Blog | Francesca Foulsham

Francesca Foulsham Celebrant

Confetti

Who doesn’t love the ‘confetti shot’?

Have you ever wondered why it is even part of the

wedding ceremony?

Paper confetti was invented in Italy, but first used in the UK in the 19th Century to replace uncooked rice, wheat and other grains. These were traditionally symbols of fertility, believed to bring good luck to the couples as they were thrown over them at the end of the ceremony.

If you would like to have this tradition at your wedding ceremony, then a top tip is to provide your own! That way you will ensure that the confetti used is the one you would prefer, plus there will be plenty for those all important photos! You could ask someone to hand out paper cones full of confetti to your guests as they arrive or as they follow you outside for photographs.

First of all speak to your venue to ask what their rules are regarding confetti, some venues ask that it is only thrown outside and that it is biodegradable. Then research the type you would like, rice paper confetti is eco-friendly and a great alternative to the traditional paper variety.

Rose petals give a soft vintage look and are also biodegradable, as is lavender and cornflower.

In Belgium, it is common practice to use seeds that will grow into wildflowers, so producing wonderful bee and insect friendly environments. Whatever your preference, you can guarantee that the throwing of confetti will produce a gorgeous, informal and magical photograph of your special day.

Photograph courtesy of Vicky Plum Photography

Location: Wellington Wood, Norfolk

Confetti provided by Samphire Vintage Props

Francesca Foulsham Celebrant

Handfasting

Handfasting or Handtying has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition; in Ireland a couple would be handfasted together in front of a priest at the beginning of their engagement with cords or ribbons. The three traditional colours were white for purity, blue for fidelity and red for passion, although green was often added to symbolise fertility. However, Handfasting has recently become increasingly popular to be included as part of the actual wedding ceremony itself. as it adds an extra layer of symbolism and meaning.

When you plan your wedding service with your celebrant, you can ask to have a handfasting at any point in the ceremony. Some couples like to have it as they read their vows to each other as a symbol of binding their vows and promises to each other. Other couples like to be handfasted at the end of the ceremony to signify a tying together of their two lives. The colours of the cords and ribbons can match the colour palette of the wedding or can be chosen for more symbolic meanings. To further personalise them, charms, beads, seashells or flowers are sometimes added. The idea is that after the celebrant has tied the right hands of the couple together they can pull the loose ends of the cords or ribbons and an eternity knot is formed, a knot that has no beginning or end and represents loyalty, faith, friendship and eternal love.

This is then kept or framed as a memory of one of the most precious and magical day of their lives.

I can make your handfasting ribbons or cords in whichever colours you choose and it is all included in my price, I can add charms or symbolic items to give it even greater meaning for you both.