delicate petals will float through the air, leaving a trail of colour and fragrance.

Pressed flower confetti is not only visually appealing but also environmentally friendly. It's a wonderful way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding celebrations while being mindful of nature. Enjoy the beauty of flowers and leave a lasting impression on your special day!

Glitter

How to Make Biodegradable Wedding Confetti: Glitter

What You Need:

• Biodegradable glitter: Choose a brand that is environmentally friendly and made from biodegradable materials such as compostable cellulose from eucalyptus trees. Ensure it does not contain any harmful plastics or metals.
• Confetti cones or bags: You can purchase these or make your own using biodegradable paper or treat bags.
• A hole punch: If you are making your own confetti bags, you will need a hole punch to create the desired shape.

Steps to Make Biodegradable Glitter Confetti:

• Choose the right biodegradable glitter: Opt for a brand that is known to be eco-friendly and avoid those that contain plastic or other non-biodegradable materials.
• Prepare your confetti containers: If you are using cones, roll the paper into a cone shape and secure it with glue or tape. If you are using bags, simply fold over the opening and seal it with a sticker or tape.
• Fill your containers with glitter: Use a spoon or funnel to fill each cone or bag with the desired amount of glitter.
• Seal the containers: If using cones, seal the open end with tape or glue. If using bags, seal them with a sticker or tape.
• Store until the wedding: Keep the confetti in a cool, dry place until your wedding day.

Tips:

• You can also add other natural materials to your glitter confetti, such as dried flower petals or leaves, to create a more natural and eco-friendly mix.
• Clean up the glitter after the wedding to ensure it does not cause any harm to the environment.

Frequently asked questions