Are Paper Flowers Tacky For A Wedding?

Blush, pink, nude and gold flower backdrop rental in Hamilton, Ontario.

When planning for a wedding, Here’s what a typical checklist may look like:

1. Dress? Check.

2. Wedding Venue? Check.

3. Officiant? Check.

4. Florals? (Fresh, paper, silk...?)

... The list goes on.

I can spend a full day writing about all the wedding options out there but today I'll be writing about florals- specifically paper flowers as an awesome alternative to fresh blooms! Upon coming across this question many times from friends and family for their upcoming weddings of whether I think paper flowers are tacky for weddings, I'm more than happy to share my answer : most definitely not.

Here are my reasons why:

Paper rose and dahlia single flower bouquets handcrafted by me.

1. They're always in bloom and they’re environmentally sustainable

The fact that they're made of paper means that they can be made months ahead of the big day without wilting (forget about seasonal blooms)! Although they can't fully replicate that perfectly delicate look and smell of fresh florals, they can come pretty close depending on the skill and experience of the artist. This is why you need to do your research to ensure that you like your paper florist's portfolio.

In this niche handcrafted industry, it's especially true that no two florists are the same, and you get what you pay for.

Also, every time go back to a wedding venue for a flower backdrop rental tear down at the end of the night, it hurts my heart to see so many fresh florals go to waste. A huge benefit of using paper is that they can be reused over and over again.

Paper flower and balloon backdrop set up by Danise from @bubbledecorto and Lianne @paperandluxe during a fun bridal shower collaboration.

2. The overall look can be customized to suit your Vision

If you’re on the fence regarding a flower wall rental in the GTA, you can find a cooperative paper florist who is more than happy to sit down and have a conversation with you about your vision for your paper flower wedding backdrop. They can give you an honest answer of whether or not a certain look can be achieved (or as a bonus, they may even think outside the box to come up with a design that you never knew could be achieved with paper flowers)! A floral backdrop rental can be paired with balloon mosaic letters, balloon wall, or a candy cart rental to create an even more unique look for any wedding or bridal shower theme. Also, if you're into flowers of a crazy array of hues (Tiffany blue colored dahlias?), paper flowers are the way to go! A floral half arch can be combined with a greenery wall backdrop rental like in the photo shown below to dress up a typical grass wall rental.

Bridal shower balloon wall, green flower wall, and candy cart rental by @bubbledecorto, @paperandluxe and @eventsbyrozey

4. They're cost effective.

Although comparing paper flowers and fresh flowers are like comparing apples to oranges, depending on your budget and what you’re looking for, you might find the perfect combination of paper flowers and fresh florals for your wedding or bridal shower without breaking the bank.

How much is a flower wall? You might be thinking. A paper flower half arch wall decor for a backdrop rental Toronto created by me will cost around $325, while something similar made with fresh florals will cost a lot more. Some bridesmaids carry floral hoops in place of bouquets and they make the perfect home decoration as a keepsake.

Storefront paper flower display at Hello Baked in Hamilton, Ontario- a Hamilton cookies and sweets shop. I wanted to highlight this giant crepe peony which serves as a statement piece for any spring wedding or summer wedding.

Paper flowers can be combined with mosaic balloon letters and custom shapes to create a one-of-a-kind look for any wedding for bridal shower.

5. They're a great gift for guests to take home and a great alternative for people with allergies

I've been to a few weddings where guests compete in friendly competition to win the centrepiece at their table. Because paper flowers are made from high quality cardstock, they're perfect gifts for anyone to take home, especially if they have allergies.

Alas, I can go on and on about how awesome paper flowers are for weddings. The only difference between a great flower wall which will make your heart skip a beat vs. an average one is the intention of the paper flower artist, skill level, expertise, and ability to work with other mediums. No two vendors are ever the same and it’s up to you as the client to discern which professional can create the style that suits your big day.

For more information about greenery wall rental, floral wall rentals, and pricing, please send me a message here.

Lianne