Will they be fresh, dried or artificial flowers? Now here is a dilemma that many people have when it comes to choosing the best flower arrangement for a special occasion or simply for home decoration. The decision is easier to make if you consider some factors such as budget or personal taste. But from past experience, you should definitely opt for fresh flower arrangements, especially if you want to use them as a symbol of your personality and style.

1. Artificial flower arrangements

Most people who choose artificial flowers do so because they require no maintenance. You just have to put the flower arrangement in a corner, forget about it and go about your business, because you will not have to worry about spilling water or having to change the soil or even prune the leaves. So you can simply consider it as part of the static decoration of your office or home. Artificial flowers may require a little cleaning from time to time, but don’t worry too much about it: all you have to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth.

Another advantage of buying artificial flowers would be the price. Most of the time the cost of artificial flowers is lower than the price of natural flowers, however, remember that the quality often matches the price of the artificial flower product.

Now, if you are thinking of giving artificial flowers to someone you love, think twice before you go shopping. Sure, artificial flowers may last longer, but fresh flower arrangements are truly an expression of love and respect. Would you really like to give a plastic flower arrangement to your wife, mother or girlfriend? It may last for years, but the memory of that beautiful and fresh flower arrangement will remain forever, just as love remains in a person’s soul and not in objects.

Why would people want to use artificial flower arrangements instead of using fresh, natural flowers? Well, I can tell you a couple of good reasons. Of course, buy artificial flowers if you are allergic to real ones or if the person you want to give flowers to is.

Another good reason to choose artificial flowers instead of fresh ones would be the location. Yes, the location because if, say, you want fresh roses as an example for your wedding and you live in a remote area, it could be quite expensive to import them for the ceremony. Just keep a few quality silk roses and use the budget for something else. On the other hand, think of a wedding on a hot summer day; Fresh flowers can wilt in the summer heat, but artificial ones can’t, but if you’re planning carefully, you can easily adapt to find the best natural flowers for your ceremony. (Find local types of flowers in remote areas and make sure you have refrigeration for flowers in summer.) It is up to you to decide if you want artificial or fresh flowers for any occasion.

2. Dried flower arrangements

If you are looking for durability when buying a flower arrangement, dried flowers are the closest option to natural flowers. This is because dried flowers are still the real thing preserved in a way that partially maintains the qualities of natural flowers. A variety of natural flowers are dried through various methods, such as: freeze-drying, air-drying, using the microwave or placing them in silica gel. The good thing about dried flowers is that you can make them yourself, instead of buying them.

In most cases, people decide the type of flowers they want by considering the conservation factor. Do you want to keep them forever? You have two options:

• Buy artificial flowers, as their appearance will never change;
• Depending on the type of fresh flowers you choose, you can dry them or preserve them in any way, they may not look the same in a few years.

From my point of view, trying to preserve flowers forever is like trying to stay young forever. They are wonderful and unique while they are fresh, but as much as we try to keep them alive, there comes a time when we have to let them go and accept that flowers are meant to bring us beauty and wonderful memories, even for a short period of time. Why should we opt for artificial flowers when we can enjoy true beauty, with vivid colors, dazzling fragrances and the miracle of nature?

3. The best option: fresh flower arrangements

Choosing fresh flowers for your home or for special occasions is always a choice of style and personality. Nature has provided us with so many wonderful flowers, and fortunately, finding the flowers that bring out your personality and taste has become an easy task. Whether you decide to buy them from your local florist, order them online, or grow your own, you’ll find that fresh flowers are always the best choice.

Natural flowers have so many things to share, from smells, shapes and colors, they all have something to say: ‘This is a special occasion’. If you love fresh flowers but don’t want to spend a fortune on them, simply buy flowers that are in season locally. In this way, you can enjoy the freshness and the wonderful smells whenever you want.

The bottom line when it comes to flower arrangements is that you should choose what makes you happy. What is the impression you want to create when giving a gift of flowers? What do you want to remember twenty years from now about your wedding? Do you want a house full of life and nature or do you like a more static decoration? A fresh flower arrangement can make the difference between a boring room and a fresh and elegant room. Think about your preferences when it comes to color, scents, and types of flowers. Check out a few magazines or even talk to your local florist for suggestions, then you’ll be ready to turn your visions into reality.