fake or real flowers?

I am doing both! The wedding party and parents are getting real, everything else will be fake!

After seriously considering silk, we chose real (and cut back on the number of flowers instead). I originally created a silk bouquet for myself that I thought looked amazing, but then when I took photos of it, was not pleased: the silk was shiny where real flowers would not be, and looked really fake in the pics. So I splurged for real flowers in boutonnieres, bouquets, etc., anywhere they would appear in professional photos.

We also went with inexpensive real flowers (gerbers) for ceremony chair markers (two blooms with a ribbon), and created two "real" arch arrangements that will do double-duty: they will stand on columns for the ceremony and then be moved to the guest book and cake tables for the reception. I was going to use silk potted orchids for centerpieces, but then decided to buy 13" inexpensive vases that will hold three hydrangea blooms each, which I will buy from my florist, along with rose petals for the table.

I hope this helps!

It's understandable to be overwhelmed by floral prices, especially if you have a large wedding. If you aren't crafty enough to tackle this job on your own, look for an independent floral designer who is willing to cut you a deal. There are people out there that will take payment in other forms, and there are designers who specialize in making weddings affordable for brides... you just have to think outside the box

I just ordered my bouquets from wedideas.com. They do natural touch flowers, and because the price is so reasonable I was able to get flowers that I never ever could have afforded, peonies daliahs and orchids.

We are doing real flower bought in bulk from the flower exchange and my mother and aunts are doing the arrangements, with my mother as overseeing

I've seen some nice arrangements done with silk flowers, but ultimately I find that real flowers are so much more beautiful for a wedding.

Well I doing fake flowers only bcuz I was anxious to start on bouquet in which I have done and finished Yaay! But I can't have a mixture of both bcuz it won't be right. Yes you do have real flowers that can be cheaper than fake. You need to weigh your options and see which way will benefit you better. I brought my flowers from Ben Franklin and Michaels, I think there flowers are beautiful and you have more of a variety.

I would lie to thank each of you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. This can be so overwhelming. I am not even getting married until next year, Lord's will, but I am already making preparations. I am paying for everything out of pocket between my baby and I. We are not reach so the tips you all provide are helping so much.

IF YOU USE FAKE, USE SILK..

Micheals is having a sale on silk flowers for Easter.

And as for real flowers, I hit up Craigslist last night asking if anybody had any Calli Lilies that they wouldn't mind donating to me and I've already had a few people respond to my ad. Between them that's 2 1/2 to 3 dozen free Calli Lilies.

I do silk flowers, and I am so glad because I know how to arrange mine! Lol. You can take a look at my website if you want.

www.silk-arrangements.webs.com

A lot of the weddings that I officiate here in Florida are held outdoors on the beach or in parks/gardens. The heat can really take a toll on fresh flowers. One place you can really get away with silks is on an arch or arbor. The guests are far away enough to not be able to tell real from fake.

I'm using silk flowers for my centerpieces and real flowers for bouquets & bouts. I've been shopping around & flowers are very expensive. My bouquet is the most expensive & the cost is crazy! afloral.com has great silk flowers!