The Joyful Tradition Of Wedding Confetti: A Symbol Of Celebration And Well-Wishes

Throwing confetti at weddings is believed to have started in Northern Italy during the Middle Ages and has been a part of weddings in the UK since Pagan times. The word 'confetti' comes from the Italian word for sugared almonds, which were thrown into the air during special events and celebrations. The tradition of throwing confetti at weddings is meant to bring good luck, prosperity, and fertility to the newly married couple.

Confetti originated in Italy

The practice of throwing objects during parades and celebrations is well-documented in Milan from the 14th century. Nobles would throw candies and flowers, while dames threw eggshells filled with essences and perfumes. The lower classes would often throw cheaper substitutes, such as chalk or plaster balls, or sugar-coated grains. In the 1700s, small candies, typically sugar-coated coriander seeds, became popular.

The heart of Italian confetti manufacture is the ancient hill town of Sulmona, which has been producing confetti since the 1400s. The first modern confetti factories were established in the late 1700s when sugar became more readily available. The English word "confetti" is derived from the Italian confectionery of the same name, which was a small sweet traditionally thrown during carnivals. The Italian word for paper confetti is "coriandoli", which refers to the coriander seeds originally contained within the sweet.

Confetti was originally made of plaster or paper

Confetti is now largely made of paper, but this was not always the case. The word "confetti" comes from the Italian for "confectionery", and the tradition of throwing objects during celebrations dates back to medieval Italy. During the late Middle Ages, nobles began the custom of tossing sweets to crowds during parades or other events. In the 19th century, these were replaced with mock candies made of chalk or plaster, a cheaper and less messy alternative.

However, the public did not wholly accept this change due to the hardness of the plaster confetti, which could be painful when thrown in large quantities or at high speeds. This led to the birth of paper confetti in the late 19th century, coinciding with the industrial revolution. Paper production methods made it easy and cost-effective to create small, colourful pieces. The first documented use of paper confetti was during the 1885 New Year's Eve celebration in Paris. Paper was less painful than plaster or chalk and more visually appealing, making it an instant success.

The British introduced paper confetti to weddings in 1875, and by 1895, it had become common at British weddings, replacing the previous tradition of throwing rice. Paper confetti has since become a staple at weddings, with the bright colours adding a memorable, festive touch to the occasion and creating great photo opportunities.

Confetti symbolises good luck, fertility and happiness

Confetti is derived from the Italian word for sweets, and the tradition of throwing it at weddings is believed to have started in Northern Italy during the Middle Ages. In the past, Italians would throw colourful plaster imitations of traditional sugar-coated almonds, known as "confetti", into the air during special events and celebrations. The practice then spread to other European countries, and by the 1890s, France had banned the use of plaster confetti, substituting it with coloured paper discs similar to the ones used today. The British adapted this tradition and introduced paper confetti at a wedding in 1875.

The act of throwing confetti symbolises good luck, fertility, and happiness for the newly married couple. In the past, people threw flowers, petals, grains, rice, or even eggshells filled with essences and perfumes at the couple to bring them good fortune, prosperity, and fertility. The bright colours of confetti celebrate joy and can make the ceremony more beautiful and memorable. It is also a fun moment for the couple, where guests shower them with well-wishes, creating a lively atmosphere.

Today, there are various types of confetti available, such as traditional pastel paper shapes, colourful plastics, glitter, and dried flower petals. However, due to environmental concerns, many couples opt for biodegradable confetti, such as dried flower petals, which are environmentally friendly and look stunning in photographs.

The throwing of confetti is a time-honoured tradition that adds excitement, colour, and symbolism to a couple's special day, wishing them happiness and luck as they embark on their married life together.

Confetti makes for great wedding photos

The act of throwing confetti symbolises good luck, fertility, and happiness for the couple, and guests enthusiastically participate in this ritual. The bright colours and movement of confetti bring life to the ceremony and create a cheerful ambiance. Confetti is often chosen in colours that complement the wedding theme, adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the event.

When it comes to photography, confetti provides a unique visual element that elevates the overall aesthetic of the images. The colourful specs create a festive backdrop for the newlyweds, making their exit from the ceremony or their first walk as a married couple even more special. Confetti adds a sense of movement and spontaneity to the photos, capturing the joy and excitement of the occasion.

To ensure you get the best confetti photos, it is recommended to enlist the help of a professional photographer. They will be able to capture the confetti in the air, creating stunning visuals with the colourful pieces against the sky. These photos often become favourites from the wedding day, as they portray genuine and unguarded moments of happiness.

However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of confetti. Many venues now encourage the use of biodegradable confetti or natural alternatives such as dried flower petals, leaves, or rice. By choosing eco-friendly options, you can still achieve beautiful confetti photos while being mindful of the environment.

Confetti is harmful to the environment

Throwing confetti is a wedding tradition that originated in Italy, where the word 'confetti' comes from. Confetti is usually small pieces of paper but can also be made from Mylar (a type of polyester), metallic materials, or natural or freeze-dried rose petals.

While confetti is a fun and colourful addition to a wedding celebration, it is not always harmless. Confetti is harmful to the environment, especially when it is made from certain materials. Here are some reasons why confetti can be harmful:

Non-Biodegradable Materials

Many types of confetti are not biodegradable, including those made from plastic, metal, or metallic paper. These materials may not break down naturally and can persist in the environment for a long time. For example, plastic confetti can take hundreds to thousands of years to biodegrade, and even then, it breaks down into microplastics, which are harmful to animals. Metal confetti can remain in the environment for about a hundred years if left undisturbed.

Toxicity to Animals

Confetti made from non-biodegradable materials may contain ingredients that are toxic to animals if ingested. For example, plastic confetti contains microplastics that can accumulate in the tissues of animals, causing liver toxicity and lesions. The dye used in paper confetti can also be harmful if it seeps into the environment.

Littering and Wildlife Ingestion

Confetti that does not biodegrade can litter the environment, especially when blown away by the wind. This can lead to wildlife, such as fish, ingesting the confetti, which can cause harm. The shine from foil confetti, for instance, can attract fish, leading to negative consequences.

Difficulty in Recycling

Due to their small size, plastic and metal confetti cannot be easily recycled and often end up in landfills.

Clean-up Challenges

Confetti is notoriously difficult to clean up, and venues often face an enormous amount of extra work to remove it from their premises. This has led to many venues stipulating the use of only biodegradable or natural confetti or banning its use indoors.

To minimise the environmental impact of your wedding or celebration, it is best to opt for biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional confetti. Some environmentally-friendly options include flower petals, seed paper, water-soluble confetti, rice paper, leaves, bubbles, or sparklers.

Frequently asked questions