The age old question: Should you use real or fake flowers on your elopement day? My answer may surprise you. I am 100% on team fake flowers, and here’s why wood Flowers for Elopement Days Beat Real Florals Every Time.
Faux flowers have come a really long way in the last few years. With florists and artists really diving into their imagination and testing the limits of what a floral arrangement can truly be. Just to clear the record, I’m in no way suggesting that all faux flowers are created equal… that absolutely is not the case.
In my personal experience, find yourself a florist who understands wood flowers. The reason I love wood florals so much is that they photograph exactly like real flowers. So you’re not sacrificing the look by going the fake route.
I’ve shot several weddings and elopements over the years where the florals were the real deal, and after just a short while in the Missouri heat, they looked sad, wilted, and were missing flowers that got smushed or snapped off. For me, nothing looks more depressing than a wedding bouquet that looks like it was used in a rugby match. Especially when that bouquet still needs to be a part of the adventure.
(smashed by handles)
(wilted and loosing flowers)
My Vendor recommendation
Out of all the florists I’ve worked with, the one I truly admire is Aecy with In a Lily Bit Designs. She truly is a genius when it comes to building an arrangement capable of withstanding an all day affair. All of her flowers are painted by hand, giving each petal its own personality and flair. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or feel like standing out by adding peacock feathers and other bits and bobs. Aecy is who I recommend entrusting your floral needs with. She’s local to Farmington, MO, but does offer delivery.
Why I don’t like real florals
When your planning an elopement you want your bouquet to be durable. whether your day entails hiking or just exploring the city. When you settle for a real bouquet you’re opening yourself up to some risks…
- Missouri summers are no joke!!! If the heat doesn’t get you the humidity will along with wilting your beautiful flowers.
- Real florals are very fragile. I’ve seen stems get bent and ripped out due to the smallest things.
- you’ll have less variety to choose from due to season changes.
- real florals can and will stain fabrics, I’m all for a dirty train during your elopement but floral stains aren’t it.
- No keepsake value unlike faux florals once their dead you’ll only have your memory and photos to remember your bouquet by.
Why wood flowers are an elopement game changer.
- wood flowers are leave no trace friendly, real florals pose the risk of dropping non native pollen into new areas, going the wood flower route your helping keep the wilderness wild by not introducing potentially harmful flora to the area.
- They travel soooo well, you can pack them weeks in advance avoiding the morning of the morning hassle of pickup and having to keep them on water constantly throughout the day to keep them fresh.
- Wood flowers are super duper sturdy. Making them super handy to strap to the side of your backpack while hiking. So you don’t have to stress about carrying them throughout the hike or worrying about how they are holding up on the trail.
Your florals should be up to the task of being apart of your elopement day not a liability.
When it comes to your elopement every detail matters and picking the right vendors can truly effect how your day flows. All of my couples get access to my personally vetted list of trusted vendors. They all bring their expertise and trusted knowledge to your elopement. So you can rest easy knowing the people your entrusting with moments of your day are able and up to the task of making your elopement a reality. Start your planning journey here.
XOXO, Alyssa
