What Is Biodegradable Confetti?
If you've started planning your wedding, chances are your venue has mentioned a confetti policy. More and more venues across the UK now require — or strongly recommend — biodegradable confetti only. But what exactly does that mean, and how do you know if your confetti qualifies?
The Simple Definition
Biodegradable confetti is confetti made from natural materials that can be broken down by bacteria, fungi, and other natural processes without leaving harmful residue. In practical terms, it means confetti that won't litter the environment, harm wildlife, or stain stone floors and pathways.
What's NOT Biodegradable
Traditional foil or metallic confetti, plastic-based shapes, and even some paper confetti treated with metallic coatings are not biodegradable. These can:
- Clog drains and gutters
- Be ingested by birds and animals
- Stain historic stonework and paving
- Persist in soil for years
This is why so many venues — especially churches, country houses, and outdoor estates — now ban non-biodegradable confetti outright.
What IS Biodegradable
Truly biodegradable confetti options include:
- Real dried or preserved flower petals ✓
- Tissue paper ✓ (though less popular for outdoor throws)
- Leaves and natural botanicals ✓
Are Real Petals Automatically Biodegradable?
Yes — and this is something people sometimes get confused about. All natural flowers are biodegradable. If it grew in the ground, it will break down naturally in the ground. Our entire range — from our FlutterFly® Hydrangea Petals to our Snow Petals® collection and our Standard Hydrangea Petals — is made from 100% real preserved hydrangea petals. Every single product we sell is completely natural, plastic-free, and fully biodegradable by definition. There are no dyes, no synthetic coatings, no artificial ingredients — just real flowers.
Preserved petals go through a gentle glycerin-based process that replaces moisture to extend their life, but they remain 100% natural plant material throughout. When they eventually break down, they return to the earth just as any flower would.
Why Petal Confetti Is the Best Biodegradable Option
Beyond being venue-friendly, real petal confetti simply looks extraordinary. The volume, texture, and natural colour variation you get from petals is impossible to replicate with paper. And because our petals are preserved rather than freshly cut, they're dry and easy to handle on the day.
Explore our full range:
- FlutterFly® Hydrangea Petals — our widest colour range, perfect for personalised palettes
- Snow Petals® Light Ivory — delicate and romantic
- Hydrangea Petals — Standard range — beautiful classic colours
A Note on Venue Policies
Even with biodegradable confetti, some venues restrict throws to outdoor areas only, or require confetti to be contained in cones or baskets. Always check your venue's specific policy before your wedding day — but rest assured, with our petals you'll never have an issue with the biodegradable requirement.