A new trend is emerging in the wedding flower industry where artificial and fresh flowers are being integrated in wedding decorations. This fusion offers the best of both worlds, combining the beauty and fragrance of fresh flowers with the durability and versatility of artificial ones.
Fresh flowers are known for their natural beauty and pleasant scent, which can add a touch of romance and freshness to any wedding. However, they have a limited lifespan and can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. On the other hand, artificial flowers are long – lasting and can withstand various conditions, making them ideal for outdoor or long – duration weddings.
By integrating the two, wedding planners can create stunning floral arrangements that maintain their beauty throughout the entire event. For example, they can use fresh flowers as the focal point of a centerpiece and surround them with artificial greenery and filler flowers. This not only reduces the amount of fresh flowers needed but also ensures that the arrangement looks full and vibrant for an extended period. Additionally, the use of artificial flowers can help control costs, as fresh flowers can be expensive, especially during peak wedding seasons.
FAQ
How do you combine artificial and fresh flowers without it showing?
Choose the faux stems first, then have the fresh selected to match them. Faux comes in a fixed palette while fresh comes in dozens of cultivars, so matching in that direction is easy and the reverse is how you end up with a blush that fights a blush. Then split by distance: faux where guests look but do not touch, fresh where guests are close enough to handle or lean over.
Is there a combination to avoid?
Yes. Never put the same flower in both materials in one arrangement. Two peonies side by side, one real and one not, is the single most obvious tell. Use faux peonies with fresh roses rather than faux peonies with fresh peonies.
Which pieces should be faux in a mixed setup?
Anything installed early and then left unattended: arches, backdrops, suspended and structural pieces, and elevated arrangements. Fresh flowers in foam start a hydration clock the moment they leave the cooler, and an arch that goes up at 11am for a 4pm ceremony has already stood for five hours before the first photograph is taken. Bouquets and personal flowers are the opposite case, because they are held and seen up close.
Does mixing actually save money?
Usually, because the large installations are where the stem count and the losses are highest. Putting faux into those pieces removes the contingency that fresh requires, since a common planning assumption is that 10 to 20 percent of fresh material will not look presentable after being moved, while fresh is kept for the small number of pieces where scent and touch matter.
Flowers mentioned in this guide
- Peonies — Silk Peony XWMD1008, Silk Butterfly Peony – AHHY5000, Silk Peony 2 Heads – XHFY6005, Silk Peony XWMD1008A
- Greenery — PU Leaf – ZZYH3500, Plastic Leaf – GZJT3008, PU Greenery – R-GZWH6000, Silk Hanging Amaranthus Stem – RC4007
- Roses — Silk Rose – TJ2004, Silk Rose – 94-DZLW1006, Real Touch Rose – YWHX8006, Silk Rose 6 Heads – ZZQJ4000
