Why do we throw confetti at a wedding?

Weddings are made up of traditions we love but don't always understand. How many of us actually look into the logic of the something borrowed, something new saying? Why exactly does the bride throw her bouquet? Speaking of throwing, what on earth is behind the confetti tradition?

A tried and tested wedding staple, the throwing of confetti is a favourite moment for many guests and married couples. This is a fantastic way to let your hair down after the main ceremony and settle into the fun part of the day. When you think too hard about it, though, it can seem rather bizarre that we throw confetti at a wedding at all.

If you're in the process of thinking about this as you attach small confetti envelopes to your invites, then you certainly aren't alone. No one's saying that you should do away with this vital wedding tradition, of course. But, where exactly did we get the idea to serenade newlyweds with colourful pieces of paper?

Like Paris, Italy is a hotspot for romance. The sensual language and passionate people could certainly teach us a thing or two about love. You'll be pleased to know, then, that confetti throwing originated in Italy around two centuries ago. If the Italian's do it, then it's got to be a good relationship omen, right? Or perhaps not, seeing as the word confetti is Italian for sweets, and the tradition initially involved throwing colourful plaster imitations of traditional sugar-coated almonds. It wasn't until France banned this slightly painful habit in 1890 that we switched to the colourful paper discs we know today.

Even before the first use of paper discs was confirmed in Britain back in 1895, it seems we had reasonably similar traditions. Back then, it wasn't unusual for couples to enter married life to a barrage of rice. Supposedly, this unsuspecting grain was once thought of as a good omen for fertility. There's similar thinking behind the confetti tradition elsewhere in Europe, and it's all culminated in the paper confetti that we use today. This is why we shower a happy couple in confetti as they leave their wedding party for their honeymoon suites. It seems we're just hoping that they soon turn their two into three!

Let's be real; confetti throwing also makes for some pretty amazing photo opportunities. The ideal wedding album should be filled with fun moments like these! In fact, many people find that their confetti snaps become their favourites from the whole day. That's hardly surprising considering that this is an entirely unguarded moment. Even if you try to strike the perfect pose, it's hard to stay perfect; when people are chucking colourful paper squares in your face. Pieces will end up in your hair, mouth, and everywhere else. Before you know it, you'll be laughing along and getting some of the most natural and fun snaps you could hope for. Plus, who doesn't love a little (or a lot) of colour in their pictures?

That's why we throw confetti for weddings, but how exactly can you implement this moment into your big day? As fears regarding the cleaning and environmental impact of certain types of confetti come to the fore, sparing thought here is vital if you want to enjoy this tradition. Luckily, many couples still manage to make this a big part of their day, and you could do the same by merely talking to your venue.

Many venues have stipulations in place regarding confetti, but don't assume that this off the table altogether. By talking to the people who run your venue, you'll probably be able to reach a compromise. Most sites are now happy with the use of biodegradable confetti brands, for instance. Others may be able to suggest a set area for throwing that works for both them and you.

If you do have permission to use biodegradable confetti, make sure to supply this yourself either on arrival or in your invites. If someone brings a forbidden plastic confetti, then it's your head on the chopping block. Avoid mistakes by taking care of this ahead of time.

The throwing of confetti is a long-held and well-loved tradition indeed. Now you know why and how to make it work at your wedding, the moment may come to have even more meaning for you and your newly announced husband or wife.

Check out these confetti suppliers or talk to your florist about dried petals as an alternative to paper.