Why You Should Say No to Plastic Flowers (And What Your Florist Really Thinks)
Picture this: I arrive at a beautiful wedding venue in the Lake District, excited to bring my floral vision to life with natural, seasonal blooms that complement the landscape. But then, there they are… huge boxes of plastic flowers, shipped in from across the globe, and my heart sinks a little.
As a small business that strives to be sustainable, seeing plastic flowers at weddings is honestly disheartening. I know they seem like a cheaper, easy option, but here’s the truth—they don’t just look bad; they’re not doing your wedding (or the environment) any favors. Let me explain why.
They Look, Well… Shite
Let’s just get this out of the way—plastic flowers don’t look good. You might think they’ll pass as “real” from a distance, but trust me, everyone knows. They don’t have the same life, movement, or natural beauty that fresh flowers bring. Your bouquet should be full of scent, texture, and those wild, imperfect moments that only real flowers can give.
Photographers struggle to make plastic flowers look good in photos, and venues—especially those that embrace natural beauty—aren’t big fans either. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the whole atmosphere. Real flowers add magic to your day, while plastic flowers just feel, well, plastic.
Sustainability Matters
More and more couples are conscious about their wedding’s environmental impact, and I’m with you on that! Choosing locally sourced, seasonal flowers means you’re not only supporting small businesses but also reducing the carbon footprint of your wedding. On the other hand, plastic flowers are often mass-produced in factories and shipped thousands of miles before they end up at your wedding, contributing to environmental waste.
I’m always trying to make my business as eco-friendly as possible—whether that’s by sourcing flowers from local growers, reducing single-use plastics, or composting leftover materials. So, it’s a bit of a punch in the gut when I see a pile of plastic flowers at a wedding where we could have used natural, sustainable blooms that truly reflect the beauty of the day.
Leave it to the Experts!
One of the most common reasons couples opt for plastic flowers is cost, but here’s the thing—wedding flowers are an investment for a reason. When you hire a professional florist, you’re paying for more than just flowers. You’re getting someone who understands how to bring your vision to life, create something bespoke, and make sure it all ties together beautifully with your venue, colors, and overall vibe.
We know how to design something unique to your wedding, something that feels like you and enhances the atmosphere of the day. Plastic flowers, no matter how cheap they are, just don’t do that. They’re often generic, flat, and lifeless, missing all the little details that make wedding florals so special.
It’s a Disservice to Your Wedding Day
At the end of the day, wedding flowers are meant to add beauty, personality, and emotion to your celebration. They’re one of those details that people remember, that show up in your photographs, and that enhance every part of the day. Plastic flowers just don’t have that same magic. They’re an imitation of something real, and your guests (and vendors) can tell the difference.
So, if you’re on the fence, take it from me—and your photographer, your venue, and all of us who work hard to make your day as beautiful as possible—please don’t buy plastic flowers. You deserve better, your wedding deserves better, and the planet deserves better.
If you’re dreaming of natural, wild, and beautifully crafted florals, let’s chat. I’d love to help you bring your wedding day to life with the real thing.