"Keep It Fresh" or Opt for Dried? - Comparing Fresh and Dried Flowers

If you've spent any time scrolling through Pinterest or scanning the latest bridal magazines, it'll come as no surprise to you that dried florals are all the rage. From whimsical pampas grass to dramatic palms, we've been seeing dried blooms take over the world of weddings and events one stem at a time.

With that being said, is there anything more classic and stunning than fresh flowers? For hundreds of years, fresh blooms have played an important role in weddings, and with so many colors and varieties to choose from, having fresh flowers at your event is a tradition that will never go out of style.

When it comes to choosing what type of wedding flowers are right for your big day, you should take into consideration your color palette, wedding aesthetic, and overall vision for your floral arrangements. It's also important to understand the characteristics of both fresh and dried flowers. This will not only factor into your decision but will help you take good care of your blooms once they arrive on your doorstep. 

Here are the benefits of having either type of flower at your event:

Dried Flowers - What's the Big Deal?

So why, exactly, have dried florals become so popular? Aside from their obvious beauty, there are a number of other draws to this type of flower:

1.) Texture, texture, texture

Dried flowers bring serious texture to the table, which can help add an extra layer of dimension to flower arrangements. From soft and wispy to coarse and bristly, choosing the right dried florals for your wedding aesthetic can help you achieve a look that is unique to your vision.

Here are some of our favorite dried flowers for couples who are texture-obsessed:

2.) No water needed! 

The nature of dried flowers makes them "easy" to care for in many ways. These blooms won't need water or flower food when they arrive, and they won't need to hydrate or bloom open before your event. In addition, because there is no concern for wilting, there is extra flexibility in having dried flowers delivered. If you're prepared to take good care of your blooms and have a plan to store them correctly, you could order your dried flowers weeks, or even months, before your event date!

Although dried florals appear to be low-maintenance, they still deserve the same amount of care and attention that fresh flowers receive! Processing your dried flowers correctly will help maintain their beautiful color, texture, and quality for as long as possible. Here at FiftyFlowers, we suggest taking care of dried flowers by avoiding direct sunlight and humid conditions. In other words, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place! These blooms can also be delicate, so we recommend keeping your dried flowers covered, dusted, and in a safe spot where they won't be damaged.

3.)  Flower joy that lasts

With the right care, dried flowers can last for months - or even years - after your event has come and gone! The long-lasting quality of dried blooms is a dream come true for those who want to keep their flowers around after their big day. Repurposing your wedding flowers can spread flower joy to others when you donate them to a special charity or organization, or when you gift them to guests, vendors, and bridal party members. Other couples may sprinkle their leftover blooms throughout their home as decoration in order to spark fond memories of their big day. No matter the method, dried florals will help you get the most out of your wedding flowers!

4.) Pairs well with... anything! 

Finally, dried flowers are known for their neutral color, and their ability to pair well with all color schemes and event themes. In particular, bleached flowers are popular for their light shade and minimalistic look. It doesn't matter if you're hosting a bohemian wedding or a sleek and simple event, dried blooms are a versatile addition to any affair. Adding some pampas grass or bleached wheatgrass into a colorful flower arrangement can add a down-to-earth element to your flowers, or can add some variety to your simple green and white bouquet. Overall - there's no limit to how you can show off dried flowers!

Click here to shop for dried flowers.

Fresh Flowers - How Could You Go Wrong?

Although dried flowers have their many perks, it's hard to overlook the benefits of fresh florals. Let's breakdown why fresh flowers have stayed a wedding staple for so many decades:

1.) Every color and style you could dream of...

There is no shortage of variety when it comes to fresh blooms. With so many flower types, colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from, you can make any vision come to life by combining the right mix of fresh flowers. The stunning photo below mixes dainty white anemones, rich red carnations, and eye-catching king proteas to create a dramatic contrast of colors and textures.

2.) Overflowing with energy

When you set your eyes on a bouquet of fresh flowers, what feelings do you experience? When we asked around our FiftyFlowers' office, our team described feeling inspired, energized, and overwhelmed with joy. Having lush and thriving blooms at your event can evoke all of those positive emotions that you want to experience on your big day. Plus, your guests will be able to sense the tangible energy that fresh flowers provide.

3.) Sweet aromas

Is it any secret that fresh flowers smell AMAZING? The natural aroma of fresh blooms can serve as stress relief on your big day. Not to mention, the sweet scent of flowers will remind you of your special day for years to come.

Here are some flowers to consider if you want to add a natural perfume to your wedding decorations:

If you're sensitive to scent, don't stress! There are plenty of fresh flowers that have little to no aroma.

4.) A classic choice

As trends have come and gone, fresh flowers have remained an important part of weddings and events. Fresh blooms are a classic choice that will stay in style for years to come. If you love keeping things timeless, this may be the best option for you! Plus, fresh flowers can add a"traditional" element to even the most modern and trendy events.

Why Not Have Both?

Still feeling torn between fresh and dried flowers? With so many benefits to both types, it may be hard to choose. Here's the good news: You can have both! Blending dried flowers into your fresh arrangement, or vice versa, will add a layer of contrast and variety. After all, it's your big day, and you deserve to have the best of both worlds!

For some extra guidance and inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest - or check out our YouTube videos to learn more about DIY flowers.

Originally written by Leah Britt.

Credits:

Photo 1: Photography - Laura Moll, Planner - As We Gather Events, Flowers - FiftyFlowers, Florist - White Blooms Floral

Photo 2: Photography - Ande Brown Photography, Floral Design - Flaura Botanica, Flowers - FiftyFlowers, Dresses - The Sentimentalist, Venue - The Carlyle Venue, Models - Chyna and Marcella,  Planning and Design - LesLo Events

Photo 3: Flowers, Design, and Photography - FiftyFlowers 

Photo 4: Flowers, Product, and Photography - FiftyFlowers 

Photo 5: Photography - Valorie Darling Photography, Floral Design - Adria Lowry, Flowers - FiftyFlowers 

Photo 6: Photography - Keira Lemonis Photography, Flowers - FiftyFlowers 

Photo 7: Photography - Rob + Kristen, Floral Design - Bride, Christine Raby, Flowers - FiftyFlowers 

Photo 8, Featured Image: Photography - DSON Photography, Bride - Audra Rice, Floral Design - Convergence + Co