I feel like I should start this by saying 'Ahhh the age-old question. Artificial or fresh?' but really..it's not an age-old question...it just feels it to me as a florist...
I am forever seeing people on social media debating this question and more often than not, they end up settling on either. They're not fussed which they get.
But to put it in some perspective for you, I'm going to do a pros and cons list for both options for you.
In another post, there will be a comparison between the different types of artificial that you can get.
Being a seller of artificial flowers, I am partial to a bit of bias here but I will do my best to be completely fair on both sides to the argument (I think I'm pretty good at this..I am a Virgo after all ;P )
ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS
Pros
They generally cost less, (but not always)
Can be made years in advance of your wedding (as long as they are stored correctly)
They are great if you are travelling overseas to be married
Great for in hot countries (they don't wilt)
You can change your mind and change the bouquet if necessary
Can be kept as a keepsake after the wedding
Can be sold on to make a bit of money back after the wedding
Great for avoiding hayfever!
Can look just as good as Real ones (always look for BFA approved artificial flowers for the best ones)
Can get any flower, in any season, in most colors
Cons
They're not real
Can be more expensive, depending on what you go for
Wire stems can catch on dresses (although to avoid this, opt for a full ribboned handle)
Don't have the wonderful fragrance of fresh flowers
Can't beat the real thing
Imitation flowers, don't come close to imitating the real thing (although some silk flowers, you can't tell the difference with).
Can look tacky if not done right
Silk flower cascade bouquet made with BFA approved flowers by Tom and Jenny's Weddings
REAL FLOWERS
Fresh flowers done by Pats Floral Designs
Pros
They're real, doesn't get much better than that!
Have a natural fragrance
Delicate and unique
Look more authentic as no 2 flowers are the same
Can be made into beautiful keepsakes after the wedding (such as these paperweights done by EsthersCreationsGB on Etsy )
Guests remember fresh
You won't be left with as many after the day as many guests will ask to take centrepieces home and take them off your hands.
Cons
They don't last, making the keepsake process a hasty one (i.e. you will need to arrange to get your flowers to the company straight after the wedding)
They can set off hayfever
Can cost more than artificial
You are limited to certain flowers in certain seasons and different coloured ones can be difficult and expensive to get hold of.
They are heavier (typically) than artificial flowers
Green from the stems may stain your dress
They wilt, especially in hot countries
Need to be made the day before or on the day (a nightmare if the florist falls ill)
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