As a documentary wedding photographer it might surprise you that one of my favourite parts of a wedding day is the confetti throwing! A big part of what I do when I photograph weddings is capture things as they naturally happen. I like to record what is really going on during your day, rather than setting things up. This allows me to photograph raw emotion and real moments, all unique to you and your wedding day.
So to say I really enjoy photographing the confetti throwing, now sounds like a contradiction!
Now, as much as confetti is fun it does take a little bit of planning…
Talk to your photographer.
If having a photo of confetti being thrown in your faces, is one of the photos you definitely want, tell your photographer.
I always have a chat with all my couples, before their wedding day, to talk about any specific family group (or other) photos they might want. During this chat it’s great when you tell me what is going on during the day and when. Then I can make sure I’m in the right places at the right times. – This is key for capturing confetti throwing, if you have planned it and it happens whilst I’m photographing something else, picking it all up again, isn’t really an option!
If you want me to organise the throwing (which happens at most weddings), just let me know. I actually like to think I’m ok at this!
A bonus point will be awarded if you have already spoken to your venue and fund out where is ok and where isn’t ok to do said throwing.
It’s always best to check with your venue beforehand, as they have different ‘rules’ on what they allow and where. Most venues I’ve worked at will ask you to use biodegradable confetti, I’d also personally recommend this. (Think of the environment!) Churches often want it thrown away from the church doors.
So the more info you have before your wedding day, the better.
So I’ve just mentioned using biodegradable confetti, petals are a great option too. To be honest, as long as there is a lot of it, that’s the main thing.
You can never have too much! Right?!
It’s probably best to go big on the actual size of the confetti too. This way it will definitely show up in your photos and you won’t end up with loads of little bits stuck in your hair. Little bits of confetti and lot’s of hairspray are not a good combo!
Paper confetti floats down slower than others, which again is good for photos but there is no denying the natural beauty of real petal confetti.
Throw it! Throw it!
It’s great if you can arrange for the confetti to either be given out or be in cardboard cones, so that your guests can pick it up easily.
When it comes to the actual throwing of the confetti, this is where I can do my thing. You want a good photo of this and I’ve now perfected the technique.
In my experience it works best to get all your guests close together (in a clump – in fact when I’m setting this up, I will probably use the words ‘clump together’), stand you both in the middle and then get everyone to throw it at the same time. A crucial part of the launch, is to throw it up and put some real effort in!
Once all your guests are clumped around you, before any confetti goes flying, I will do a quick ‘overview’ on what is about to happen – we’ve all got one chance to nail this!
Basically I tell them to throw it up, throw it hard and on three! – It’s normally a bridesmaid that wants to clarify if it’s on three or after three.
See, confetti throwing is not as simple as it sounds!
Important note.
I will not be held responsible for;
*Any confetti that is ingested/ends up in your mouth/stuck in your hair.
*Cardboard cones that guests throw at your heads.
*Anything else, including drinks, that your ‘friends/family’ decide to throw at you.
I positively encourage the use of confetti canons where possible/at all times.
