Real Vs. Artificial Flowers

Our hot topic on the blog today explores the pro’s & con’s of using real Vs. artificial flowers. If you’re trying to decide what sort of blooms to use for your big day, here's a few things to consider…
 
Silk Flowers – Pros:

• Arrangements & bouquets can be made in advance.  Leading up to your big day there are a million and one things to remember & doing your flowers ahead of time can be an absolute blessing.  You’ll have time to get creative & play around with your arrangements whilst keeping stress levels to a minimum.

 

• Silk flowers can be saved as a keepsake.  If you’re sentimental about your blooms, you’ll be able to keep your bouquet or arrangements as a lasting memento & who knows, one day they might be passed down to the next generation as the ‘something borrowed’.

 

• No seasonal restrictions! Getting married in autumn but want summer flowers? Don’t panic…. Silk flowers are in season all year round so you can literally take your pick!

 
Silk Flowers – Cons:

• Fake flowers can look…. well, fake. Over the years artificial flowers have come a long way but if you don’t invest in decent ones they can look cheap.  Photos (as well as artificial flowers) last forever so don’t cut corners & look back with regret.

 

• Some artificial flowers can be expensive.  Keep costs under control when planning your big day by doing your homework to find a good store or supplier.  Trust me, you don’t need to spend ridiculous amounts of money on these… a little research goes a long way & budget blooms can look stunning!

 

• Lack of scent.  Obviously artificial flowers aren’t going to stimulate the senses like the real thing but we have a solution! Ask one of your bridesmaids or ushers to give your flowers a spritz (ideally a scent to match the flowers) and your guests will be none the wiser!
  

 
Real Flowers – Pros:

• There’s no beauty like natural beauty. It’s hard to deny the true splendour of real flowers isn’t it. The detail & authenticity they bring, each flower unique in it’s own way. From a distance it can be difficult to tell between real and artificial flowers but for bouquets & table arrangements (where your guests have a close up view), natural blooms tend to be more luxurious.

 

• Floral Fragrance. Who doesn’t love walking into a room and being surrounded by the scent of fresh florals!  Don’t underestimate how your flowers natural fragrances add to the overall ambience of your day.

 

• Original & Unique. Each flower will be unique in its own way adding originality to your wedding décor.  Using real flowers from your own garden also adds a personal touch to your wedding day & I promise you, these are exactly the special details you’ll treasure.

 
Real Flowers – Cons:

• Timing is everything! If you prepare your arrangements too far in advance, they can wilt or get damaged.  To avoid any floral faux-pas, timing really does need to be spot on. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

 

• Handle with care. If you are doing arrangements yourself, be sure to give your flowers lots of TLC & take care to avoid any damages.  Real flowers are incredibly delicate so try not to be heavy handed & proceed with caution.

 

• Beware of Allergies! If you’re sensitive to those pollen particles, real flowers could be a problem for you.  You certainly don’t want to be walking down the aisle with panda eyes, saying ‘atchoo’ instead of ‘I do!’  If hayfever tablets don’t cut it – I’d avoid using real flowers altogether.  The only tears you want on your big day are the happy kind!   

Our verdict:  Use a blend of both!

We’re not trying to sit on the fence here, but there really are benefits to using both types of flowers. You cannot deny the natural beauty, authenticity & quality that real flowers bring BUT - high quality artificial flowers are the next best thing. They are incredibly durable & lend themselves more readily to artistic creation which can be better for larger displays.