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Many
brides today are struggling over the great
floral dilemma: Should she choose fresh or
artificial flowers. The deciding factors
in this dilemma usually boil down to cost,
appearance, durability, and convenience.
Most
brides will notice a considerable cost savings
when choosing silk. It is not unusual for
a fresh bridal bouquet to cost more than an
entire wedding party’s silk flowers.
Keep in mind, some stems can still be very
expensive, even in silk. Those that tend
to be expensive are large, high-quality roses,
calla lilies, and orchids. As a less
expensive alternative to roses, try cabbage
roses or ranunculus.
Many
brides worry that the artificial flowers will
look fake. This, again, depends on the
choice of flowers. Some flowers, such as
calla lilies, are very difficult to replicate
with a natural look. Even so, most fresh
callas will run about $5.00 per stem, compared
to $3.00 per stem for artificial callas.
Other silk flowers, such as roses, can appear
every bit as realistic as fresh flowers. A
good, realistic, silk rose should run from
$1.50-$3.00 per stem.
Should
you choose silk flowers and wish to have a
hand-tied bouquet, be sure to request a stem
holder when talking to your florist. These
holders allow the handle to appear to be a large
bunch of stems, instead of a thin, wire handle.
A
wonderful alternative to silk flowers are latex
stems. These flowers are moldable and will
mimic the natural texture of the flower much
better than silk. Latex flowers also hold
their shape very well and can be arranged more
precisely. Although these stems may cost
slightly more than silk, they are well worth the
added expense.
Other
brides will choose fresh flowers because they
want their flowers to smell good. The
important question to ask yourself would be,
“Is the smell worth the price escalation?”
As
stated before, durability is something you will
need to consider when choosing your flowers.
Artificial flowers will not wilt, they will not
discolor, and broken stems do not usually occur.
And, when the wedding is over, you will have a
wonderful keepsake without the additional
preservation expenses.
Perhaps
one of the best things about silk flowers is the
convenience they afford. They can be
ordered long before the wedding and stored until
the big day. This also leaves time for
corrections, should your florist make a mistake.
For
the bride who can let go of the pretty smell of
fresh flowers and the touch of a rose petal,
silk flowers are a very affordable and
convenient alternative to fresh flowers.
Here is a
checklist of flowers you may wish to have for
your wedding.
- Bride: Bridal
Bouquet & Toss Bouquet
- Groom: Groom's
Boutonniere
- Bridesmaids:
Bouquets or Sprays
- Groomsmen:
Boutonnieres
- Ushers:
Boutonnieres
- Flower Girl:
Bouquet/Pomander/Basket, Rose petals
- Ringbearer:
Boutonniere
- Mothers:
Corsages
- Fathers:
Boutonnieres
- Grandmothers:
Corsages
- Grandfathers:
Boutonnieres
- Female
Speakers: Corsages
- Male Speakers:
Boutonnieres
- Ceremony
Entry: Door Wreaths, Large Entry
Arrangements
- Aisle: Pew
Bows, Tulle Swags, Arrangements for
Aisleabras
- Altar: Double
Altar Pieces, Single arrangement for altar,
Arrangements for Candleabras
- Unity Candle:
Candle Rings or Arrangement for Candleabra
- Chairs: Chair
bows with optional flowers
- Reception:
Head Table Arrangement, Centerpieces, Place
Card Arrangement, Buffet Table Arrangements
- Cake: Flowers
to decorate cake, Tie-ons for Toasting
Flutes, Tie-ons for Cake Server Set
- Stage: Large
Side Arrangements (could use altarpieces for
this)
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