Flowers are synonymous with weddings, and they can be as unique as you are. The challenge, though, is that there are so many options these days that it can feel overwhelming. Hopefully, by the end of this blog, you’ll have a clearer answer to one key question:
Do you want fresh flowers or dried?
Fresh Wedding Flowers
There’s something truly magical about fresh, seasonal blooms. The vibrancy, energy, and scent of freshly cut flowers can immediately transform a space. Walking into a room where fresh flowers are displayed is an experience in itself – the fragrance alone can trigger memories for years to come, especially when tied to a moment as special as a wedding.
But there are a few things to consider when choosing fresh flowers for your big day:
Seasonality Matters: The time of year you’re getting married will significantly influence which flowers are available. If you’ve set your heart on peonies, for example, you’ll need to plan your wedding around the period when they’re in bloom. Always consult your florist about seasonal availability.
Imported Flowers: While out-of-season flowers can be imported, the quality can vary. Imported flowers may have been grown in greenhouses or flown in from places like Africa or South America, which can affect both their freshness and their environmental impact.
Eco-Conscious Choices: If sustainability is important to you, locally grown, seasonal flowers are your best bet. Not only will you reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint, but you’ll also be supporting a local business. You can find local growers and florists through directories like Flowers From the Farm (www.flowersfromthefarm.com). Many local growers also grow their flowers pesticide-free, so you won’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals.
While fresh flowers are undeniably beautiful, there are some downsides. For one, they’ll only last a few days after the wedding, though they’ll be forever captured in your photos. If you want a keepsake, some flowers can be dried and preserved in resin – just be sure to get a professional to handle this soon after your wedding.
Additionally, fresh flowers need to be kept cool and away from direct sunlight, especially if you’re having a summer wedding. A hot marquee, for instance, can cause even the hardiest flowers (and guests!) to wilt by the end of the day.
Fresh Flower Pros:
They’re vibrant, fresh, and smell incredible.
A wide range of textures and colours are available.
Seasonal blooms can evoke memories of your wedding day whenever you see or smell them again.
Locally grown flowers are a more eco-friendly option, supporting small businesses.
Fresh Flower Cons:
Not all flowers are available year-round.
You’ll need a cool, dark place to store them if they’re delivered the day before.
They need to be delivered close to the wedding date and won’t last long after the event.
Some arrangements still use floral foam, a single-use plastic, though eco-friendly alternatives are becoming more common.
Dried Wedding Flowers
Dried flowers have become increasingly popular, and this trend is now making its way into weddings. I’m thrilled to be creating two fully dried flower weddings this year (2024), and I can’t wait to see the results.
Dried flowers are a fantastic option if you’re getting married in winter or if you want your flowers to last long after the big day. They’re available year-round and can be displayed in a vase at home, serving as a lasting memento. Just keep in mind that dried flowers need to be kept dry and out of direct sunlight to prevent mould and fading. Some natural fading over time is normal, but you can always preserve them in resin for a more permanent keepsake.
It’s worth noting that dried flowers aren’t necessarily a cheaper alternative to fresh. While they last longer, they require the same care in growing, plus the additional steps of drying and storing. Cheaper dried flowers are often mass-produced, dyed unnatural colours, and may be covered in preservatives. If you’re opting for bright, dyed flowers, just be sure to handle them with care and wash your hands afterward.
Dried Flower Pros:
They can be delivered up to a week before the wedding.
They make a wonderful keepsake and can be displayed at home long after the wedding.
They’re easy to preserve in resin as they’re already dried.
They’re available year-round, perfect for winter weddings.
Dried Flower Cons:
Limited colour range, as not all flowers and foliage dry well.
They can be delicate and prone to shedding petals.
They need to be kept dry and out of sunlight to avoid mould and bleaching.
Many commercially available dried flowers are dyed and preserved with chemicals.
Dried flowers can be more expensive due to the extra steps involved in their preparation.
How about both?
Another option I love to create is a blend of both fresh and dried flowers. In October 2024, I designed a wedding using this combination. It was right at the end of our cut flower season here in South Wales, but I was able to incorporate stunning dried flowers into the mix. The result? The fresh flowers added scent, movement, and vibrancy, while the dried flowers offered longevity. At the end of the day, the dried flowers were removed from the bouquets and buttonholes, and the couple had keepsakes to treasure.
In conclusion, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to fresh versus dried flowers. Both have their merits, and I hope this blog where we take into account the pros and cons of fresh and dried flowers has helped clarify which might be best for you. If you’d like to chat more or found this post helpful, feel free to drop me a message at rhiannon@bluehillflora.com.
Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon
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