Creating Wedding Confetti Tubes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Confetti is a fun and memorable part of any wedding celebration. If you're looking to make your own wedding confetti tubes, there are several methods you can try. You can use a variety of materials, such as paper, flowers, glitter, or even edible options. For the tubes, plastic test tubes or toilet paper tubes can be used and decorated with stickers, wrapping paper, or ribbon. You can also get creative with the confetti itself by using a micro-cut shredder, dried flower petals, tissue paper, or birdseed. These DIY confetti tubes will add a unique and personalised touch to your special day.

Making confetti with a micro-shredder

Step 1: Choose the Right Shredder

To make confetti, you'll need a "micro-cut" shredder, which cuts the paper into tiny pieces. Avoid "cross-cut" shredders as they will not give you the small, cute confetti pieces you're looking for. The AmazonBasics 6-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder is a good option, as it can turn regular paper into fabulous confetti.

Step 2: Select Your Paper

Regular weight (thickness) paper works best for this project. You can use any color or type of paper you like, but thicker paper like cardstock may result in more torn-up edges. If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your confetti, you can also use glitter paper.

Step 3: Prepare Your Paper

Before feeding the paper into the shredder, cut it down to a manageable size. The standard 8.5" x 11" paper size will work well. You can also fold the paper a few times to create layers and speed up the process.

Step 4: Feed the Paper into the Shredder

Once your paper is prepared, it's time to shred! Feed the paper into the micro-cut shredder and let it work its magic. The shredder will cut the paper into tiny confetti pieces. You may need to do this in batches depending on the capacity of your shredder.

Step 5: Collect the Confetti

After shredding, you'll be left with a bunch of tiny confetti pieces. Collect them in a container and give them a good mix to ensure all the colors and shapes are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Store and Use Your Confetti

Now that you have your confetti, it's time to decide how to use it. You can place it in plastic test tubes, as suggested in the original query, or get creative with other containers like envelopes, balloons, or poppers. You can also simply scatter it on tables or fill clear balloons with confetti for a fun visual effect.

Using test tubes and printable labels

Test tubes are a fun way to display and hand out confetti at your wedding. You can buy plastic or glass test tubes in bulk from online retailers such as Etsy and Amazon.

Making the Confetti

To make your own confetti, you will need a "micro-cut" home shredder and regular paper. You can use any colour paper, but regular weight (thickness) paper will work best. You can use thicker paper like cardstock, but the edges will look more torn. You can also add in dried petals, which are eco-friendly and a popular choice for wedding confetti.

Filling the Test Tubes

Each plastic test tube will hold 1/4 cup of confetti. 10 sheets of regular paper will yield 6 cups of confetti, meaning you can get 24 favour tubes from 10 sheets, or 12 favour tubes from 5 sheets.

Printable Labels

You can download free printable labels from websites such as Something Turquoise, or create your own. Print onto 8.5" x 11" sticker paper and cut each one out; they should measure 5/8" x 2.75". Peel the backing off and stick one label onto each test tube.

Displaying the Confetti Tubes

Place one favour tube on each chair at your ceremony for a fabulous shower of confetti as you make your exit. You could also display the test tubes in a basket or vintage suitcase, or tie them to guests' chairs.

Making confetti from dried petals

Step 1: Choosing the Right Flowers

Select fresh flowers that are in full bloom. Avoid petals that are turning brown on the edges as they will become even browner when dried. You can use roses, delphiniums, hydrangeas, or any other flower of your choice. Experiment with different varieties to create unique colour combinations and textures.

Step 2: Preparing the Petals

Gently remove the petals from the stems. Place them on a dish or tray if you plan to air-dry or sun-dry them, or line a baking tray with baking paper if you prefer the oven-drying method. If you're short on time, the microwave method is a great option, so line a microwave-safe plate with a piece of paper towel.

Step 3: Drying the Petals

There are several methods you can use to dry the petals:

• Air-drying: Gather your flowers into a bunch and secure them with an elastic band. Attach a peg to the elastic band and hang the flowers upside down in a well-ventilated area.
• Sun-drying: Place the petals on a tray or dish and leave them in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill.
• Oven-drying: Preheat your oven to 95 degrees Celsius. Place the petals on a baking paper-lined tray and bake for about 10 minutes, or until dry and crispy.
• Microwave-drying: Arrange the petals in a single layer on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate. Cover with another piece of paper towel and microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid over-drying.

Step 4: Storing the Dried Petals

Once the petals are completely dry, store them in an airtight container or sealed jar. Keep them in a cool, dark place until your wedding day. If stored properly, dried petals can last for up to a year, so you can make your confetti well in advance.

Step 5: Creating the Confetti Cones or Tubes

There are many creative ways to package your confetti. You can use test tubes, envelopes, cones made from paper or cardstock, baskets, or even small drawstring bags. Decorate your chosen container with stickers, ribbons, or personalised labels. Fill them with your dried petal confetti, and they're ready for your big day!

Remember, making dried petal confetti takes time and patience, but the results will be well worth it. Not only will you have beautiful, eco-friendly confetti, but you'll also have a unique and memorable detail that you created yourself.

Making confetti cannons

Materials:

• Toilet paper tube or paper towel tube
• Balloon
• Tape (transparent and packing)
• Decorative paper or wrapping paper
• Confetti, tissue paper, or construction paper
• Optional: Stickers, markers, and rubber bands

Instructions:

• Tie a knot at the end of a deflated balloon.
• Cut off the top of the balloon to create a cap that will slip over the end of the paper tube.
• Stretch the balloon over the end of the paper tube and secure it with packing tape.
• Decorate the tube with wrapping paper, markers, stickers, or other creative embellishments.
• Fill the open end of the cannon with confetti and tissue paper. The heavier confetti will launch further, so consider using a mix of both.
• Cut a tissue paper square and secure it around the open end of the cannon with a rubber band to keep the confetti inside.
• When ready to launch, remove the tissue paper lid or leave it on and pull back on the balloon to shoot the confetti into the air.

Tips:

• For a wedding, opt for elegant decorative paper to match your theme.
• Consider making confetti cannons as wedding favours for your guests, or purchase pre-made cannons if you have a large guest list.
• Always use caution when using compressed air or balloons, and ensure the confetti is directed away from people's faces.
• Biodegradable confetti is a wildlife-friendly and sustainable option, especially for outdoor weddings.

Making confetti cones

Materials:

• Printable scrapbook paper (printed on white A4 card stock)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Double-sided tape
• Crepe paper
• Floral tape
• Hot glue
• Ribbon (optional)

Step 1: Assemble Materials and Measure Paper

Print the scrapbook paper onto the white A4 card stock. Measure the centre of the paper's width and height and mark with dots. Join the dots to draw a diamond shape on the back of the paper.

Step 2: Cut and Roll the Paper

Cut out the diamond shape. Roll the paper along its widest side to form a cone shape. Secure the overlapping edges with double-sided tape.

Step 3: Add Ribbon Handles (Optional)

If you want to hang the cones on chairs, add ribbon handles. Apply hot glue to one side of the cone and attach a piece of ribbon. Repeat on the other side to create a handle.

Step 4: Make Flower Confetti (Optional)

Cut petal shapes from the crepe paper. Roll a petal to form a rosebud and secure the end with floral tape. Continue adding petals around the bud until you achieve the desired fullness. Secure each petal with floral tape. Trim the ends of the paper rose as close to the floral tape as possible.

Step 5: Embellish and Fill the Cones

Use hot glue to attach a rose to the front of each cone. Fill the cones with rose petals or confetti. If hanging the cones on chairs, simply tie them to the chairs with the ribbon handles.

Your confetti cones are now ready to be used at your wedding! This project is a creative way to involve your bridal party or family in the wedding preparations, and it adds a personalised touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions