Confetti and Sparklers

Tiny traditions that make a big impact in photos.

There’s something timeless about guests throwing confetti or waving sparklers.

It’s a tradition that just feels joyful—colourful paper fluttering through the air, or the sparkle of light against the night sky.

They’re quick moments, but they often end up being some of the most fun and memorable photos from a wedding.

Do we need to provide our own confetti?

Most couples do, and it’s a smart move.

That way you can make sure it matches your wedding colours, and you know it’s biodegradable (which most venues insist on these days).

Guests will sometimes bring their own too, but if you want a big, photogenic “confetti moment,” providing it guarantees enough for everyone.

What’s the best way to walk through a confetti tunnel?

Think of it less like a solemn march and more like a mini celebration.

Keep smiling, don’t worry if bits get in your hair, and just enjoy it.

I’ve learnt that the best photos come when couples embrace the chaos—laughing, cheering, maybe even stopping for a kiss in the middle.

It never hurts, and it always looks better when you lean into it rather than wincing.

Are sparklers a good idea?

They can be brilliant fun and look magical in photos, but they’re not without risk.

The key thing is: your photographer shouldn’t be the one organising or directing a group of tipsy guests with fireworks in their hands—that’s a recipe for accidents.

If your venue and wedding party are up for it, sparklers work best when you’ve got a plan in place: safe distribution, buckets of water or sand to dispose of them, and someone (not the photographer) to direct guests. That way I can focus on capturing the atmosphere without worrying about safety.

What about other alternatives?

Absolutely—smoke bombs, bubbles, glow sticks, even biodegradable confetti cannons.

These can all add a bit of spectacle, especially if you want night-time photos with extra flash.

One couple I worked with had a sparkler send-off planned for the evening.

Their ushers handed them out, lit them safely, and made sure everyone was spaced out. My job was simply to capture the couple walking through the sparkle of light.

The photos are stunning—glowing faces, laughter everywhere—but more importantly, it was safe and stress-free. The couple told me afterwards it was one of their favourite parts of the day because it felt like a big, fun send-off surrounded by friends.

A quick reminder for your planning:

• Provide biodegradable confetti in your colours if you want a strong photo moment

• Embrace the confetti tunnel—smile, laugh, enjoy it

• Don’t rely on guests to bring their own confetti

• If using sparklers, appoint helpers to hand out and manage them safely

• Have buckets of sand or water nearby for disposal

• Consider fun alternatives like smoke bombs or bubbles

If you only remember one thing: confetti and sparklers aren’t about perfection—they’re about joy.

The photos work best when you let go, laugh, and enjoy the moment for what it is: a little burst of fun in the middle of your wedding story.