Learn everything you need to know about types of artificial flowers, ideas for how to use them, and their pros and cons to decide if they are right for you.
Last updated February 5, 2024
Before we start talking polymers and foams, let’s make the distinction between artificial flowers—individual stems designed to replicate real flowers—and non-floral wedding bouquets.
Artificial flower arrangements, including options from artificial flower retailer Afloral, are just what they sound like—arrangements that look like fresh flowers, made from fake flowers. Non-floral bouquets are composed of different, unusual elements that aren’t supposed to look like flowers. Here are some examples of non-floral wedding bouquets:
If you’re going for an alternative approach to your wedding florals, a non-floral bouquet is a great way to add some personalization and creativity to your overall wedding style. Not to mention many non-floral bouquets are more practical than fresh flowers for a lot of the same reasons that artificial flowers are: they can be more economical, can be prepared earlier, will last longer, won’t wilt or die in extreme temperatures, and are available regardless of blooming season.
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The most familiar type of artificial flowers, these faux blooms are known as silk flowers. Though these days, silk wedding flowers are no longer made from silk, but most often a variety of polyester or nylon.
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These faux blooms are composed of very thin foam petals that are dyed with a specific hue and glued around a styrofoam center. Foam flowers are most often seen as roses, and useful to fill in the center of bouquets and arrangements.
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Wax-coated artificial flowers are high-quality silk flowers that have been coated with a special wax to make them feel (and look) like real flowers. The level of detail on the petals, such as veining or slight impressions, combined with the real-touch feel make these some of the most expensive artificial flowers available.
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Similar to wax-coated flowers, latex artificial flowers are coated in a thin wax and have very lifelike details, making them both look and feel pretty close to the real deal. Latex flower petals are actually made from latex, rather than polyester fabric, so they don’t run the risk of fraying at the edges.
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The most expensive type of artificial flowers, fresh touch or real touch flowers are designed to look, and feel, as close to the real thing as you can get. They’re made from a blend of foam and latex.
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Paper wedding flowers are exactly what they sound like: flowers that are constructed out of paper. Paper flowers can be extremely delicate and lifelike, to the point where you have to get very close to the flowers to tell they aren’t real—these varieties are sourced from specialty shops or online vendors. On the flip side, paper flowers can also be dramatic and theatrical through the use of bright colors, patterns, or oversized shapes. These less-realistic versions can more easily be DIYed if you have an artistic hand.
DIY paper wedding flowers can be used for great impact as a decorative focal point, since they are generally inexpensive to create and their uses are limited only by your imagination. Here are some ideas for ways you can use paper flowers to replace (or augment) your wedding floral decor:
To check out real-life examples of these and other paper flower ideas, check out our blog post recounting 7 Times Paper Wedding Flowers Won Our Hearts.
Similar to paper, fabric wedding flowers are on the DIY-approved list if you’re on the artistic side. Fabric flowers are harder to make, however (fabric is less forgiving than paper), and therefore it’s wiser to use fabric flowers in small doses, such as bouquets, boutonnieres, and hair accessories. You can also find fabric wedding bouquets on online craft sites. Satin roses are a common type of fabric wedding flower, as are flowers made from tulle, burlap, felt, cotton, and lace.
Costs for artificial flowers can vary based on a variety of factors, including location, quality, and vendor. But here are some average costs you can expect to pay for artificial wedding flowers:
Bridal bouquet, inexpensive silk flowers: $20-$100, depending on size and number/type of flowers
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping if you order artificial flowers online, which can run up to $20 (or potentially more) per order.
Making a wedding bouquet with artificial flowers is pretty similar to making a bouquet with real flowers. Here are the main differences between making a real vs faux bouquet:
There’s no prep work involved for artificial flowers, such as trimming the ends and thorns or stripping leaves and guard petals.
Similarly, you don’t have to worry about storing your artificial flowers in a cool location or in water (or changing out the water to keep the blooms fresh).
Artificial flowers have much thicker and less pliable stems, so they require more muscle to shape and will result in a thicker, heavier bundle to hold.
You’ll need to cut the stems of artificial flowers with a wire cutter, rather than floral scissors—again, more muscle.
Because of these wires, however, you can manipulate artificial flowers over (and over) again to get them into the perfect position, unlike with real flowers.
Bouquets made with artificial flowers can be made way in advance. Real flower bouquets should be made very close to the wedding day and stored in water.
For tips on how to arrange a bouquet yourself, read our Step-by-Step Guide To Creating A Wedding Bouquet.
Sure, using artificial flowers might save you money, be better for the planet, and allow you to hold on to some of your wedding flowers for days (or years) beyond the day itself. But there are some things you should consider before making the leap to the artificial flower camp.
Pro Tip: To get the best of both worlds, especially if you really crave a cascading bouquet, mix faux blossoms with real greenery. It will give you the look you want at a lower price point than you’d spend on real flowers.
When you're considering the types of fake flowers to use in your wedding floral arrangements, some varieties tend to look more realistic than others. Discover the best artificial flowers in 11 different varieties.
Peonies are a popular pick for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and more—and they're not cheap. These typically fluffy, layered flowers make for a great faux option, and come in tons of colors.
4" Foam Blooming Peony With Stem, $19.99, Ling's Moments
Hydrangeas are a classic, timeless pick for floral arrangements, and the artificial blooms look extremely realistic. And since they're typically so large, you won't need many stems to get a full, lush look—which is great for your budget.
Preserved Hydrangea Bunch, $50, Terrain
Real orchids are definitely a splurge—but artificial ones will add that same romantic feel to any wedding bouquet or floral centerpiece.
Artificial Phalaenopsis Orchid Flower (Set of 6), $70.99, Nearly Natural
Calla lilies are a popular pick for elevated wedding centerpieces, and they also make a striking addition to bridal and bridesmaid bouquets—and you can capture a similar look to fresh calla lilies with a high-quality artificial option.
Calla Lily Artificial Flower (Set of 12), $70.99, Nearly Natural
If you're getting married during cherry blossom season (or even if you're not!), incorporate some faux blooming branches into your wedding florals.
Artificial Baby Cherry Blossom Branch, $7.95, Afloral
Tulips are a great pick for artificial wedding florals because they come in so many colors—which means you're sure to find a few faux options that pair perfectly with your color scheme.
Dutch Tulip Artificial Flower (Set of 12), $97.99, Nearly Natural
Greenery is one of our favorite ways to fill out any floral arrangement without breaking the bank—and when you choose a faux or preserved option, like eucalyptus, you can stretch your budget even further.
Preserved Populus Eucalyptus Bunch, $38, Terrain
Faux pampas grass is another budget-friendly option for filling out your centerpieces, aisle arrangements, and even your arbor or arch.
Faux Pampas Grass Bunch, $19.95, Crate+Barrel
Like tulips, roses are a great wedding flower because they come in so many colors and varieties—and, like the other flowers on this list, there are a ton of artificial options on the market that will help you capture the look and romantic feel of fresh roses without the high price tag.
Peach Artificial English Cabbage Rose, $9.95, Afloral
Anemones are stunning, but super delicate. Choosing a faux option will let you carry (and toss!) your bouquet without any worries.
Real Touch White Anemone Flower, $5.95, Afloral
As you may have already figured out, having artificial flowers at your wedding doesn’t necessarily equate to major savings. A lot of factors will determine your final floral costs, whether you opt for all real flowers, all artificial, or some combination. Make sure you sit down with your partner (and wedding planner, if you’ve hired one) to set your floral budget before heading too far down the path of deciding on flower types.
While it’s difficult to offer specific price points for artificial wedding flowers considering there are so many different types that fluctuate dramatically in cost, here are some general price estimates that should help you determine if artificial flowers are right for you:
Making a wedding bouquet with artificial flowers is pretty similar to making a bouquet with real flowers. Here are the main differences between making a real vs faux bouquet:
For tips on how to arrange a bouquet yourself, read our Step-by-Step Guide To Creating A Wedding Bouquet.
Sure, using artificial flowers might save you money, be better for the planet, and allow you to hold on to some of your wedding flowers for days (or years) beyond the day itself. But there are somethings you should consider before making the leap to the artificial flower camp.
Pro Tip: To get the best of both worlds, especially if you really crave a cascading bouquet, mix faux blossoms with real greenery. It will give you the look you want at a lower price point than you’d spend on real flowers.
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