Discovering ‘Faux-ever’ Flowers
As the world moves forward and trend patterns shift, we’re seeing an increasing amount of wedding couples look at sustainable options for their weddings. From DIY décor, to second-hand style, one of our favourite trends that’s making a comeback is faux flowers.
Arguably one of the most striking visual elements of any wedding is the floral arrangements. Traditionally, fresh flowers have been the go-to choice for bouquets, centrepieces and decorations, however faux flowers are increasingly becoming a popular alternative. According to Google Trends, search topics "artificial wedding flowers" and "artificial wedding bouquets" have become breakout terms (growing interest by over 5000%) in the last five years, proving that Brits appear to be searching for more sustainable floral options for their weddings.
EVERLASTING BEAUTY
Not only do they have the same impact as fresh flowers, but faux wedding flowers will remain in pristine condition from the moment they’re arranged until long after the wedding day, making them safe from any wilting or fading that can happen in adverse weather conditions. It also means they can be kept as a keepsake after the wedding! Beautiful wedding blooms in vases throughout your home? Sign us up!
Alick Burnett, managing director of Blooming Artificial, the UK's go-to retailer of artificial plants, trees and flowers, says: “You can incorporate faux into your big day in a number of ways such as through your bridal bouquets, table arrangements or ceremony décor. “With their durability, versatility, allergy-friendly nature, and even eco-conscious benefits, faux blooms offer a perfect solution for those looking to add a touch of everlasting beauty to their special day. Opt for high-quality flowers like silk wedding bouquets as these can look so lifelike, your guests might do a double take."
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Wedding budgets can be tight, and fresh flowers can be a significant expense - especially if you’re hoping for out-of-season blooms. And with the average cost of wedding flowers in the UK reaching over £1100, according to the Bridebook Ultimate Wedding Budget Breakdown, there’s no wonder couples are seeking more budget-friendly options.
INCLUSIVITY
One thing many nearly-weds don’t consider is the fact that their guests may have allergies that fresh flowers could provoke. Faux flowers are a more considered choice for those guests, offering the beauty of floral arrangements without the pollen which can cause discomfort, ensuring everyone can enjoy the celebrations without sneezing or itching!
but how do you give your faux flowers that realistic look? "First things first is texture - one of the tell-tale signs of artificial flowers is that they can sometimes look a bit too perfect", Alick begins. "To combat this, mix it up by incorporating different textures into your bouquet. Choose blooms with varying petal shapes and sizes, and don't forget about foliage – a little greenery can go a long way in adding authenticity.
"Real flowers aren't perfectly symmetrical, so be sure to embrace imperfection when designing your faux arrangements. I would suggest gently bending and manipulating the stems and petals to give them a more natural, organic look. A little bit of asymmetry here and there will add charm and character to your bouquet.
"Fresh-cut flowers also often have subtle variations in hue that can be hard to replicate with artificial blooms. To make your bouquet look more lifelike, consider mixing shades of the same colour or adding in a few accent blooms with slightly different tones. This will create depth and dimension, just like a real bouquet.", Alick concludes.
GIVING YOUR FLOWERS A SECOND LIFE
One of the best advantages to choosing artificial flowers for your wedding day, is that it can long continue to spark joy even after the day has passed. Not only that, but flowers can be given a second-life by passing them on to other brides-to-be, or family members as a keepsake. “You could also consider getting the stems from your bouquet professionally framed or displayed in a shadow box,” says Alick.
Faux flowers offer a beautiful, practical and versatile option for modern weddings. With advancements in quality and design, they provide an excellent alternative to fresh flowers, allowing couples to achieve their dream wedding aesthetics without compromise. Whether for bouquets, centrepieces or intricate décor, faux flowers bring a timeless elegance that can be cherished long after the wedding day.
With thanks to Blooming Artificial