Create Your Own Eco-Friendly Confetti

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your special day, why not make your own confetti? Not only is this a creative way to celebrate, but it also fits perfectly with eco-friendly wedding ideas.

Start by taking a leisurely walk to collect leaves. At River Cottage, we embrace eco-friendly wedding decor, allowing only sustainable confetti options. Imagine beautiful dried leaves and flowers showering down on you as you and your partner step into your new life together.

When gathering leaves, remember to do so responsibly. Take only a few from each area, as they play an essential role in the ecosystem. Alternatively, gather leaves from your garden or your family’s gardens. Once dried, grab a hole punch to create delightful circular confetti or use a heart-shaped stamp for charming heart confetti. While this confetti won’t last forever, it can stay fresh for at least a week, adding some last-minute fun before your big day.

What You’ll Need

• Dried Leaves
• Hole punch (standard or shaped)

Tip: We made ours using holly from a Christmas garland!

Herb Confetti

Fresh herbs like lavender, thyme, sage, and rosemary can add beauty and fragrance to your confetti. Simply pluck the leaves and place them in paper cones or baskets, allowing guests to take a handful of aromatic confetti.

Petal Confetti

Why not make your own petal confetti? When stored in a cool, dry place, dried petals can last for up to a year, giving you plenty of time to gather flowers gifted to you leading up to your wedding.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose Fresh Flowers: Opt for blooms in full bloom—roses work well, but many others do too. Avoid petals that are browning, as they’ll lose colour during drying.
2. Drying Methods:

   Microwave:

   • Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.
   • Spread a single layer of petals on the towel, giving them space.
   • Cover with another paper towel.
   • Microwave on high until dry (1-2 minutes). Start with 20-30 second bursts to check.
   • Store in a sealed container in a dark, cool place until your wedding day.

   Oven:

   • Line a baking tray with baking paper and spread petals in a single layer.
   • Place in the warming drawer of your Aga or on the lowest oven shelf.
   • Check after 10 minutes, then every 5 minutes.

   Air-Drying:

   • Lay tissue or paper towel on a baking tray and arrange petals in a single layer.
   • Place in a warm area, like an airing cupboard, and check after three days.

Choosing eco-friendly wedding venues like River Cottage means you can celebrate your love while also caring for the planet. So get creative, enjoy the process, and let your confetti be a beautiful symbol of your commitment to sustainability!