At some point in the wedding planning process, most future brides will be faced with the choice of which wedding flowers to pick. Many today will research the available options and be presented with a common dilemma: silk or natural?

Choosing between the two doesn’t have to be stressful. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Let’s examine a few…

There’s no question that natural flower species are stunning. Their beauty is unmatched by even the most carefully made artificial alternative. At close range, the difference is unmistakable.

Natural flowers also have the edge in fragrance. They offer everything from pungent aromas that envelop completely to delicate scents that merely hint at a memory of sunny days in peaceful field.

The range of scents available from natural flowers would task the most creative perfumer. Gardenias are glorious. Magnolias are magnificent. Nothing tops an Orange Blossom made by nature.

Natural flowers even feel delightful. There are few things around that are as soft and wonderful to the touch as the petals of a Rose. Carnations could form the most comfortable mattress.

Still, silk flowers have a whole array of advantages that it’s difficult or impossible for natural species to match.

Silk requires no special storage or preservation methods.

That means, among other things, that silk flower arrangements can be made up far in advance of the wedding date. Not only is that one less thing to worry about, but it considerably eases scheduling difficulties. There’s no need to worry about whether the vendor can deliver on the day or week before the wedding. The flowers will wait, unspoiled.

Silk flowers are always in season.

Because they are available year round, silk flowers will be there whenever you need them. Have to postpone the wedding date? No problem. Decided to have the wedding in Fall rather than Summer? Silk flowers are ready when you are. You won’t be constrained by the need to consider when a particular species is in bloom.

Silk flowers are durable.

While you should be careful not to crush them, they stand up much better to handling. Transporting them from the vendor’s business to the wedding hall and reception venue is no problem. Whether it’s a bouquet that could be accidentally sat on, or the bridal party’s floral arrangement that has to go from designer to the table, you can relax.

Silk flowers are often less expensive.

On average, a silk flower bridal bouquet costs about half that of one made from natural flowers. Special designs for bouquets or table arrangements can, indeed, erase any price advantage. But many times it is possible to negotiate a good deal that simply isn’t available with natural flowers, whose price is determined by market conditions.

Silk flower designs are unlimited, too.

The variety of natural species is huge. But there are abstract designs that can only be produced by human creativity. If you’re looking for something unique and decidedly different, silk flowers provide an opportunity to let your imagination run wild.

In the end, the decision is a personal one, a matter of taste as much as convenience. But knowing the pros and cons of silk flowers versus natural flowers for your wedding needs can help you choose.