Wedding Florals: Fresh, Faux, and Everything in Between

Flowers are still one of the most iconic—and Instagrammable—elements of a wedding day. From show-stopping bridal bouquets to ceremony backdrops and reception table vibes, florals help define your overall aesthetic. But let’s be real: the floral world isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore. With so many options out there—fresh, wood, silk, dried, and everything in between—choosing the right fit comes down to your vibe, your venue, and your budget.

Wedding Floral Do's and Don'ts (For the Modern Couple)

Do:

  • Book Your Florist Early: Especially if you're set on trendy blooms like peonies, anemones, or dyed baby's breath—they go fast!

  • Be Flexible: Trust your florist to sub in similar blooms if your faves aren’t in season or available.

  • Prioritize Statement Spots: Think: the arch, your bouquet, the aisle, and maybe your bar setup—not every table needs a massive arrangement.

  • Consider Your Photos: Pick flowers and colors that’ll pop in your photos and match your wedding vibe.

Don’t:

  • Leave It to the Last Minute: Good design takes planning. Don’t ghost your florist.

  • Clash with the Venue: Make sure your floral style matches your setting. (Tropical flowers at a rustic barn? Might feel off.)

  • Forget About Allergies: Ask your planner or guests about any sensitivities—your bestie sneezing through your vows isn’t the vibe.

Fresh Flowers: The Classic (and Costly) Choice

Pros:

  • They smell amazing

  • Tons of variety in texture and color

  • They’re just… stunning IRL and on camera

Cons:

  • Can be expensive, especially for trendy or out-of-season blooms

  • Fragile (heat and wind are not their friends)

  • One-day use—no take-backs

Budget Tip: Mix premium flowers (like peonies or orchids) with budget-friendly filler (like carnations, greenery, or local seasonal blooms).

Vibe Match: Romantic, garden, boho, or luxury weddings.

Silk Flowers: Soft, Durable, and No Surprises

Pros:

  • You can prep your florals way in advance

  • Great for destination weddings—no wilting!

  • Long-lasting keepsakes for your home or your wedding party

Cons:

  • Not all silks look realistic (opt for high-quality)

  • May not photograph quite as organically

  • Cost can rival fresh florals

Budget Tip: Use silk florals for bridesmaids, boutonnieres, or décor details and save fresh blooms for your bouquet or altar.

Vibe Match: Chic, minimalist, or travel-friendly weddings.

Wood Flowers: Whimsical and Earth-Conscious

Pros:

  • Sustainable and biodegradable

  • Can be dyed to match any color palette

  • Light and easy to transport

Cons:

  • Not super traditional

  • Texture can look less lush than real blooms

Budget Tip: Great for DIY weddings or small guest counts.

Vibe Match: Rustic, earthy, indie, or backyard weddings.

Dried Florals & Unexpected Alternatives

Pros:

  • Super trendy (think pampas grass, bunny tails, bleached ruscus)

  • Long-lasting and double as home decor

  • Unique, textural, and edgy

Cons:

  • Fragile, can shed or snap easily

  • Less vibrant color palette (unless dyed)

Budget Tip: Mix dried with fresh or faux to stretch your budget while keeping things stylish.

Vibe Match: Modern, desert, vintage, or fall weddings.

Floral Strategy by Budget & Space

  • Tight Budget? Focus on one major moment (your bouquet, ceremony backdrop) and go minimalist elsewhere with greenery or candles.

  • Small Space? Skip massive centerpieces and use bud vases, hanging installs, or wall florals to make a big impact.

  • Big Venue? You’ll need florals (or other decor) to scale up and avoid empty vibes—think floral chandeliers, draped greenery, or installations.

  • DIY Bride? Try wood or silk flowers from Etsy, Sola Wood, or Afloral, and recruit your bridal party for setup.

Final Thoughts: Your Day, Your Way

Trends are fun, but the real win is making your florals personal. Whether you go for lush peonies, chic dried palms, or dyed wooden blooms, it should feel true to you. There’s no wrong way to do it—only your way.

As a wedding photographer, I’m here to capture all the floral magic: the textures, the tones, the tears when you see your bouquet for the first time. Let’s make sure your florals are as unforgettable as the rest of your day.

Planning your wedding and looking for a photographer who captures all the aesthetic details and the real moments? Let's make some magic.

Jennifer Thomas