WHICH STYLE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR EVENT OR WEDDING?

When it comes to choosing between artificial flower arrangements and natural flowers, there’s more to consider than just appearance. At Stem Design, we’ve styled everything from elegant weddings to large-scale activations — and whether it’s silk or fresh, each material tells a different story.

Here’s how to decide what’s right for your wedding, event, or corporate flowers — and why sometimes the answer is both.

WHY NATURAL FLOWERS STILL REIGN SUPREME

There’s something undeniably emotional about walking into a space filled with fresh blooms. From their natural scent to their delicate movement, real flowers bring a sense of presence that can’t be faked.

PROS:

• Natural fragrance elevates the sensory experience
• Organic texture and movement
• Seasonal appeal — adds meaning and symbolism
• Photographs beautifully, particularly in natural light

CONS:

• Short lifespan — often 1–3 days max
• More delicate — especially in heat or direct sun
• Seasonal limitations can affect flower choices
• Requires time-sensitive bump-in and pack-down

Fresh flowers are ideal for weddings, editorial shoots, and any event where you want a living, breathing atmosphere. At Stem Design, we sculpt fresh blooms into dynamic forms — letting their natural elegance become the focal point of the room.

WHEN ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ARE THE SMART CHOICE

High-quality artificial flowers — especially silk and latex varieties — can be surprisingly realistic. They’re often the unsung heroes of corporate events, brand activations, and foyer installs where durability is key.

PROS:

• No wilting or watering
• All-season availability
• Reusable, ideal for multi-day events
• Great for environments with limited time or access

CONS:

• No scent, and less organic feel
• Can look flat in close-up settings or natural light
• Still require quality craftsmanship to avoid looking “cheap”
• Can be just as costly as fresh if high-end

Artificial arrangements are perfect for long-term installs or when you need a reliable, controlled look across multiple venues or event days. We often use artificial stems for structure and fill — especially when building height or impact.

FLORALS FOR YOUR WEDDING — REAL, FAUX OR BOTH?

If you’re planning a wedding, florals aren’t just decoration, they’re part of the story. The choice between natural and artificial flowers depends on the tone, setting, and function of your day.

CHOOSE NATURAL FLOWERS IF:

• You want that fresh, romantic atmosphere
• Scent and softness are part of your vision
• You’re working with a seasonal theme or outdoor setting
• You want lush, organic movement in your bouquet and photos

CHOOSE ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS IF:

• You’re planning a destination or elopement wedding
• You need to prep florals ahead of time
• Your venue has restrictions (e.g., heat, wind, access)
• You want to keep your bouquet as a memento

OR GO HYBRID

At Stem Design, many of our most memorable weddings use a combination of both. We use real flowers where scent and detail matter (bouquets, centrepieces), and artificial blooms for installations, hanging features, or areas guests won’t be close to. The result? Impact, longevity, and beauty.

SO, WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Ask yourself:

• What’s the purpose of the flowers — atmosphere, photography, scent?
• Will guests be close enough to notice material?
• Is longevity or ease more important than natural movement?

No matter the answer, our team will guide you toward the perfect floral solution for your event, wedding, or corporate activation.

At Stem Design, we believe great florals (Artificial or Real) should do more than just fill a space. They should shape it, elevate it, and speak to your style. Whether you need time-tested silk installations for a week-long expo, or living, romantic florals for the most important day of your life, we’re here to make it unforgettable.