The Differences Between Artificial Flowers And Silk Flowers

29th Mar 2022

Artificial Vs. Silk Flowers

Artificial flowers are great gifts for family and friends. Many fake flowers are made from plastic or nylon. However, the more realistic flowers and plants are often made from silk & latex. With artificial flowers, you get what you pay for. Lower quality artificial flowers will often be less expensive than their silk counterparts. There are many differences you should know about artificial and silk flowers.

Because flowers also play a significant role in many life events you will want the most realistic flowers for your special occasion. Read on to find out the ins and outs of silk and artificial flowers.

Types Of ArtificialFlowers

Flowers are an attractive part of many unique occasions. It is often a great idea to decorate tables with beautiful flower arrangements. They can be arranged in such a way that will stir emotion as guests enter the room.

Choosing the right fake flowers is something you should consider carefully as there are pros and cons to using different types. The main things you will likely consider will be cost, the material of which they are made, and how lifelike they appear.

Lots of brides are nowadays are deciding whether to use real or artificial weddingflowers. Considering there are many different types of artificial flowers, it is important for you to be able to tell the difference in quality and price between silk flowers and other artificial flowers.

Latex Flowers

Latex originates from plants: it is a milky fluid present in 10% of all blooming plants. Unlike the rigid polymers used to produce artificial flowers in the 1950s, latex floral ornaments are made from moulds of actual plants and flowers to mimic realistic natural shapes and imperfections.

Because latex is extremely pliable, moulds can capture the intricate lines in leaves and the irregular outlines of flower petals and stalks. The aim is to make them seem as real as possible, including all imperfections. An eerily flawless appearance simply isn't natural.

The natural properties of latex also means that highly colourful shades of petals can be captured. This means a bright poppy red or a striking chrysanthemum yellow will light up your house in a very realistic way. Once latex flowers are formed and removed from their moulds, they are robust and resilient, can stand up in vases much like real flowers, and with the appropriate care, can survive many many years.

Foam Flowers

When thinking of fake flowers, you may associate them with those green foam blocks that people use to insert them into. But flowers made of actual foam are immediately recognisable as fakes. They have no realistic features whatsoever, and would be considered a cheap and nasty way to decorate your event. They might be used as a quick and easy option. They are not going to last very long and they won’t work well as floral decorations in the house. They definitely aren't realistic enough to be used as fake wedding flowers. These are fine to use at a distance, where intricate details can’t be seen up close.

Silk Flowers

Artificial bridal bouquets often use silk flowers since they mimic the appearance of real flowers nearly perfectly. Silk is a gorgeous material and is very appealing. One thing to know about high-quality silk flowers is that they may be rather pricey. Silk flowers aren’t something you'd buy every day because of their high cost. However, you will want to consider these for your special events, especially your wedding flowers. The great thing is that silk flowers are durable and you can use them to decorate your home after your special day.

Silk is a delicate choice and need to be cared for as the edges fray fast. Once the petals start to fray it will be clear that they aren't real flowers at all. They will also require some upkeep since the petals may get dirty and need to be cleaned occasionally. In light of all this, silk wedding flowers are a gorgeous choice and will definitely pass for the real thing. Because of their price and delicate nature, they’re not suited to everyone’s budget or requirements.

Plastic Flowers

Because of the process used to make them, plastic flowers are more affordable. They are created from a procedure in which polyester is pumped into moulds and then coloured. This process is used to mass-produce plastic flower decorations on a mass scale. They are fast to make and inexpensive. For this reason, they can be found at budget stores and supermarkets.

Plastic flowers are built to endure rough treatment and are very resilient. Even though the benefit of plastic flowers is they may last for years and years, they don't appear or smell anything like real flowers. This is because of the cheap and quick manufacturing process. This low-cost option is obviously not suited for use as fake wedding flowers or would not be seen on a high-quality florist supply website.

Why Choose Artificial Flowers?

Real flowers are seasonable

Sometimes you won’t be able to get your hands on your favourite real flowers or the ones that match your colour scheme because they are out of season. This is where faux flowers really shine. You'll always be able to get the exact bloom you desire.

Real flowers can trigger allergies

You don't want anyone sneezing and sniffing around you on your special day. Some people are allergic to real flowers. This is because real flowers contain pollen which can aggravate some people’s sinuses. This will only serve to spoil the memories of your wedding day for you and the guests.

Fake flowers make great keepsakes

Real flowers, of course, don't last a long time. Fake flowers are the best option if you want to keep your bouquets or arrangements forever. If you buy high-quality artificial wedding flowers, they'll retain their form and stay intact for years to come. They are hardly recognisable from the real thing and will make a great keepsake too!

Tips For Using Fake Flowers

In general, softer colour schemes seem more natural. Daring colours can work well too, by can be a little too harsh in some settings

Make sure the product you choose are "real touch." This means they will will not only look real, but also feel real!

Go half-and-half with real and silk flowers to keep costs in check.

Use fake florals in locations where your visitors cannot immediately reach, touch, or smell the flowers.

Pros And Cons Of Silk FlowersPros of Silk Flowers

Silk flower arrangements can be rented rather than purchased, making them more affordable. Rental costs will go up if you use more realistic-looking fake flowers.

Silk flowers are free of allergens.

There is no possibility of the flowers being out of season.

There is a wide range of colours to choose from.

Purchasing them in advance eliminates any uncertainty.

Carrying silk flowers is easy because they are lightweight.

Silk flowers are long-lasting and won't wilt.

Cons of Silk Flowers

High-quality silk florals may cost as much or even more than fresh flowers, depending on their level of craftsmanship.

They are only available in the colours offered by the florist's supply.

There's no scent unless you use some perfume.

If the flowers aren’t high-quality silk, the effect might be plastic-looking and tacky.

Artificial Flowers FAQsIs using synthetic flowers cheaper?

Couples spend a lot of their wedding budget on florals, which is a necessary outlay. Artificial flowers, on the other hand, are a lot more cost-effective. Instead of paying a flower shop, you can do a DIY wedding. To get flower design ideas, check out an artificial plant shop.

How do you preserve artificial flowers?

Taking care of artificial flowers is a breeze. Many people have the misconception that cleaning silk flowers is difficult and time-consuming. If you only dust them twice a month, they'll be good to go. With fake flowers, there's no need to be creative; the time and effort required is minimal.

When taken care of, they can last a long time and serve as a remembrance of your fabulous day for years to come. One day, you may be able to even show them to your children. Set a consistent reminder on your calendar, so you don't forget to dust, and be gentle, so you don't harm them in the process.

Fake Flowers For Your Occasion

Now that you know the different types of artificial flowers and how silk stands out from them, you can now look at why you should consider artificial flowers for your occasion. Which type of flowers that will best complement your occasion is completely up to you. If you're still unable to make a decision, check out our range at Artificial Plant Shop. In the course of searching for floral supplies, you may discover the ideal one!