Fresh vs Artificial Flowers & What Springfield, IL. Couples Are Picking.
Fresh vs. Artificial Flowers for Your Wedding: Which Is Right for You?
When I was 5, my mom took me to K-Mart. They had extra-large framed posters on sale for $5 and she told me I could pick one out. I picked out a photo of a rose, with a small droplet of water on the top. I still remember it clearly.
When I was 10, she let me pick out a bottle of perfume to spray on myself. I picked “rose”. I smelled like a 90-year-old. I didn’t care. I loved it.
My bubble bath? Rose. My oils? Rose. If I were to have a wedding redo, I would have rows and rows of roses in vases. I would have a seven-foot-tall rose wall for my guests to use for photos. I would be walking under at least 6 rose covered arches and there would be thousands of rose petals covering the path leading to the altar.
I think I’ve made my point. I love roses.
However, as both a wedding planner and designer I can clearly state that for a multitude of reasons, the majority of those flowers, if not all, would be artificial. The only ones that I would consider having fresh, would be my bridal bouquet. But, if I really wanted to be able to hold it again (maybe for an anniversary party or playing dress up with one of my daughters) and not just look at it through a glass case, the scales would tilt toward artificial.
When it comes to wedding flowers, couples often have one of the most fragrant dilemmas of all — fresh or artificial? Both have their charms, and choosing between them depends on your style, priorities, and budget. To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, along with some expert insight into which might fit your celebration best.
The Beauty of Fresh Flowers
Nothing compares to the scent, texture, and natural beauty of fresh blooms. Their organic, delicate quality adds a sense of romance and luxury to your day. Whether you’re walking down the aisle holding a bouquet of garden roses or your reception tables are lined with lush peonies, fresh flowers bring a timeless elegance that photographs beautifully.
Pros of Fresh Flowers:
Authenticity: The fragrance and softness of real petals can’t be perfectly replicated.
Aesthetic Variety: Each bloom is unique, giving arrangements a natural depth and dimension.
Tradition: For many couples, real flowers simply feel more romantic and meaningful.
Symbolism: Fresh flowers often hold traditional meanings — like roses for love or lilies for purity — adding sentimental value.
Cons of Fresh Flowers:
Cost: Fresh flowers can be pricey, especially if your favorites are out of season.
Fragility: They wilt quickly without proper care, especially in outdoor or warm-weather weddings.
Timing: Arrangements must be created close to the wedding day, which can add stress and coordination challenges.
The Perks of Artificial Flowers
Artificial flowers have come a long way in recent years. High-quality silk, foam, and real-touch flowers can look so realistic that guests won’t notice the difference — and they offer flexibility and longevity fresh blooms can’t match.
Pros of Artificial Flowers:
Long-Lasting: You can keep your bouquet forever — or repurpose it as home décor.
Budget-Friendly: Depending on quality, they can cost less than fresh flowers, especially for large installations.
Weatherproof: No wilting in the sun or freezing in the cold.
Early Prep: Arrangements can be made weeks or months ahead of time, easing last-minute stress.
Allergy-Free: A great option for couples or guests with pollen sensitivities.
Cons of Artificial Flowers:
Less Fragrance: You’ll miss the natural scent that fills a space with freshness.
Quality Variation: Cheap artificial flowers can look plastic or flat — realistic ones often cost more.
Environmental Concerns: Many artificial flowers are made from non-biodegradable materials like polyester.
A Blended Option: The Best of Both Worlds
You don’t have to choose just one. Many modern couples opt for a hybrid approach — using fresh blooms for personal arrangements like bouquets and boutonnieres, and high-quality artificial flowers for décor pieces like arches, centerpieces, or aisle arrangements. This strategy balances cost, convenience, and beauty while keeping your wedding cohesive and stress-free.
Ultimately, the decision between fresh and artificial flowers comes down to your priorities:
Want fragrance and natural charm? Choose fresh.
Prefer flexibility, durability, and less fuss? Go artificial.
Want both? Mix and match for a custom approach that fits your vision.
No matter what you choose, your wedding flowers should reflect your style, story, and the love you’re celebrating — and that’s what truly makes them bloom.
What do your expectations, budget and your flower of choice all have in common? They’re all dependent on the location of your ceremony. Both Angie and I took Michael Gaffney’s floral class. We know that real flowers are real expensive. And your ideal flowers? Well, good luck if you’re thinking about anything tropical. It’s not a surprise as to why there is such a surplus of sunflowers in this area.
Here in central Illinois we are flooded with sunflower fields. Hibiscus, orchids, Strelitzia Reginae and more aren’t in this area. Of course they can be shipped in, but remember, the further the flower comes from, the less fresh it often arrives.
This is the perfect time where artificial flowers come into play! Like previously mentioned, they come so realistic looking now that it is the perfect compromise. I promise you would rather have someone side eye an artificial flower trying to decide if it’s real or not, than looking at your overnight shipped, extremely expensive birds of paradise and say “Yep. It’s dead.”
Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:
Yellow Brick on 39: https://yellowbrickon39.com
Celestial Farms: www.celestialfarms22.com
Dream Bay Resort: www.dreambayresort.com
Lavender on the Lake: https://lavenderonthlakeevents.com
The Admiral Room at The Marin: www.admiralroom.com/