Confetti cannons are one of the easiest ways to turn any event into a moment, weddings, brand activations, parties, concerts, festivals, New Year’s Eve… you name it.
But buying confetti cannons in bulk requires a bit of knowledge so you don’t overspend or end up with low-quality cannons that barely pop.

Here’s everything you need to know before placing that big order.

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1. Understand the Types of Confetti Cannons

Not all cannons fire the same way. The three main types are:

🎉 Compressed Air Cannons (Most Popular)

• Safe, powerful, and reliable
  
• Single-use
  
• Great for weddings, events, and shows
  
• Range: 5-12 metres
  

💥 CO2 Cannons (Pro-Grade)

• Used in concerts, clubs, and festivals
  
• Requires CO2 tanks
  
• Fires multiple bursts
  
• More expensive and requires trained operators
  

🔌 Electric Cannons (Reloadable)

• Require a firing base
  
• Perfect for synchronised effects
  
• Ideal for production crews or frequent events

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2. Choose the Confetti Type

The confetti you load (or buy pre-loaded) matters just as much as the cannon.

Metallic Confetti

• Shiny, reflective, eye-catching
  
• Best for nightclubs, concerts, NYE
  
• Heavier → falls faster, creates a “rainfall” look
  

Tissue Confetti

• Light, slow-falling, great for photos
  
• Perfect for weddings and daytime events
  
• Biodegradable options available
  

Shape Options:

• Rectangles (most common)
  
• Hearts (weddings, proposals)
  
• Stars (concerts, birthdays)
  
• Custom shapes (brands, logos)
  

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3. Decide on Size & Range

Bulk confetti cannons typically come in:

• 20–30cm (small, close-range indoor use)
  
• 40–50cm (medium, versatile for most events)
  
• 80cm (large, powerful, venue-sized bursts)
  

The bigger the cannon, the higher the firing distance and the more confetti packed inside.

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4. Check Safety & Certification

Confetti cannons seem simple, but you still need to ensure:

• CE certification
  
• Non-flammable confetti
  
• Safe pressure limits
  
• Clear usage instructions
  
• No pyrotechnic elements (unless purposely chosen)
  

For venues, some require proof that cannons are air-powered only, so check before buying.

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5. Pick Biodegradable (especially if outdoors)

Outdoor venues increasingly require biodegradable confetti. Look for:

• Tissue paper (most eco-friendly)
  
• Rice paper confetti (premium but dissolves quickly)
  
• Avoid PVC metallic unless used indoors only
  

Not only is it more sustainable, but it prevents cleanup issues and potential fines.

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6. Compare Bulk Pricing & Quantities

Typical pack sizes:

• 6-pack
  
• 12-pack
  
• 24-pack
  
• 48-pack
  
• 100+ wholesale cartons
  

Average bulk pricing (varies by supplier):

• Small cannons: £2–£4 each
  
• Medium cannons: £3–£6 each
  
• Large cannons: £6–£10 each
  

Buying 48+ packs can drop the price significantly.

If you’re supplying events or doing regular activations, buying by the carton is the most economical.

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7. Decide: Pre-Filled or Empty Cannons

Bulk buyers usually choose between:

Pre-Filled Cannons

• Ready to use
  
• Perfect for weddings/events
  
• Available in themed colours (gold, silver, rainbow, white)
  

Empty Cannons (DIY Filling)

• Cheapest option
  
• Ideal for branded confetti
  
• Perfect for event companies/custom effects
  
• Requires labour to fill
  

If branding or colour consistency matters, empty cannons + custom confetti is the best path.

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8. Choose a Reliable Supplier

Quality varies massively in the confetti cannon world. Look for suppliers who offer:

• Honest firing distance information
  
• Customer reviews
  
• High-res product photos
  
• Safety sheets
  
• Video demonstrations
  
• Fast shipping for last-minute events
  
• Custom colour options
  

For very large orders (500+), factories in Europe, China, and Turkey often provide custom packaging and colours.

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9. Think About Cleanup

Confetti cannons are fun… cleaning them up isn’t.

Choose:

• Tissue for slow-fall, easy cleanup
  
• Biodegradable for outdoor
  
• Avoid metallic outdoors
  
• Bigger pieces → easier to gather
  

If cleanup is not feasible, go for streamers instead of confetti, they fire far and are extremely easy to collect.

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10. Order Samples Before Committing

Especially for event companies or brands ordering 200+ units.

Test for:

• Firing strength
  
• Consistency
  
• Confetti fall speed
  
• Colour accuracy
  
• Safety seals
  

A single cheap sample can save you from buying hundreds of weak cannons that barely puff.

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Final Thoughts

Buying confetti cannons in bulk is easy once you know what you’re looking for: choose the right cannon type, confetti style, safety rating, and supplier. Be thoughtful when you make your purchase, think of the environmental impact and if the cannon is reusable. By understanding how size, materials, and bulk pricing work, you can get premium cannons without breaking the budget.

This is a collaborative post.