When you first crack open that wedding planner, what tabs are ready and waiting for you to fill with all your wildest ideas? First and foremost is the location, followed by the dress and/or suits, next is the food, and last, but certainly not least, the flowers.
Flowers can take any venue and turn it into the fairytale wedding you’ve been dreaming of. They set the mood by adding atmosphere and help you establish any theme you have in mind. For example, you might select tropical orchids for a beach vibe, but for something more bohemian you could choose daisies.
As integral as flowers are to the look and feel of your wedding, they can, unfortunately, eat away a sizable chunk of your budget, with the average amount spent on blooms coming in at €2500 per standard wedding. And all that cash only to toss them within a few days of the event. Your house might smell lovely for a week or so, but is it really worth it?
With the high costs in mind, one might wonder what other options are out there. So why not consider some alternatives to the usual matrimonial petals and select artificial flowers instead? Read on for a detailed pros and cons list to help you decide if they may be right for you.
One of the major pitfalls of natural flowers is their lack of longevity. Gorgeous as they are, they wilt, their stems droop, and their petals fall. This can be a depressing sight when all you want is to remember the magic of the day.
That is where artificial blooms can truly shine. They’ll last forever, meaning the wonder of the day never has to fade, and you get a beautiful keepsake of your special event.
Another bonus of artificial flowers is the cost, as they can be cheaper than real flowers, especially if you would have chosen something that isn’t native, or is out of season. Additionally, you’ll save on the added cost of disposal fees some venues will require you to pay for flower removal after your event.
You may be surprised to find out that artificial flowers are actually sometimes the more environmentally friendly choice. This is because exotic and out-of-season plants must be shipped in from somewhere else, contributing to a higher level of transportation-related CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere.
Another benefit to artificial flowers is that, because they last, they can be recycled in other ways. For example, you may use them in creating crafts or hairpieces to be worn and enjoyed long after the wedding is over. They can also be passed on to friends and family who would like a keepsake of the day, or who weren’t able to attend.
The main issue with artificial flowers is that they are typically not biodegradable. This has the potential to be harmful to local wildlife if they accidentally consume them. Therefore, it’s well worth taking the time to understand the materials that your chosen supplier is using, so that you can ensure you make the most eco-friendly choice, and are aware of how to safely dispose of any unwanted flowers after the day.
Artificial flowers are not to everyone’s taste, as they are not naturally scented. Sometimes we just want the real thing with that lovely aroma only true flowers can fill the air with. If this is true for you, you could consider using a mix of artificial and real flowers to get the scent you’re looking for at key points in your day or alternatively use a scented spray over the silk flowers which can last all night.
Whether you choose to use real flowers or artificial ones, we hope this guide has been helpful to make your decision. Either way, your special day will be filled with magic, and the flowers, real or fake, will be a sight to see.
Blog Post Provided by Megan Lawrence | Digital Media Consultant