The Buttery & Glasshouse Blog
Inspiration & Expert Information

Artificial vs Real Wedding Flowers: What’s Right for You?

When planning your wedding at The Buttery & Glasshouse Kent, your flowers can play a huge role in shaping the overall look and feel of your day.

From soft, romantic ceremony styling in The Buttery to statement reception décor in The Glasshouse, florals bring everything together. One of the biggest decisions couples face is whether to choose real or artificial wedding flowers.

The truth? There’s no right or wrong answer! It all comes down to your priorities, style, and how you want your day to feel.


Here’s a look at both options to help you decide for your big day!


Real Wedding Flowers: The Traditional Choice

Fresh flowers have long been a staple of weddings, and for good reason!


Natural beauty and fragrance
There’s nothing quite like the scent and delicate texture of fresh blooms. They bring a sensory element that artificial flowers can’t fully replicate.

 Seasonal charm
Using flowers that are in season can create a look that feels beautifully connected to the time of year.

Organic, one-of-a-kind feel
No two arrangements are ever exactly the same, which can make your wedding feel truly unique.

Things to Consider...

They’re time-sensitive
Fresh flowers need to be delivered and arranged on the day, which may feel like added pressure on your wedding morning.

Weather can have an impact
Heat, cold, and transport can affect how flowers look throughout the day, particularly in summer or outdoor settings.

Seasonal limitations
If you have your heart set on specific flowers, they may not be available at the time of your wedding (or may come at a higher cost).


Artificial Wedding Flowers: A Modern Alternative

Artificial flowers have come a long way in recent years, with high-quality designs now looking incredibly realistic.


They look perfect all day
No wilting, no bruising - just consistent, picture-perfect florals from start to finish.

Complete flexibility
You can choose any flower, any colour, at any time of year - ideal for creating a fully bespoke look.

Less stress on the day
Arrangements can be set up in advance, making your wedding morning more relaxed. 

Reusable and versatile
Flowers can be moved between your ceremony and reception spaces, helping you get the most from your styling.

Things to Consider...

No natural scent
Artificial flowers don’t provide fragrance, though this can be added through other styling elements.

Quality varies
High-end artificial florals look incredibly realistic, but lower-quality options may not have the same effect.

Different emotional feel
Some couples simply love the tradition and symbolism of real flowers - which can be an important factor.


What Works Best at The Buttery & Glasshouse Kent?

One of the things couples love about The Buttery & Glasshouse Kent is the flexibility and time to truly make the space your own.

With access the day before your wedding with our Indulgent Package, you’re not rushed when it comes to styling -  which opens up possibilities for both fresh and artificial flowers.


Real flowers work beautifully for couples who love a natural, seasonal feel

Artificial flowers are ideal for those wanting a fully styled, stress-free setup ahead of the day

A mix of both is also a popular choice -  such as, fresh bouquets paired with artificial venue décor


If you’re unsure which route to take, seeing flowers styled within a venue can make all the difference. We host regular open days, partnered with a selection of talented hand-picked suppliers to offer all the inspiration you need!





Choosing between artificial and real wedding flowers isn’t about which is better, it’s about what works best for you. Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of fresh blooms or the flexibility of artificial designs, both will look incredible at The Buttery & Glasshouse Kent. The most important thing is creating a space that feels like you - relaxed, beautiful, and unforgettable.


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