Wedding Confetti Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the number of guests throwing confetti — usually 50–75% of your total guest list. Not every guest will be in position when the moment happens.
2. Choose your confetti type, generosity level, and presentation style — individual cones give the most predictable quantities; a basket is more relaxed but less precise; a confetti tunnel creates maximum drama and needs significantly more confetti.
3. Toggle on the cost estimate if you want a rough price range based on your confetti type and the amount you need to order.

The result includes a 15% buffer above your base requirement — enough to cover spillage, over-enthusiastic guests, and a second throw if your photographer asks for one.

How Much Confetti Per Person?

The universal rule across every UK confetti supplier: 1 litre of confetti = 10 handfuls = enough for 10 guests at a standard portion. Shropshire Petals, Confetti Bee, The Dried Petal Company, Conscious Confetti, and Flower Confetti all cite essentially the same figure.

A standard handful is roughly 100ml — about the volume of a double shot glass. It's enough for a satisfying throw without being excessive. A light scattering (around 70ml) looks beautiful in photos with a natural, delicate feel. A dramatic shower (around 150ml) creates a denser cloud — ideal if you want maximum visual impact for confetti tunnel photography.

Always order 10–15% extra. Guests are unpredictable, some will grab huge handfuls from a basket, and your photographer may want a second throw once the first one scatters too quickly.

Types of Wedding Confetti

Dried flower petals

The most popular choice for UK weddings. Extremely lightweight — delphinium (larkspur) petals in particular float beautifully, hanging in the air long enough for your photographer to capture the moment. Rose petals and lavender are more affordable alternatives. All are fully biodegradable and accepted at virtually every UK venue that allows confetti.

Biodegradable paper confetti

Circles or shapes made from tissue paper. Cheaper than dried petals but significantly heavier, so they fall faster and don't photograph as delicately. Most are biodegradable but always check the packaging — some paper confetti contains dyes or coatings that venues may not accept.

Fresh flower petals

Real petals, usually roses. Beautiful, fragrant, and the most luxurious option — but the most expensive and the most perishable. They're heavier than dried petals so they fall faster, giving your photographer a shorter window. Order close to the wedding date and keep them cool.

Avoid plastic, metallic, and glitter confetti entirely. Almost all UK venues ban it, it's harmful to wildlife and the environment, and it's extraordinarily difficult to clean up. No venue coordinator will thank you for it.

Confetti Cones, Packets, or Baskets?

Individual cones or packets

Pre-portioned for each guest — the most predictable and easiest to plan. Standard cones hold 100ml (one handful). You can make paper cones yourself from sheet music, map pages, or patterned paper, or buy ready-made cones from confetti suppliers. Hand them out as guests leave the ceremony building.

Baskets for guests to help themselves

Looks lovely and relaxed, but portions are genuinely unpredictable — some guests take a cautious pinch, others grab enormous handfuls. Order at least 20% extra if you're using shared baskets. Works best when you have a moment to brief guests on how much to take.

Confetti tunnel

Guests form two lines and throw as the couple walks through — the classic confetti exit shot. Maximum visual drama and always photographs beautifully, but needs significantly more confetti than a standard moment. Plan for 50% above your standard quantity, as guests throw from both sides simultaneously.

UK Venue Confetti Rules

Confetti policies vary widely between UK venues. Before you order, check with your venue coordinator. Common rules include:

• Biodegradable only — almost universal now. Dried petals and biodegradable paper are almost always accepted; plastic and metallic confetti almost never are.
• Outside only — no confetti inside the building, typically for cleaning reasons.
• Designated confetti area — some venues have a specific spot, often chosen because it photographs well or is easiest to clean.
• No confetti at all — rare but it does happen. Some listed buildings, National Trust properties, and historic venues ban it entirely.

Churches: most allow biodegradable petal confetti outside only. Ask your vicar or church administrator during your planning meetings — don't assume.

Registry offices: confetti is usually permitted outside the building only, sometimes in a specific area designated by the registrar.

If your venue bans confetti entirely, consider ribbon wands, biodegradable bubbles, or sparklers (for evening exits) as alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions