Plenty of wedding traditions have shifted, changed, or disappeared entirely over the years. Throwing rice, for example, was once considered a staple of a couple’s nuptials. According to historians, rice was thrown at couples who had just tied the knot as a way of encouraging good fortune, best wishes, and luck in the honeymoon bed. However, plenty of problems accompany this ritual. Outside of the mess it can make, uncooked rice is also deadly to most birds because it absorbs all available moisture in their intestines.
Instead of inadvertently killing a flock of local feathered friends on your big day, you may want to find other ways for guests to wish you good luck. Take a look at these popular alternatives and find a much safer fit for friends and family to send you off.
Flower Petals Vs. Rice
Want all of the fun of having something thrown at you without the negative environmental impact? Flower petals make a perfect alternative to rice for many reasons. First, they have a more appealing aesthetic quality. Your wedding pictures will look much more glamorous with colorful petals raining down on you. Second, flower petals are soft and won’t feel like a million little thumbtacks being thrown at your face. Finally, petals are biodegradable. Whatever is thrown will decompose or be used by other creatures quite quickly.
If you’re worried about picking dozens of flowers for this purpose, there are ways to make this entire experience eco-friendly. See if a couple is looking to get rid of floral arrangements from a wedding happening sometime before your own. Have someone remove all the petals and put them into bags to be handed to guests at the ceremony. The petals will create a beautiful scene.
Bubbles vs. Rice
Who says that what is thrown your way needs to fall immediately to the ground? Instead of giving guests ammunition to hurl in your direction, a perfect option to consider instead is handing out bubbles. When guests are blowing little bubbles at you and your partner, it can create a whimsical feeling that requires no additional cleanup. In fact, most of the little soap bubbles will pop before making it too far from the wand, so the entire experience is simple and lacks any of the mess of other choices.
Noisemakers
Though noisemakers are associated heavily with celebrations surrounding New Year’s Eve, you may want to think about using them as an alternative to rice. There is no rule saying you need to give the guests something that needs to be thrown or launched or carried on the wind. Noisemakers like whistles, kazoos, and other toy instruments can create a cacophony of sounds that come together joyfully and chaotically. Obviously, this option is only possible if your event is taking place at a venue without noise restrictions.
Smoke
Finally, there’s a perfect option for couples who like to make dramatic entrances and exits. If you want to use an alternative to rice that will make for captivating, flamboyant images, consider smoke bombs. Colorful plumes of smoke bursting around you as you exit the venue can create a moment that you and your guests will not forget anytime soon. Of course, this may require more strict coordination, as handing smoke bombs to anyone in the crowd could lead to disaster. Plan accordingly and check fire regulations before setting anything in stone.
Wedding rituals change at a pace that can be difficult to follow. If you want to find an alternative to the classic tradition of throwing rice for good luck, there are many perfect choices worth your consideration. Get creative and see what fits the vibe of your wedding best to discover a tradition that makes the most sense.
