Wood flowers have been gaining popularity in the wedding industry, and how could they not? They are beautiful, sustainable, and completely customizable, and the arrangements will last forever. There’s no other keepsake floral that is so Uniquely You! However, there are also still some myths and misconceptions that may have you second-guessing whether or not wood flowers are the right choice for your wedding.
So, let’s tackle these concerns head-on and give you the information you need to confidently choose wood flowers for your wedding!
Myth #1: Wood Flowers Don’t Look Real
It’s true that wood flowers are made of, well… wood, but you might be surprised at how realistic they can look! This is in party because this sola wood doesn’t come from your typical tree from your back yard. The flowers are created from thin sheets of the root of a plant called aeschynomene aspera, which has an outer bark and a softer cream colored inner pith. With the right artistry and technique, wood flowers can look closely identical to fresh blooms. In fact, they often have more texture and depth than fresh flowers, with each petal hand-painted and crafted to perfection.
My clients always tell me that their guests were surprised to learn that their bouquets and arrangements were, in fact, not real flowers!
Myth #2: Wood Flowers Will Break Easily
People often worry that their wood flowers might be too rigid or fragile and break easily, but that’s not the case. Wood flowers are crafted from sola wood, which is surprisingly lightweight and flexible. Once painted, the sola wood can become a bit more fragile if not prepared the correct way, but I use a softening agent when certain paints are used to keep the petals flexible.
These flowers are crafted to withstand handling, movement, transportation, and even minor bumps, so they hold up beautifully throughout the day. Unlike fresh flowers, which can wilt or bruise, wood flowers stay intact.
Pro Tip: Some things to keep in mind to ensure your wood flowers last a long time are keeping them away from moisture and direct sunlight for extended periods. You can learn more about taking care of your Sola wood flowers here.
Myth #3: Wood Flowers Don’t Have Good Color Variety
Will wood flowers match your color scheme? Absolutely, they will! One of the best things about wood flowers is the ability to create any color you can dream of. They’re hand-painted, which means your florist can custom-mix paints to match your exact color palette! Whether it’s pastels or something bold, your flowers can be made to suit exactly what you’re looking for!
Furthermore, you’re not limited by what’s in season! Any color and any bloom is achievable, no matter the time of year.
Pro Tip: After booking, share your color palette with your florist or paint chips to ensure a perfect color match!
Myth #4: Wood Flowers Are More Expensive Than Fresh Flowers
Wood flowers are typically more affordable than fresh flowers, especially for out-of-season blooms that can drive up the cost of traditional arrangements. They are pricier than supermarket florists, but we are often less than studio florists or similarly priced flower shops. And at the end of the day, you also get flowers you can keep forever or a gift to family and friends!
Pro Tip: If budget is a concern, book our DIY wood flower experience to save even more! You can gather your loved ones for a crafting session, creating memorable moments and saving money by doing it yourself.
Myth #5: Wood Flowers Aren’t as Versatile as Fresh Flowers
Wood flowers are incredibly versatile! From bouquets to boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower girl baskets, and more, the design possibilities are endless. Their ability to be completely custom-colored means they can fit any wedding style and theme as well, whether it’s something boho, dark romance, or modern elegance.
Myth #6: Wood Flowers Don’t Hold Special Meaning Like Real Flowers
While wood flowers aren’t real in the traditional sense, they hold a unique kind of meaning. Each flower is crafted with care and attention to detail, and many couples love the idea of keeping their arrangements as mementos from their wedding day.
Unlike fresh flowers, which will eventually wilt, wood flowers will last for years to come, preserving the memory of your day and letting it live on in a tangible way.
Pro Tip: Consider giving your wood flowers to family members as gifts or preserving them in a display after your wedding.
Myth #7: You Can’t Decorate Outdoor Weddings with Wood Flowers
As many of you, I also love a beautiful outdoor wedding and many of you may be wondering whether wood flowers can withstand the elements. Yes, they can! Wood flowers are perfect for outdoor weddings.
You won’t have to worry about wilting or drooping in the sun, making them an excellent option for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Although wood flowers are resilient, they do best when kept dry. If rain is forecast, keep arrangements under cover when possible.
Myth #8: Do Wood Flowers Really Last?
Wood flowers are crafted to last indefinitely, so yes—they truly last! With proper care, they can be preserved for years to come. To maintain their longevity, keep them out of direct sunlight and away from humidity to avoid any fading or damage.
Pro Tip: To protect your wood flowers over time, consider storing them in a breathable container when not displayed!
Myth #9: I’ll Get Something Pre-Designed and Not Custom to My Wedding Theme
People often ask, “Are your bouquets pre-designed, or will I get exactly what I’m hoping for?”
At Wood & Word Blooms, every arrangement is Uniquely You or custom-crafted just for you! I don’t do pre-designe arrangements because your wedding should be as unique as you are! I work with you to understand your style and vision, and together we’ll create something completely custom. You’ll never get something off the shelf—your bouquet or arrangement will be designed just for you.
I’ll share photos of your florals before pick-up or shipping, so there won’t be any unexpected surprises.
Pro Tip: If you choose to work with a floral artist, give your feedback and trust the process!
Myth #10: Wood Flowers Are Mass-Produced and Lack Artistry
Sola wood flowers are handcrafted from the bark of the sola plant, a renewable resource commonly found in regions like Southeast Asia. While not all of the flowers themselves are made by hand in my studio, my artistry comes into play when I paint, design, and arrange these beautiful “blank canvases” into unique floral creations.
Think of it like traditional floristry—not all florists grow their own flowers, and not all wood flower florists hand-make every bloom. By sourcing the wood flowers, I can keep the costs lower for my clients while still delivering artistry in the finished product.
Wood flowers are a stunning, lasting choice for weddings, and each arrangement is designed to fit your vision perfectly. If you’re ready to explore wood flowers for your wedding and enjoy all the unique benefits they offer, I’d love to chat with you. Click here to inquire!