Fresh vs. Artificial Flowers: Which Option is Right For You?
A floral arch makes for a beautiful and elegant arrangement that elevates a wedding venue with its lovely blooms at the centre of everyone’s attention. One common question that often arises regarding the venue’s decor is whether to use fresh or artificial flowers. Is there a way to know which would be right for your wedding?
The Difference Between Fresh & Artificial Flowers
Where fresh flowers are a natural option to beautify the wedding venue and proceedings, artificial flowers are made from synthetic materials that closely approximate the appearance of a fresh flower. Understanding the differences can help you choose what best fits your wedding plans.
Here is a handy comparison chart that identifies the core characteristics of both fresh and artificial flowers:
| Types of Flowers | Fresh Flowers | Artificial Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Characteristics | Beautiful, soft blooms featuring delicate yet unique petals and shapes | Uniform, vibrant colours with a synthetic look and feel up close (for certain flowers) |
| Fragrance | Soft, pleasant | Fragrance-free |
| Presentation | Pleasant, natural-looking blooms | Closely resembles natural flowers |
| Practicality | Generally single-use; requires proper care to set up and maintain appearances | Fairly easy to set up with sufficient time |
| Durability | Wilts after some time; relatively fragile | Longer lasting than fresh flowers |
| Shipping | Fragile; must be handled with care | Slightly less prone to damage, but should still be handled carefully |
| Suitability | Indoor and outdoor weddings | Indoor and outdoor weddings |
One key consideration for most couples is whether the floral arch can be used indoors, outdoors, or both. Fresh floral arches may wilt quickly on hot days, though they can still be viable in cooler weather. Meanwhile, the durable nature of artificial flowers makes them a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor settings.
A Quick Cost Comparison Between Fresh & Artificial Flowers
Fresh flowers tend to command a premium price due to their natural freshness and delicate condition, with prices typically ranging from SGD 800 to over SGD 3,000, especially for more complex floral arch designs. Generally, the larger and more complex the floral arch is, the higher its cost. Much of the cost also reflects the florist’s ability to care for the flowers, make prompt deliveries, and ensure a smooth, hassle-free setup and teardown after the event concludes.
In contrast, artificial flower arches may command prices from SGD 400 to SGD 1,200, with prices varying by size and complexity. Additional factors that may influence the price include the quality of the materials used to make the artificial flowers and the flower’s design. For the former, plastic artificial flowers are often more affordable than those made of clay or silk; as for the latter, the more realistic the artificial flowers, the higher the cost.
Practical Factors to Consider for Weddings in Singapore’s Weather
Singapore’s unpredictable weather can make it tricky to plan an outdoor wedding, especially when recent weather forecasts predict more hot and humid weather in early July, accompanied by occasional “short, thundery showers.” If you plan to have a floral arch to adorn the outdoor wedding venue, it may be a good idea to consider practical solutions to ensure it remains intact, especially when bad weather suddenly arises.
Tents & Marquees
Installing outdoor shelter in the form of tents and marquees can keep intense sunlight and light rainfall from dampening your spirits as well as your guests’. Some of these may even help fans cool everyone down and light up the event when it gets cloudy. These can be crucial to safeguarding the floral arch’s condition, too, but be sure to space out fixtures to keep the arch unobstructed. The last thing you want is a fan to blow the flowers’ petals away.
Indoor Backup
Even if you do want a memorable outdoor wedding, it pays to play it safe. Having an indoor venue as a backup plan can be a lifesaver when the weather suddenly worsens. This helps reduce the risk of damage to the floral arch and other items, giving you peace of mind knowing an emergency solution is ready when you need it.
Weighted Supports
In windy conditions, support the floral arch with heavy weights to prevent it from tipping over and prevent untoward accidents. Try considering materials with heft that are not easily blown away by the wind.
Customising Your Floral Arch
A custom-made floral arch can serve as a unique focal point for your wedding venue, creating a photogenic spot that enhances your guests’ memorable experience during this joyous occasion. Customisation should be planned ahead of time to give the florist sufficient time to prepare the floral arch to your requirements. Some florists may offer specific choices or add-ons, so it is best to speak with them beforehand to understand your options.
For example, with Always, Forever’s fuss-free, fixed artificial arches, we offer a range of value-oriented add-ons that can enhance the overall theme of your wedding venue. We also offer a beautiful, matching bridal package that pairs perfectly with your floral arch, including a lovely bridal bouquet and handcrafted boutonnières for the parents. Another add-on we feature is a meticulously crafted solemnisation set with chair posies for the couple and up to 10 guests.
Which Option is Right For You?
If you plan to have an impressive indoor wedding where the subtle scent and elegant sight of fresh flowers help to enhance the event’s proceedings, a fresh floral arch would be an excellent pick. While they do command a premium price, the visual appeal they bring with their natural, charming blooms cannot be understated.
If you are looking for something more durable and versatile, or have a budget in mind, artificial floral arches are sufficiently durable and still look stunning when they adorn either an indoor or outdoor venue. Though they may lack in customisation options, they make up for this by being a cost-effective yet stunning sight as part of your wedding decor.
In need of a floral arch that matches your wedding’s theme, but don’t know where to look? Contact Always, Forever today and let our dedicated team find a beautiful floral arch just for you!
