Petal Toss Magic: How to Make This Photo-Worthy Moment Unforgettable on Your Wedding Day

There are some wedding day moments that just feel like pure magic, and the petal toss ranks high on that list. Full of playful action and smiles, petal tosses create a great opportunity for getting guests directly involved with the wedding. They also make for one of the most dynamic and visually interesting moments of the day. If you’re looking to include this type of shot in your shotlist, there are some factors to consider in advance to ensure it comes out great, including knowing what to use, when to use it, and more. To help, we’ve collected some practical tips and inspiring photos to give you everything you need to succeed.

All of the images in this article are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with permission. Feature image by Party of Two at Twickenham House, Jefferson, NC, USA.

Which “Petals” Should You Toss?

When it comes to which type of “petals” that guests will toss, you’ve got lots of options. Some alternatives are more colorful or sustainable than others, but they all make for great wedding moments and photos. At the end of the day, it really comes down to choosing the option that is best suited to your wedding vibe.

Here’s a quick look at a few different options.

Grains of Rice

Rice is a great option if you’re going for something clean and simple. It’s lightweight enough to toss easily, it shows up clearly in photos, and it creates a soft, natural look as it falls through the air. Unlike flower petals or confetti, rice doesn’t rely on color to stand out. It pops visually, especially against darker backgrounds. It’s also easy to source in bulk and can be packaged in small bags or cones for guests without much fuss. If you want a traditional toss with minimal effort and maximum visual impact, rice is a solid choice.

Flower Petals

As the name suggests, flower petals work very well for petal tosses. Flower petals, whether they’re fresh, dried, or even made of silk, offer a gorgeous solution. They flutter slowly through the air and catch the light beautifully. Flower petals also come in endless shades to match your wedding palette.

The Whole Bouquet!

Take the petal toss up a notch with the bridal party and toss the bouquets! When shot from a creative angle, as illustrated in the example above, bridal party bouquet tosses make for fun, high-energy photos that capture the spirit of celebration with your closest friends and family.

Confetti

Another favorite option for the “petal toss” is confetti. It’s especially fun if you’re aiming for a playful, colorful feel. Look for biodegradable confetti made from recycled paper or plant-based materials for an eco-friendly choice.

Getting Permission

It’s important to keep in mind that not all venues allow traditional petal toss materials, especially if they’re difficult to clean up (rice) or harmful to the environment. In that case, you can opt for creative alternatives like bubbles, mini flags, streamers, or even small bells. These still create movement and excitement in the photos, but without the mess.

How Much Should You Toss for a Great Petal Toss?

Here’s the golden petal toss rule: more is more. A light sprinkle might look sweet in person, but it likely won’t translate in the final photo. To truly fill the frame and create that cascading effect, plan for around one to two cups of rice, petals, or confetti per guest. It may sound like a lot, but the payoff is worth it when your photo captures a full shower of color.

We’ve mentioned them a couple times, but don’t forget to provide cones, cups, or small pouches for each guest so they can hold their toss material easily while waiting for the big moment. Not only are they practical, but they also make for cute decorative elements on your ceremony chairs or welcome table.

How Should You Do a Petal Toss?

A great petal toss is not only about what’s being thrown, but also how it’s thrown. Encourage your guests to throw their petals or confetti high into the air, not directly at you. This creates that dreamy rainfall effect instead of something that feels accidental (or ends up in your hair and eyes!).

The best expressions come when guests are fully in the moment, laughing, cheering, arms raised with joy. If you have a large group of guests lined up for the toss, ask a couple of the guests to toss a little extra near the photographer to make it feel like you’re surrounded by petals from every angle.

Don’t be afraid to give your guests a little coaching beforehand, or ask your officiant or planner to make a quick announcement: “When the couple walks past you, toss your petals high and cheer with love!”

When Should You Do the Petal Toss?

Traditionally, petal tosses happen during the recessional, right after you say “I do” and walk back up the aisle as newlyweds. Guests typically line the aisle or create a celebratory tunnel, and as you pass, guests fill the air with colorful “petals.” A well-executed petal toss will give you beautiful photos that capture the transition from ceremony to celebration.

That said, there are other times for petal tosses if the recessional doesn’t work with your venue or timeline. Some couples opt to do a petal toss during their grand entrance to the reception, or even during the first dance for a dramatic and romantic flair. The key is choosing a moment when you’re surrounded by people, lit well (natural light is best!), and in the center of the action.

Do It Twice

Want to guarantee that picture-perfect shot? Plan for a second petal toss. The first time is often full of nerves and excitement, and guests might be unsure of exactly what to do. If you have a few extra minutes in your schedule and enough material to go around, a quick reset will give your photographer another chance to capture the moment and your guests another chance to let loose!

You might even consider staging a toss after the ceremony with just your wedding party. It’s easier to direct, easier to frame, and often just as fun.

Final Thoughts

The petal toss is more than just a photo op; it’s a celebration of everything you’ve just promised and everything that lies ahead. With a little planning and creativity, it becomes one of those wedding moments that feels as good as it looks. Talk with your photographer and planner ahead of time to coordinate the timing, supplies, and any venue restrictions. Be sure to designate someone to help with cleanup, or choose biodegradable options that can be left behind guilt-free.

And most importantly, when the moment comes, don’t hold back. Smile, laugh, hold hands, look at each other, and walk into your future surrounded by love and petals. You’ll never forget it, and neither will your guests.

Here are some more of our favorite petal toss photos to inspire your big moment.