We're noticing more couples are asking us: "Should we go with real or artificial flowers for our wedding?".
We get it, artificial flowers can seem like a cost effective, practical alternative - but while they might look fine from a distance, there are number of ways in which real flowers can't be replicated.
We want to share why we'll always choose the ephemeral beauty of natural blooms, and why we think you should too.
Fresh flowers have a presence that is impossible to replicate
Natural flowers vary in shape, colour and size in a way that can't be manufactured.
Faux flowers, usually mass produced, simply never replicate the ethereal qualities of flowers that occur in nature.
For example; A real tulip's petals will shimmer and shift in tone, its stems are soft and will gently bounce with movement (they also move towards light at a glacial pace throughout the day). Faux tulips, on the other hand, tend to look stiff and flat - lacking the life and glow that makes a real tulip special.
Your photographer will thank you
The subtle magic of fresh flowers really shines through in photographs - the tone, the difference in textures and the depth of colour. Artificial blooms usually look too 'perfect' and stiff - especially when all of your flowers are made from the same material and the colours aren't accurate to life; giving an off-putting, uncanny vibe to your images. You may also unknowingly be giving your photographer a lot of extra editing work - as they try to keep the dull and flat tones in your flowers from being a distraction in your beautiful once in a lifetime images.
Allow your flowers to create memories
We know that fragrance can trigger memories, transporting you back to a specific moment in your life in an instant. Speak to any parent or grandparent about their wedding flowers and often the first thing they'll mention is what was in their bouquet, and how beautiful the scent was. Choosing a fresh bouquet (and requesting something beautifully scented to be included) is allowing you the opportunity to add another layer of memory to your day - one that you'll be able to revisit every time you catch that same scent again. Your flowers should not just be seen, but felt in the air.
Fresh flowers are kinder to the planet
While fake flowers may appeal to you because of how long they last, this is also their greatest flaw. Often artificial flowers will be advertised as "silk", but they are actually made from cheaper materials like polyester and other non-biodegradable plastics, which can take up to 500 years to break down in landfill! While you may want to keep your bouquet, we urge you to think about where it will eventually end up, even beyond your lifetime.
If you're environmentally minded, the best choice you can make is locally grown seasonal flowers. At Love Blooms, we prioritise purchasing flowers from local farms and we would love to make your flowers with the smallest possible environmental footprint.
A note on cost
We know weddings can be expensive, and we know cost is a major factor in what couples choose to prioritise for their wedding flowers, sometimes leading them to consider using artificial flowers. It's a common misconception that artificial flowers will save you money - in fact, the best looking & highest quality artificial flowers are usually more expensive than the real thing.
Choosing quantity over quality can cheapen the look of your event, without actually reducing your costs. Instead of trying to create a sense of abundance with imitation, we think it's beautiful to put your budget, whatever it may be, towards real floral arrangements that feel intentional and thoughtfully restrained. A few well designed, fresh arrangements will transform and elevate your event - adding a sense of timeless-ness and authenticity that artificial flowers can't match at any scale.
If your budget is on the smaller side, consider ways to maximise it efficiently - for example: opt for ceremony arrangements placed on plinths that can be easily moved and repurposed for your reception space. If you're considering a mix of real and artificial, we believe it's best to prioritise fresh flowers for anything handheld or seen up close.
At Love Blooms, we will only ever work with fresh, seasonal flowers. We think there is something truly meaningful and special in the fleeting beauty of blooms that existed just for you. Order online now and let us bring your day to life, naturally.
