Wood, Faux, or Fresh? Choosing the Right Flowers for Your Wedding
Flowers are everywhere at weddings—bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, arches, even tucked into cakes. But before you start pinning endless inspiration photos, you’ve got a big decision to make: fresh, faux, or wood?
I’ve worked with all three, and the truth is, each one has its sweet spot. Here’s the breakdown so you can figure out what fits your style, season, and budget.
Fresh Flowers
Fresh blooms are the classic choice for a reason. They’re timeless, romantic, and bring life to any space.
Pros: The scent, the texture, the natural variety, and the luxury of “real” flowers.
Cons: Short lifespan, weather-sensitive (especially in summer heat), and pricier if you’re set on out-of-season blooms.
Best For: Couples who want that lush, fragrant, traditional look and don’t mind a little splurge.
Faux Florals (Silk & Artificial)
Forget the craft-store stereotypes—good faux florals can look stunning in photos.
Pros: Last forever, travel-friendly, available in any color or season, and no wilting.
Cons: No fragrance, can look less authentic up close, not always eco-friendly.
Best For: Keepsake bouquets, big floral installations, or couples who want a stress-free option.
Wood Flowers
These are the unexpected middle ground: sustainable, customizable, and just plain cool.
Pros: Eco-friendly, long-lasting, lightweight, and hand-dyed to match your exact colors.
Cons: Less traditional, with fewer natural shapes than fresh blooms.
Best For: Couples who want something unique, sustainable, or with a rustic/boho vibe.
Seasonal Flowers in East Tennessee
If you’re leaning toward fresh flowers, stick to what’s in season. They’ll look better, last longer, and save you money. Here’s a quick guide:
Spring (March–May): tulips, daffodils, ranunculus, lilacs, peonies
Summer (June–August): zinnias, sunflowers, hydrangeas, dahlias, lisianthus, snapdragons
Fall (September–November): chrysanthemums, celosia, marigolds, dahlias, deep-toned roses
Winter (December–February): amaryllis, hellebores, evergreen greenery, winterberry, magnolia leaves, eucalyptus
Greenery is your secret weapon—ferns, magnolia leaves, and eucalyptus are available year-round in East Tennessee, and they make arrangements look full and textured without blowing the budget.
The Bottom Line
Fresh flowers = timeless and romantic, but delicate and seasonal.
Faux flowers = practical, long-lasting, and stress-free, but less “authentic.”
Wood flowers = eco-friendly, customizable, and unique, but not as traditional.
There’s no wrong choice here—it just depends on the vibe you want. Picture it this way: a July barn wedding with bright sunflowers, a December mountain lodge wedding with evergreens and roses, or a keepsake bouquet you’ll admire for years.
Whatever you pick, your flowers should feel like you. That’s what makes them unforgettable.
