Flowers
have always been an important part of weddings - or any event for
that matter. There always seems to be the debate of using fresh flowers
or silk flowers to accent your event. In this article we will show
pros and cons of each choice so your decision can be a little easier.
There are always a few factors
in choosing which type of flowers you will use. The most common one
is price. Many people work on budgets when planning any special occasion
and must keep to that budget. All in all, fresh flowers do cost more
than silk, but let's find out what you want for your décor.
A few questions you should ask yourself on this topic are:
- What
quantity of flowers do you want?
- Is
there a theme to your event?
- Are
there certain colors you want?
- Is
there a certain type of flowers you want?
If
you want a large number of flowers and you are on a budget, then silk
flowers would be the best choice for you. If you just want a few centerpieces
and flowers for the bouquets and boutonnieres, then fresh flowers
could be your choice.
Silk flowers are a great pick
when you want a large quantity of arrangements and flowers. With this
option you can also keep them all when your event is over and even
give them to other people. If you don't know how to make floral arrangements
and bouquets, find a family member or friend who could help. You just
need pots, Styrofoam blocks, glue, ribbon, etc. that can all be found
at your local craft store. Look at pictures in books to find arrangements
that stand out to you and try doing something similar. This helps
if you don't know where to start in making them.
When choosing silk flowers,
you will also have more of a variety of flowers than you would with
fresh flowers (you have to go by what's in season and in abundance,
etc. though a good florist will do all they can to get you what you
want). These days you can even find velvet flowers, organza flowers,
glass grapes, flowers with beads in them and so many other unique
things. We have the gift of silk flowers that look real - where as
years ago, silk flowers were blatantly fake! Make sure you buy good
quality silk flowers if you want a real effect. Most craft stores
carry good silk flowers and even offer different brands to choose
from.
The best time to buy silk flowers
is when they are on sale. Keep track of your craft stores sales and
pick some up when they are 40%-50% off. Start doing this several months
before your event so you can stock up and make your arrangements and
bouquets in advance.
If you do silk flower bouquets in weddings, it is a nice gift to give
your attendants - a special keepsake to remember that special day
by.
Also,
when you use silk arrangements, scented candles can be used on the
tables and around the flowers. When using fresh flowers it is best
not to use SCENTED candles, because you get the scent from the flowers
and the candles and it can be overwhelming to those who have to sit
around it (though you still can if you want to).
There are many pros to using
silk flowers, but just as many for using fresh flowers. First, someone
else does all the work and that sometimes is a lifesaver for those
planning events. Fresh flowers make any event beautiful and offer
a special feeling to those attending. Most fresh flowers have very
vibrant color that adds to the atmosphere - as well as a natural floral
scent. Let's face it - some fresh flowers cannot be done well in silk.
So, when this is the case for the type of flowers you want - fresh
is definitely the best choice.
It's best to find a reliable
florist when doing your event to make sure you get fresh, high quality
flowers and professional arrangements. Check around and even check
with the BBB (The Better Business Bureau) to make sure your money
will be well spent.
Most people don't like throwing
all the flowers away after the event, so ask if anyone would want
to take any home and dry them. Most flowers dry very beautifully and
make for great decorations. A great gift for a bride would be to dry
all the bridesmaids' bouquets and make an arrangement with them for
the bride to keep. There are many options when deciding what to do
with the flowers once you are finished with them. Just be creative
and use your imagination.
There's much to factor in when
deciding whether to use fresh flowers or silk. Just keep in mind cost,
quantity, quality and time. Ask around for others opinions if you
are not sure. Start looking for local florists and craft stores in
your area and check their reputation. Remember that your décor
at your ceremony and reception will leave a lasting impression. Let
your floral arrangements stand out as a reminder of how beautiful
your special event was to all who attened.
Click on the picture below to see samples of fresh flowers and silk
flowers used at weddings.
