The Growing Trend for Artificial Wedding Bouquets

In the last five years, the UK has seen a 250% growth in the number of people searching for artificial plants and flowers when shopping for their wedding bouquets online.

That’s according to national Google searches, and it isn’t a unique peak in interest. Google searches in the UK for other artificial wedding flowers, and for paper flower bouquets, have also risen dramatically – 100% and 300% respectively.

There are a number of reasons why brides-to-be are turning to artificial wedding bouquets in place of the real thing, from budgeting and a desire to keep bouquets as a memento, to avoiding the risk that flowers have wilted or failed to open ahead of the big day.

According to BrideBook, 27% of couples overspend on flowers for their wedding. With the typical cost of wedding flowers in the UK estimated at almost £900, and many florists charging well over £1,000 to supply flowers to bridal parties, we’ve surveyed 2,000 people all over the UK to find out if they think the cost of real flowers is fair.

We’ve also asked whether couples would be happier to spend their money on artificial flowers they could keep, re-use or sell after their wedding day is over.

85% of People Think The Cost of Wedding Flowers is Unfair

Though there were minute variations depending on age, gender and location within the UK, overall 85% of people stated that they feel the typical cost of wedding flowers is not fair.

The cost of real cut flower bouquets and other arrangements takes into consideration a range of factors, including the time spent designing them, the need for spare flowers that can be used to replace broken or wilted blooms, treatments to help ensure that the flowers don’t open too quickly or wilt too soon, and all kinds of other things.

The type of flowers that a couple may choose for their wedding also impacts the price, with some only affordable in specific seasons, while others come at a premium year-round.

We may be a little biased, but it seems fair to suggest that the huge increase in searches for artificial wedding bouquets, and other wedding flowers, may be an attempt to combat the rising cost of the real deal. Between 2017 and 2018, the average cost of wedding floristry rose by more than 10%, continuing a steady trend that has been seen for the last few years.

While artificial wedding bouquets might not be something everyone has considered, they’re certainly becoming a more popular pick for brides who want to guarantee that the style of flower they want will make it into their bouquet on the day. They also have the added benefit of being guaranteed to appear at ‘peak bloom’ – with no risk of closed buds or wilted petals spoiling the finished look.

48% of People Would be Happier to Spend Money on Artificial Flowers Which They Could Keep, Re-use or Sell After Their Wedding

The nation was divided on this one, with 52% of people unhappy with the cost of wedding flowers regardless of whether they survived after the wedding day or not.

However, 48% of our respondents stated that if they could keep, re-use or sell the flowers from their big day, they’d be happier about splashing the cash.

Whether you’d like to give away flowers as keepsakes, sell them on to recoup some of your wedding spend or even reuse them as home decorations or for future events, there are plenty of reasons why more and more people are opting for artificial wedding bouquets and other floral alternatives.

Though allergies play a part, and the desire to travel internationally for marriage – taking a bouquet that can travel with you – a lot of the change comes down to budget-savvy brides and grooms.

As well as typically being more affordable than real cut flowers, artificial flowers can always be sold on if you don’t wish to keep them. Even if you sell them at a discounted rate, you’re still getting back money that wouldn’t be recouped when adding real floral arrangements to the compost heap or leaving them behind at the venue.

If you’d like to retain a combination of real plants and fauxliage, one great way to do so is to opt for an artificial wedding bouquet but to have living, potted table decorations. While most cut flowers have to be thrown away after the event is over, decorating tables and aisles with small potted plants means you can still keep flowers for good, give them away as mementos or sell them on.

Artificial Wedding Bouquets: Inspiration and Decorations

One of the great perks of opting for an artificial wedding bouquet is that your choice of flowers and foliage isn’t affected by seasonality. And while you can buy a pre-arranged bouquet, it’s also possible to create your own custom piece using individual flowers such as gypsophila and roses.

If you’re planning your big day and looking for a little inspiration, take a look at our range of artificial bouquets and single-stem artificial flowers and greenery, which can be used to create your very own custom arrangement.