Let’s talk florals—because if there’s one thing that really sets the tone for your wedding day (besides, you know, actually getting married), it’s the flowers. And if you’ve found yourself deep in Pinterest or mood boards asking, “Should we go fresh or faux?”—you’re not alone.

It’s a common question, and hey, I get it. Faux florals have come a long way. They’re trendy, reusable, and sometimes easier on the budget. But I’m just gonna say it—nothing beats the real deal. Fresh blooms are timeless for a reason, and when you see how they show up in your photos? Game over.

In this post, I’m breaking down the real differences between fresh and faux wedding florals for you—what they bring to your day, how they photograph (hint: real flowers win this one-just look at these STUNNING images with florals by @intrigue_design below), and why investing in fresh might just be one of the best decisions you make for your wedding.

Let’s get into it.

The Visual Impact of Fresh Florals

Fresh flowers bring something to your day that faux just can’t replicate—life, movement, and that effortless beauty that takes your wedding design to a whole new level. They’ve got depth. They’ve got texture. And when I’m photographing them? They show up incredibly.

Whether it’s a full floral arch, a hand-tied bouquet, or tiny bloom bud vases tucked into your tablescape, real florals add a certain richness to your photos—especially in those dreamy black-and-white candids I’m obsessed with (and my couples are too). Trust me, fresh blooms bring that editorial but effortless vibe every single time.

The Scent, the Texture, the Vibe

Here’s something people don’t always think about: how your day feels (this is my favorite thing to talk about as a documentary wedding photographer since I really focus on capturing the feel of your day)—and fresh flowers are a huge part of that. There’s something about walking into a room and catching that natural floral scent (so good). It’s soft. It’s romantic. It instantly says, “This is something special.”

Fresh florals have a texture that’s soft and organic—nothing stiff or plasticky. When you hold your bouquet or walk through a ceremony space filled with fresh blooms, it’s an experience-you truly feel it. And that vibe? It sets the tone for the whole day.

Okay, But What About Faux? (Let’s Be Fair)

I’ll be honest with you—there are some real pros to faux florals (especially with this economy…right). They don’t wilt, they’re reusable, and usually they’re easier on your wallet. If you’re doing a DIY wedding or planning a celebration in a super hot climate, faux can absolutely be a more practical option.

But here’s the thing—up close (and in your photos), they usually give themselves away- especially the plastic stem and faux leaves. They might look okay in person from a distance, but in high-resolution photos? They can fall flat. And when you’ve poured so much love into planning a day that’s stylish and intentional, you want every detail to reflect that.

Why Real Blooms Always Win (In My Book)

I’ve photographed weddings with both—and let me tell you, real flowers always have that “wow” factor. They bring elegance, movement, color and texture that elevate the entire space. Even when it’s just a few intentionally placed arrangements, fresh florals make everything feel more elevated.

They also age beautifully in your photos. I’m talking timeless, cinematic vibes—not trendy Pinterest moments that might feel dated later on. Your flowers should feel as unforgettable as the rest of your day—and real blooms never go out of style, I promise.

Making Fresh Florals Work for Your Budget

If you’re thinking, “Love that… but our budget is tight,” don’t stress. You can totally have fresh florals without going overboard.

Here are a few tips:

• Prioritize key moments: your bouquet, the ceremony backdrop, and a few focal points at the reception.
• Repurpose arrangements. That floral arch at your ceremony? Use it as a photo booth backdrop or behind your sweetheart table.
• Go seasonal: Flowers that are in season are more affordable and often more vibrant.
• Trust your florist: They’re artists and can help you maximize your budget with creative solutions.

Final Thoughts from Your Wedding Photographer

At the end of the day, I want your wedding to feel like you—intentional, elevated, and true to your vision. And when it comes to flowers, fresh florals help bring that vision to life in the most beautiful, cinematic way.

They aren’t just flowers. They’re part of your story. And when I’m capturing your day? Real blooms always show up in a way that faux simply can’t.

Need inspo or want to see how fresh florals look in real wedding galleries? Let’s chat—or head over to my portfolio to see some of my favorite floral moments.