Faux flowers: key benefits

Modern faux flowers are incredibly realistic, often making them pretty indistinguishable from fresh blooms. Advances in materials and manufacturing techniques mean they can mimic the texture, colour, and even the scent of real flowers. They offer unmatched longevity, and unlike their fresh counterparts, they will remain vibrant and beautiful for many months and years – just look at Rose & Grey’s Hydrangeas, which are a cult favourite thanks to their timeless look.

Longevity is what makes faux flowers a cost effective choice. You can reuse them in different ways, and in different mixes, as well as move them around for use in various displays or for special events without the need for constant replacement.

This leads onto another point – faux flowers are incredibly versatile. They are available in a wide range of colours, styles and species, some of which might be out of season or hard to source fresh. This allows you to create stunning arrangements that perfectly match your boutique’s aesthetic and your clients’ preferences, whatever time of year it might be. With faux flowers, there’s no need for watering, trimming, or replacing wilted stems. This low-maintenance aspect frees up time and resources, allowing you to focus more on your clients and less on flower upkeep.

Picking the best faux flowers

So – what should you look for when selecting faux flowers? The key thing is realism – which is why we adore the protea and eucalyptus arrangement from Marquis & Dawe. It is important to choose flowers that closely mimic the appearance of their fresh counterparts. Look for realistic textures, colours, and details – like natural-looking petals and leaves – Fauxquet’s dahlias are exceptional. The best flowers will be crafted from high-quality materials, such as silk, latex, and high-grade plastics – these offer a more authentic look and feel. What’s more, materials are also more durable and will maintain their beauty over time.

Choosing a wide variety of faux flowers will give you more creative freedom in your displays – we adore the whimsical style of the wildflower mix from Fauxquet. Consider including a mix of popular wedding flowers such as roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, as well as greenery like eucalyptus and ferns. But you must also try and select faux flowers that have been created to be easy to work with. Stems should be flexible but sturdy, allowing you to arrange and adjust them as needed, without breaking. 

If you can, purchase from reputable suppliers that are known for their high-quality faux flowers – there are some internet outlets that may have great images online, but the cheap stems won’t be worth your money. Reading reviews and seeing samples in person can help ensure you’re getting the best products.

Three ways with faux flowers

1. Window Displays: We all know the huge importance of getting your window display just right. Using faux florals will help you to create an eye-catching, layered scene that draws in potential clients. Use faux flowers to design elaborate arches, hanging installations, or even whole floral backdrops that showcase your dresses in a really pretty setting.

2. In-Store Décor: Consider using faux flowers in multiple zones – your seating or welcome area, for decoration around mirrors or as part of a floral social media wall. Modern faux florals can also be used to create a romantic ambiance with garlands and wreaths – great for seasonality.

3. Seasonal Themes: Rotate your floral displays to reflect seasonal themes. Because faux flowers last and last, it allows you to easily switch from spring pastels to autumnal hues without the constraints of seasonal real flower availability.