🌸 Real vs. Artificial Flowers — Choosing the Perfect Blooms for Your Wedding Day
💐 Introduction
Flowers are the heart of your wedding design — they set the tone, tie your color palette together, and add that touch of romance every couple dreams of.
But one of the biggest questions we hear at Simply Southern Events is this: Should we use real or artificial flowers?
The truth? Both can be beautiful — and both have their own benefits. Let’s explore how to choose the right option for your wedding day (or even blend the two for the best of both worlds).
🌹 Step 1: The Beauty of Real Flowers
There’s something undeniably magical about fresh flowers. The scent, texture, and organic movement can’t be replicated.
Pros:
Naturally fragrant and visually stunning
Variety of seasonal colors and textures
Elevates photos with natural depth and vibrancy
Adds that luxurious “fresh-cut” feel
Cons:
More expensive (especially for large installations)
Seasonal limitations — certain blooms may not be available
Wilt faster in heat or cold
Require professional setup and tear-down
Simply Southern Tip: Real flowers shine for key visual moments — bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony backdrops where guests will see them up close.
🌿 Step 2: The Benefits of Artificial Blooms
Artificial flowers have come a long way — many high-end silk and foam blooms now photograph beautifully and last forever.
Pros:
Budget-friendly and reusable
No worry about wilting or allergies
Perfect for hot summer or outdoor weddings
Can be pre-arranged weeks in advance
Cons:
Lack that natural scent and organic texture
Some varieties can appear too uniform
May not feel as luxurious up close
Simply Southern Tip: Faux florals are ideal for large installations (arches, hanging designs, or walls) where distance and scale make them look naturally full.
🌸 Step 3: The Hybrid Approach — The Best of Both Worlds
Why choose one when you can have both? A hybrid design combines real blooms where they matter most and artificial ones where they make sense.
Our favorite combos:
Real bouquets + faux centerpieces
Real greenery + silk accent flowers
Fresh blooms for the ceremony + faux for reception reuse
This approach saves money and ensures your flowers look fresh from start to finish — no wilting, no stress.
Simply Southern Tip: Your guests will never know which is which if your color palette and textures blend seamlessly.
💧 Step 4: Weather & Season Considerations
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in Tennessee, heat and humidity are key factors.
Summer weddings: Faux flowers hold up better in direct sunlight.
Winter weddings: Real blooms may need extra care to prevent freezing or browning.
Destination weddings: Faux florals travel beautifully and can be packed ahead of time.
Simply Southern Tip: If your event spans multiple days (like rehearsal + wedding), artificial designs can be repurposed across both events.
💍 Step 5: Sustainability & Keepsakes
Artificial flowers are not only reusable — they’re keepsake-friendly. Many couples love taking their bouquet home, displaying it for years, or repurposing it in their home decor.
Fresh flowers, on the other hand, can be donated or composted to reduce waste and give back to the community.
Simply Southern Tip: Real or faux, always ask your planner or florist for eco-friendly options — sustainable design is always in style.
🤍 Final Thoughts
Real or artificial, your flowers should reflect your love story — your colors, your style, and the feeling you want to create.
At Simply Southern Events, we help couples balance beauty, budget, and practicality, designing floral moments that look breathtaking and make sense for your celebration.
Whether you want fresh garden roses, lifelike silk peonies, or a mix of both — we’ll help you bring your vision to life with Southern charm and seamless execution.
