The Do's & Don'ts Of Confetti

Ah, the confetti shot. It’s the "hero shot" of many wedding galleries - and for good reason too! That split second of pure, unadulterated chaos where you look like the movie stars you are and your guests look like they’ve just won the lottery.

But as a filmmaker who has spent way too many hours picking dried rosemary out of my camera gear, I’m here to tell you: not all confetti is created equal. If you want that dreamy, slow-motion flutter instead of looking like you’re being pelted with birdseed, we need to talk.

The "Dried Flower" Deception

I know, I know. It sounds so romantic on Pinterest. "Eco-friendly dried petals!" In reality? Dried flowers are heavy. They don't float; they fall.

When you use dried lavender or rose buds, they hit the ground (and your face) before the camera shutter even clicks. On film, it often looks like dark, blurry dots or - worst case scenario - like a swarm of very confused bees is attacking you. If you want that bright, airy, "is this a Dior ad?" vibe, dried flowers usually aren't the move.

The Good Stuff

If you want to do it right, head straight to The Whole Bride (no commission here, but they are the best). Their biodegradable confetti is the gold standard for a reason:

• The Flutter Factor: It’s made from incredibly lightweight, glutinous rice paper. It lingers in the air for ages, giving your photographer time to actually focus.

• The Clean-Up: It’s water-soluble. It literally disappears with a hose or the first Canberra drizzle.

• Color Pop: Their "White Circle" confetti is a cheat code for wedding photos. It reflects light beautifully and stands out against any backdrop, whether you’re at a rustic farm or a sleek city venue.
  

How To Coordinate (Without The Chaos)

Don't just hand out bags and hope for the best. You need a game plan.

• Cones Down the Aisle: Place confetti cones on the inner seats of the aisle. It looks neat, and it ensures the people with the "ammo" are right where the action is.

• The Technique: Remind your celebrant to give a quick PSA. "When the couple walks past, throw UP, not AT." You want a canopy of confetti above you, not a handful of rice paper in your mouth while you're trying to smile.

• The "Pro" Plan: For the ultimate shot, get two Confetti Cannons for a special helper at the very end of the aisle to create an explosion of white, while the rest of the guests use handheld cones for the "tunnel" effect. It’s cinematic gold.

Canberra Wedding Venue Lowdown

Canberra venues are a mixed bag when it comes to the "toss." Always ask, but here’s the general vibe:

• The "Yes" (with Bio-Confetti): Places like Petrichor Farm, Gold Creek Chapel or Poachers Pantry are usually chill if it’s 100% biodegradable (like The Whole Bride stuff). The Old Stone House is also a fan of the eco-friendly flutter.

• The "Strictly No": The National Arboretum and the National Gallery of Australia (Sculpture Garden) are heritage/protected spaces. They often have very specific rules (sometimes only fresh petals, sometimes nothing at all).

• The "Check First": The Marion and The Boat House have stunning lakeside views, but the wind can carry confetti straight into Lake Burley Griffin - so water-soluble is a non-negotiable requirement there.

If there's absolutely no way your ceremony location will allow it, no need to fret; a common solution is to simply find a suitable space elsewhere during the couple photos where you can pop a few cannons in peace.

No Confetti? No Worries.

If your venue has put a total ban on the paper stuff, you’ve still got options that look incredible on film:

• Bubbles: Great for daytime ceremonies. But don't just rely on the good old-fashioned wands - if there’s even a whisper of a Canberra breeze, you’ll be left wondering where they all went. For the best result on film, I suggest a "more is more" approach: give the guests the wands for the vibe, but hide a couple of high-powered bubble guns behind the back row.

• Cold Sparks/Sparklers: If you’re at a venue like Pialligo Estate or Hotel Kurrajong, a sparkler exit or cold spark machines during the first dance or the grand departure look insane at night. It adds that high-end energy to your film and day overall.

  
  

Want to make sure your confetti moment is actually captured in all its glory? Let's chat about your timeline and which spots at your venue will catch the best light for that big toss.