Why Real Flowers Are Often the Better Choice for Your Wedding

A Seattle Wedding Planner’s Take on Fresh vs. Faux Blooms

If you’re planning your wedding and weighing the pros and cons of real flowers vs. fake flowers, you’re not alone. Many couples consider artificial blooms because they seem more affordable, reusable, or lower stress.

And while faux flowers can work in certain situations—especially when bought secondhand—we’ve found that real flowers often deliver more value, more beauty, and more sustainability.

As a Seattle wedding planner focused on sustainable weddings, we want to help you make the choice that’s right for you. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Faux Flowers Sound Great in Theory—But Come With Hidden Costs

We totally understand the appeal of artificial flowers. They don’t wilt, they can be prepped early, and they seem like a cost-saver. But here’s the truth: high-quality faux flowers can cost more than real ones, especially when you're buying enough to fill your entire ceremony or reception space.

And while the idea of reselling sounds great, used faux flowers can be hard to sell. They're bulky to store and ship, trends change quickly, and post-wedding wear and tear can make resale difficult. We’ve seen many couples stuck with boxes of unused plastic blooms.

That’s why if faux is the route you’re considering, buying secondhand is your best bet—it’s a more budget-friendly and sustainable option.

Real Flowers Offer More Beauty—and More Value—for Your Budget

Real flowers aren’t just beautiful—they're often more cost-effective than you might think. At Sheeco Weddings, we work directly with growers through our membership with the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, which gives us exclusive access to the freshest, most beautiful seasonal flowers in the Pacific Northwest.

This means:

• You get local blooms that are truly in season and sustainably grown

• Your wedding florals are uniquely Pacific Northwest—not mass-produced

• We can help you build arrangements that look stunning and stay within budget

Fresh flowers bring color, fragrance, and elegance that’s hard to replicate—and when sourced locally, they’re a beautiful reflection of the region you’re getting married in.

Real Flowers Can Keep Bringing Joy After the Party Ends

One of the things we love most about real flowers is how easily they can be repurposed after your celebration. At Sheeco Weddings, we help couples:

• Donate arrangements to hospitals, nursing homes, or funeral homes

• Compost leftover flowers to return nutrients to the earth

• Encourage guests to take home flowers as favors

Yes—you read that right! Guests love taking home florals, and it’s a great way to reduce waste and share the beauty beyond your wedding day. A table centerpiece or small bouquet can double as a lovely (and sustainable) wedding favor.

Faux flowers, by contrast, are typically made from plastic derived from fossil fuels. They're not biodegradable or recyclable, and most are manufactured overseas—leaving a larger environmental footprint than many people realize.

You Don’t Have to Choose Alone

Every wedding is different, and every couple has their own priorities. Our job is to help you make choices that reflect your style, your values, and your budget. Whether you opt for fresh flowers, faux blooms, or a mix of both, we’ll help you navigate the options with clarity and care.

That said, if you're leaning toward real flowers, know this: they’re often more budget-friendly, more sustainable, and more memorable than expected.

Planning a Sustainable Wedding in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest?

At Sheeco Weddings, we specialize in eco-friendly, values-driven wedding planning. We’re proud to support local growers through the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, and we love helping couples create stunning floral moments that are good for your wallet, your guests, and the environment.

Let’s chat about how real flowers can make your wedding unforgettable!