When you're planning a wedding, flowers are one of those details that carry a lot of meaning. They’re personal, beautiful, and part of the day you’ll remember forever. But deciding what kind of flowers you want — fresh, artificial, or dried — can be a bit overwhelming.
As someone who grows and dries flowers here at Forest Hill Flower Farm in Port Perry, Ontario, I thought I’d share some honest thoughts on each option. There’s no right or wrong choice, just what feels right for you. Here's a breakdown:
Fresh Flowers
There’s something undeniably romantic about fresh flowers. They’re fragrant, soft, and have that "just picked" look that many couples love. That said, they’re also the most delicate — and the most high-maintenance, especially in the heat or if you're planning an outdoor wedding.
Pros:
-
Beautiful, lush, and traditional
-
Naturally scented
-
Lots of variety and colour options
Cons:
-
Wilt easily in heat or if handled too much
-
Only last a few days
-
Can be expensive, especially if flown in from elsewhere
Artificial Flowers
Artificial flowers have come a long way. Some of the high-end options are incredibly realistic, and they’re popular for couples who want to keep their bouquet forever or don’t want to stress about wilting. But they’re not always budget-friendly, and most are made of plastic or synthetic materials, which may not align with every couple’s values.
Pros:
-
Long-lasting and reusable
-
Great for hot climates or destination weddings
-
Can be prepared well in advance
Cons:
-
High-quality versions can be expensive
-
Budget options can look fake or feel stiff
-
Often made of plastic and not eco-friendly
Dried Flowers
Dried flowers are my passion. I grow all my wedding flowers naturally here at Forest Hill Flower Farm, then harvest and air-dry them with care to preserve their colour, texture, and shape. The result is something earthy, elegant, and completely unique.
They’re also more affordable than many fresh or faux bouquets, because I grow and dry them myself right here in Port Perry. And since dried flowers travel beautifully, I can ship them anywhere in Canada — perfect for couples looking for convenience without sacrificing beauty or sustainability.
Pros:
-
Naturally beautiful and long-lasting
-
Eco-friendly and compostable
-
Affordable, especially when locally grown
-
Easy to ship and travel with
-
Can be kept as a keepsake
Cons:
-
No fresh flower scent
-
More fragile than fresh or artificial if not handled gently
-
Seasonal limitations based on what’s available to dry
Which Should You Choose?
It all depends on what matters most to you — whether it’s scent, sustainability, cost, or something you can keep forever. I’ve seen dried flowers surprise a lot of couples with how warm, natural, and romantic they can be. If you’re curious or have questions, feel free to reach out. I’d love to create something special for your day, no matter where you are in Canada.