How much real and silk flowers I should I have on my wedding day?

Choosing between real and silk flowers for your wedding day depends on your budget, preferences, and how you envision your floral arrangements. Here’s a guide to help you decide:

Real Flowers

Pros:

1. Freshness and Scent: Real flowers have a natural beauty and fragrance that silk flowers can’t replicate.

2. Authentic Look: They often have a more vibrant and natural appearance, especially in photos.

3. Variety: You can choose from a wide range of seasonal and exotic blooms.

Cons:

1. Cost: Real flowers can be expensive, especially if you need a lot or want out-of-season blooms.

2. Longevity: They may wilt or die quickly, so they need to be handled and stored properly.

3. Allergies: Some guests or the bride/groom might have allergies to certain flowers.

Best Uses:

• Bridal bouquets

• Boutonnieres

• Floral centerpieces

• Ceremony decorations

• Flower crowns

Silk Flowers

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than real flowers, especially for large arrangements.

2. Longevity: Silk flowers last indefinitely, making them a great keepsake or usable for future events.

3. Allergy-Friendly: No worries about allergies with silk flowers.

Cons:

1. Look and Feel: Though high-quality silk flowers can look very realistic, they often lack the texture and scent of real blooms.

2. Handling: Some lower-quality silk flowers can look artificial and may require more effort to arrange well.

Best Uses:

• Flower arrangements that need to last throughout the day

• Large decorative pieces where cost is a factor

• Bouquets and centerpieces that will be reused or kept as mementos

• Budget-friendly alternatives for smaller or DIY weddings

Combination Approach

Mixing Real and Silk Flowers:

• Bouquets: Use real flowers for the bride’s bouquet and silk flowers for bridesmaids’ bouquets.

• Centerpieces: Combine real flowers with silk elements in centerpieces to save on cost while still having some fresh blooms.

• Decorations: Use silk flowers for larger or more permanent decorations, such as ceremony backdrops, and real flowers for smaller, more detailed accents.

Tips for Choosing:

• Budget: Consider your overall floral budget and how much you’re willing to spend on each type of flower.

• Style and Theme: Think about how the flowers will fit with your wedding theme and venue.

• Seasonality: Real flowers are best for seasonal blooms, while silk flowers give you the flexibility to choose any flowers, anytime.