How Much Confetti Do I Need for a Confetti Shot?
(And How To Make Your Photos Look Effortless)
Ah, the confetti shot. That glorious, messy moment that feels like being caught in the happiest snowstorm ever. Bright colours everywhere, guests cheering, and the occasional over enthusiastic throw that could double as a sports injury. Don’t worry, I crop out the rogue confetti attacks.
As someone who’s photographed more confetti tunnels than I’ve had hot dinners, here’s everything you need to know to make the whole thing look ace.
How Much Confetti Do You Actually Need?
The short version, more than you think. A confetti shot only works when there’s loads of it floating about. One lonely handful won’t cut it.
Here’s your easy guide:
• One handful per guest is a solid minimum.
• If you’re using cones or sachets, aim for one per person. Even the shy guests will join in once the hype kicks in.
• Buying loose petals, you’ll need about one litre for every ten guests. So a hundred guests means ten litres.
Biodegradable petals are perfect. They float well, they look soft and pretty and venues love them. Metallic confetti looks fun in the packet but it doesn’t float, and it sticks to scalps like Velcro.
The Trick To Perfect Confetti Photos
Walk slower than you think. No really, even slower than that.
Most couples fly through the confetti like they’re trying to board a train. That gives me about a split second to catch the moment, so take it steady.
Try this:
• Walk slowly, enjoy it, actually look around.
• Glance at each other, laugh, have a kiss or a twirl.
• Hold hands if you’re nervous, those in between moments are absolute gold.
Keep your head up and keep smiling….no matter how much confetti is in your face!
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Confetti
Not all confetti is created equal. Some looks great but floats like a brick, some looks cute in the packet but clumps together the second a bit of moisture hits it, and some will have your venue manager giving you the kind of look usually reserved for people who spill red wine on white tablecloths.
Dried Petals
Pros:
• They look natural and romantic
• Biodegradable, so venues tend to love them
• Loads of colour options to match your theme
• Soft and gentle when thrown, no surprise face slaps
Cons:
• They’re heavier, so they don’t float for long
• You need a fair bit to get that “full” look
• Some colours can look a bit muted in low light
Tissue Paper Confetti
Pros:
• Super lightweight so it floats brilliantly
• Confetti tunnels look amazing with it
• Great colour choices, you can match your palette perfectly
Cons:
• Not always biodegradable unless specifically marked
• Venues may ban it if it’s not eco friendly
• Looks a bit more “party shop” than natural
Biodegradable Paper Discs
Pros:
• The best float time, they really hang in the air
• Big, bold colours that photograph beautifully
• Fully biodegradable so most venues are happy
• Consistent size so you get that nice even look in photos
• Basically zero clean up stress
Cons:
• You’ll want a good amount for that full effect
• If you pick really light colours, they can look a bit washed out on bright sunny days
My honest opinion:
Biodegradable discs hit that sweet spot between looking great, floating well, and keeping the venue happy. They create that classic, colourful confetti moment you see on Pinterest, and because they float so nicely, you get loads more time for photos. If you want the safest bet for a killer confetti shot, discs are the one.
Extra Tips For More Photo Magic
• A confetti tunnel is always a winner. Guests line up either side, and you stroll through looking like rockstars.
• Match your confetti to your colour scheme. Biodegradable discs come in loads of colours!
One Last Thing
Confetti, all the little bursts of chaos, they’re not just pretty photos. They’re the real memories. The laughs, the whooping, the confetti you’ll still be finding in your clothes three days later.
That’s the stuff I love capturing. And I’ll guide the whole thing so you can just enjoy it without having to think about a single detail.
