Love Them or Hate Them, Faux Flowers Have Come a Long Way
Say goodbye to the plastic-y stems of the past. Modern artificial flowers have had a serious overhaul—so much so that they can now accurately mimic the color, texture, and natural allure of the real deal, sans the hassle of droopy petals and daily upkeep. In this article, a seasoned event planner shares behind-the-scenes tips on selecting the most realistic fake flowers, and when it’s best to choose artificial over the real thing.
Faux Flowers: The Pros and Cons
Faux flowers are ideal for areas with low light or pre-made arrangements for special events. But when comparing real and faux for a particular area or event, it’s useful to recognize the main advantages and disadvantages.
Con: Initial Costs Can Be Greater
Even though a group of artificial flowers may at first glance appear costly alongside real flowers, consider long-term affordability. If you’re hosting numerous parties or require a professionally designed arrangement that can stay in your home for an extended amount of time, faux flowers are extremely cost-effective.
Downside: Poor-Quality Faux Flowers Are Noticeable
Not all simulant florals are created equal. Less expensive versions will look oddly fake, but location is everything. Put them in the back of dark niches or on high shelves, where there is less light and less exposure to hide imperfections.
Con: Real Flowers Feel More Meaningful
There is no debate that fresh flowers pack a heartfelt wallop. On milestone events like birthdays, anniversaries, or special presents, real flowers seem to carry more emotional impact than their man-made versions.
Pro: Long-Loving and Low-Maintenance
If you’re planning months in the future or want arrangements that require no watering or refilling, faux arrangements are a dream. They’re gorgeous with none of the maintenance.
Pro: Allergy-Friendly
Faux flowers are scent-free, a negative to some, but a godsend to allergy patients who still want floral beauty without the sniffles and tears.
Pro: Seasonality Is No Concern
No peonies in winter or cherry blossoms during summer? With faux, impossible. You can have any flower bloom, at any time, regardless of the season or seasonality.
How to Select Quality Faux Blooms
If you plan to use faux flowers frequently, it’s worth investing in a few standout pieces. One high-quality arrangement often looks better than several cheaper ones. While they may cost more initially, the payoff in realism and durability is worth it.
When shopping, pay attention to texture and tone. Steer clear of anything too glossy, and choose petals that have depth and shape. Small imperfections—such as uneven coloration or gentle bends—can actually make flowers appear more natural. Also, avoid stiff stems; a bit of flexibility enhances the realism.
Clever Places to Style Faux Flowers
Seasoned planner Helmstetter shares some of her go-to methods for working faux florals that appear fresh, not phony:
Atop mantles and bookshelves. These oft-overlooked areas enjoy long stems which will withstand both heat and shade. Faux flowers look as if they’ve just been fresh-cut long past when real flowers would be wilted.
With live arrangements. Add faux flowers to live garlands or bouquets to make them go further, especially in winter when live components might be in short supply.
With personal flair. Faux blooms appear most realistic when positioned next to much-wanted objects—like a precious vase or beautifully arranged tablescape. Perfection is overrated, warmth is preferred.
Where low-traffic areas exist. Bedrooms, powder rooms, and in-reach places are ideal for those faux arrangements that stay pretty with minimal effort.
With fresh herbs or greens. To design a sensory-friendly yet durable display, combine actual herbs or leaves with artificial flowers. Opt for one color scheme and avoid overfilling the room—the focus is on a light, airy vibe.
