The tossing of rice at newlyweds is an ancient tradition symbolizing abundance and fertility. You may have heard that raw rice grains are harmful to birds that ingest them, but ornithologists say this isn't true. Even so, rice may not be the best choice for tossing because it can be slippery underfoot and difficult to clean up. Here are some alternatives.

Birdseed
Package birdseed for wedding guests to toss after the ceremony in glassine bags sealed with stickers and slips of paper bearing the names of the bride and groom.

Rose Petals
Cut paper doilies into quarters, roll into cones, and seal with a sticker or tape. On the day of the wedding, fill the cones with petals from fresh, opened roses. Stand the cones in a tissue paper-lined box, and hand them out to guests just after the ceremony.

Hydrangeas
Fill sheer fabric pouches with tiny hydrangea blooms or petals from other seasonal flowers.