Confetti in the UK: The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Using, and Choosing the Best Confetti Supplies

Why confetti still makes every party pop

Confetti is like the musical flourish at the end of a song—small, simple, and suddenly everything feels celebratory. Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday bash, graduation, or an intimate dinner party, the right confetti can transform a moment into a memory. In the UK, confetti options range from classic metallic flakes to delicate biodegradable petals, and knowing where to buy and which type to choose saves time, money, and clean-up headaches.

Where to buy confetti in the UK: high street stores and specialist retailers

If you prefer to touch and see confetti before you buy, several high street and specialist retailers cover a wide range of styles and budgets. Popular choices include Party Pieces and Party Delights for party-themed packs and bulk options, Hobbycraft for craft-style confetti and DIY supplies, and The Range for a mix of budget and premium items. Department stores like John Lewis also stock elegant options suitable for weddings and formal events. For discount finds, check B&M and Poundland if you’re after basic colours and shapes without breaking the bank.

Online marketplaces and artisan sellers

Online shopping widens your options dramatically. Amazon UK and eBay offer virtually every type of confetti—table confetti, tassel confetti, metallic strands, and tissue paper shapes. If you want unique, handmade or eco-conscious confetti, Etsy UK and Not On The High Street are great places to find small-batch and bespoke mixes. These platforms often let you message sellers for custom colours, sizes, and mixes, so you can get something that matches your theme perfectly.

Types of confetti and when to use them

Choosing the right confetti depends on the vibe you’re after and the venue’s rules. Think of confetti as seasoning for your event—sprinkle too much and the effect overwhelms; too little and the moment falls flat. Here are the main types to help you pick.

Paper and tissue confetti

Paper or tissue confetti is soft, lightweight, and comes in every colour under the sun. It's ideal for indoor use because it’s less likely to cause damage, and it gives a gentle, fluttering effect when thrown. Tissue confetti often comes in 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch shapes—petals, circles, or stars—and is easy to sweep or vacuum after the event.

Biodegradable confetti

Biodegradable confetti is a must if you’re mindful of the environment or planning an outdoor event. Often made from rice paper or dried flower petals, biodegradable options break down naturally and won’t harm wildlife. Common sizes range from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, and many sellers will list decomposing times; always pick certified biodegradable products when possible to avoid greenwashing.

Metallic and glitter confetti

For maximum sparkle, metallic confetti and glitter bring instant glamour. These are perfect for night-time events or where photos are a priority because metallic confetti catches the light beautifully. Bear in mind that metallic types can be harder to clean up and are not biodegradable unless specifically labelled as such.

Confetti cannons and poppers

Want drama without the hassle of manual throwing? Confetti cannons fire a blast of confetti across a room or outdoor space and come in handheld sizes or larger professional models. Cannons often use rolls or tubes of confetti measured in ounces or pounds, so check output amounts—small handheld units might hold 0.5 oz to 2 oz, while larger launchers could use multiple pounds.

How much confetti do I need?

Calculating confetti needs is less mysterious than it seems. Think in terms of coverage per person and area size, and always order a little extra—confetti doesn’t do refunds well once it's been scattered. A good rule of thumb is 0.1 to 0.3 ounces of confetti per guest for a modest shower of confetti. For a fuller burst—like a dramatic wedding exit—aim for 0.5 to 1 ounce per guest. If you're using cannons, check the manufacturer’s output: a 2 ounce cannon might serve a small group, while a 1 pound pack of confetti supports several dozen guest bursts depending on desired intensity.

Estimating for table decoration

Table confetti behaves more like decoration than celebratory throwables. For a 6 foot table runner, a small 1 ounce packet of table confetti—like hearts, stars, or sequins—will scatter nicely without looking sparse. For banquet tables, multiply by the number of tables. If you want a luxe look, layer a thin sheet of petals with metallic confetti accents.

Price ranges and value: what to expect

Confetti prices in the UK vary widely depending on material, quantity, and brand. Budget tissue packs start as low as a couple of pounds for small 0.5 ounce bags, while high-end biodegradable petal mixes or bespoke colours can run from £15 to £40 per pound for specialty blends. Bulk purchases bring down the per-ounce cost dramatically; buying in pound or kilogram multipacks (remember to convert to imperial units like ounces and pounds) is usually the smartest route for weddings and big parties.

Comparing cost versus impact

Think of cost-per-effect: a cheap pack might serve a dozen guests with a light sprinkle, whereas a mid-range biodegradable mix could create a richer visual and be kinder to the environment. If photos matter—say, a wedding send-off—investing in slightly pricier metallic or bespoke colours often pays off in images that last longer than the confetti itself.

Eco-friendly confetti: choices and certifications

Eco-friendly confetti isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. Increasingly, venues and councils ask for biodegradable options, especially outdoors. Look for confetti labelled 100% biodegradable or compostable, made from natural fibres like rice paper, tissue, or dried leaves. Certifications from credible eco-bodies or clear decomposition timelines on product pages help verify claims. Remember: even biodegradable confetti can vary—some breaks down in days, others in weeks—so match product specs to your event timeline.

Flower petal confetti and seed confetti

Dried flower petals offer a romantic, rustic look and are naturally biodegradable. Seed confetti—tiny pods containing wildflower seeds—lets guests sow memories after the event, turning a throw into a living tribute. Check venue policies for planting, though; seed mixes can be a lovely eco-alternative when permitted.

Practical tips for using confetti responsibly

Using confetti well is half art, half logistics. First, talk to your venue—some indoor spaces allow only lightweight tissue confetti to protect floors and furnishings, while historic sites often ban metallic types. Outdoors, opt for biodegradable options and avoid plastic-backed glitter. Coordinate a clean-up plan: assign a small team or hire staff, and provide waste bins and compost options where appropriate.

Minimise mess, maximise effect

Want big impact with little mess? Use confetti cannons aimed upward so confetti falls into a contained area, or combine confetti with a small bubble machine for a whimsical effect that’s easier to clear. For indoor ceremonies, consider confetti that dissolves in water or vacuum-friendly table confetti pieces to simplify clean-up.

DIY confetti: fun, cheap, and customisable

Making your own confetti is a crafty delight and lets you match colours exactly to your theme. Use a hole punch on coloured tissue paper for classic circles, or try craft punches for stars and hearts. If you go DIY, measure your output: a handful of 1/2 inch punches weighs only a fraction of an ounce, so make plenty if you’re aiming for that cinematic shower.

Safe DIY mixes

For eco-friendly DIY confetti, use dried herbs, lavender buds, or torn leaves paired with tissue bits. Avoid plastic glitter unless it’s listed as biodegradable. Store DIY confetti in airtight containers to keep it dry and crisp—moisture flattens tissue and ruins the toss.

Cleaning up confetti: tools and tricks

Cleanup can be the least fun part of a celebration, but a few clever tactics make it painless. Use leaf blowers outdoors to gather piles into a corner for composting or disposal, and lightweight yard rakes to collect petals. Indoors, a good vacuum with a soft-floor setting handles tissue confetti; metallic pieces may need a lint roller or sticky tape for small crevices. For large events, hire a clean-up crew to save time and restore the venue quickly.

Composting tips

If your confetti is biodegradable, composting is the best option. Mix paper-based confetti with green waste like grass clippings to speed decomposition. For flower petal confetti, a standard backyard compost pile will usually break them down in a few weeks, depending on weather and pile activity.

Choosing the right retailer: quick checklist

With so many sellers, how do you pick one? Start with a short checklist: look for clear product descriptions, photos that show scale (so you know whether a shape is 1/4 inch or 1 inch), buyer reviews, and eco certifications if that matters. Retailers like Party Pieces and Party Delights make buying easy with category filters for weddings, birthdays, and themed events. Craft stores like Hobbycraft are great for DIY supplies, while Amazon and eBay offer fast delivery and bulk deals. For unique or biodegradable options, check Etsy and Not On The High Street.

Questions to ask before you buy

Ask about size, weight per pack, biodegradability, and whether the confetti is suitable for indoor use or will stain fabrics. If you’re unsure, order a small sample first; many sellers offer small sample packs so you can test colour, size, and behaviour in photos or wind.

Choosing and using confetti in the UK doesn't have to be a guessing game. From high-street staples and online marketplaces to artisanal biodegradable blends, there’s an option for every celebration and conscience. Think ahead, pick the right type for your venue, and plan clean-up so the moment stays magical long after the last bit of paper hits the floor.

Conclusion: Confetti is more than a sprinkle—it's a statement. With the right planning and supplier, you can make that statement memorable, eco-friendly, and surprisingly affordable. Whether you shop high street, online market, or craft your own mix, the perfect confetti choice will amplify your moment and leave guests grinning.