From proposals to weddings to funerals, floral traditions have evolved into their full bloom over the cascade of time. Flowers, be they fresh flowers or alternatives like preserved florals, pressed flowers and dried flowers, take the spirit of celebration to the next level.
There’s no denying the obvious; freshly cut flowers radiate their own brand of luminescence. After all, there’s a reason fresh flower bouquets are a beloved gifting favourite in relationships, both new and old. While fresh flowers are the most popular expression of a range of emotions from friendship to romantic love, they’re typically not the best medium for preserving fleeting moments.
Alternatives like dried flowers, in contrast, carry with them a rustic, vintage aura that lasts for a long time. The muted, earthy appeal paired with the reusability factor makes dried floral arrangements a fantastic option for events and festive occasions.
So are dried flowers better than fresh? Do dried flowers last longer than fresh flowers? Why buy dried flowers at all? Let’s dive deeper and explore the myriad differences and possibilities of both fresh flowers and dried flowers.
Key Differences Between Dried Flowers And Fresh Flowers
Dried flowers and fresh flowers can both be used to light up homes, events, and festive occasions. While both dried flowers and fresh flowers have their own unique set of perks and challenges, there are a few key differentiators that can help you decide which of the two is the right choice for you.
|
Differentiators |
Dried Flowers |
Fresh Flowers |
|
Durability |
✔ |
- |
|
Visual Appeal |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Fragrance |
- |
✔ |
|
Versatility in Applications |
✔ |
- |
|
Minimal Care & Maintenance |
✔ |
- |
|
Long-term Availability |
✔ |
- |
|
Economical Investment |
✔ |
- |
Longevity
While fresh flowers are famous for their enthralling beauty, they are not the best companions when it comes to preserving the memories of an important occasion. Despite their ephemeral beauty, they have a limited lifespan.
Dried flowers and preserved florals, on the contrary, defy the constraints of time, retaining their allure for extended periods lasting for more than two years. This longevity makes them an ideal choice for those seeking a lasting dried floral presence in their homes decor or special events or simply making mementoes out of memories.
Visual Appeal
Be they bright, bold, soft, or vivid, fresh flowers have an immediate visual impact on the eyes. They infuse brightness and joy wherever they are placed. Although their beauty is short-lived, the undeniable delight that comes with receiving fresh flowers is one of the key elements of their appeal.
Dried flowers exhibit a muted, vintage charm. Their innate calm energy, from the beauty of dried pampas to elegant dried palms, exhibits a tranquil effect on the environment they’re placed in. The subtle tones and preserved textures of dried flowers evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them a preferred choice for rustic and ageless dried floral arrangements.
Fragrance
A defining characteristic of fresh flowers is their ability to provide a rounded sensory experience with their intoxicating fragrance. The sweet scent of peonies delivered to a loved one or a centrepiece made of roses is an essential part of what makes fresh flowers stand out.
Dried flowers, having undergone the drying and preservation process, may not exude the same level of aroma. Their fragrance is milder in comparison to their fresh counterparts. However, dried flowers, whether they’re used in dried flower arrangements in vases or dried flower bridal bouquets, offer a subtler, earthy scent that appeals to those who appreciate a more muted olfactory experience.
Versatility
Due to their delicate disposition, fresh flowers are more susceptible to damage. They have a limited range of applications when it comes to creative expression. Their fragile nature demands careful handling.
Unlike fresh flowers that may wilt or lose their shape over time, dried flowers can be manipulated and arranged in various artistic forms. From dried wreaths to dried flower bouquets, the possibilities are endless when it comes to dried flower arrangements. This versatility makes dried florals a favourite amongst event planners and in festive decor.
Care & Maintenance
Fresh flowers, while beautiful, demand diligent care to maintain their vitality. From regularly changing water to trimming stems, their beauty is contingent on meticulous attention and maintenance throughout their short lives.
In contrast, dried flowers require minimal upkeep. Their low-maintenance nature makes them an ideal choice for those with a busy lifestyle or for dried floral arrangements intended to endure beyond the fleeting moments of a typical bloom. Their reusability makes them a low-maintenance, easy decor option.
Availability
Fresh flowers are often subject to seasonal availability, with certain blooms flourishing only during specific times of the year. Because of this drawback, flower arrangements suffer if a particular set of fresh flowers is out of season.
Dried flowers transcend the limitations of seasons, providing a consistent option for those who desire a particular array of dried florals regardless of the time of year. This accessibility contributes to the growing popularity of dried flowers as a reliable choice for diverse dried flower arrangements.
Affordability
The cost factor is an essential aspect to weigh when deciding between dried and fresh flowers. Simply asking “Are dried flowers more expensive than fresh ones?” isn’t enough. Fresh flowers, due to their perishable nature and the resources involved in their cultivation and transportation, can be relatively more expensive when it comes to factoring their total cost vs. their short lifespan.
Dried flowers, being longer-lasting and requiring less immediate care, can offer a cost-effective event decor alternative without compromising on aesthetic appeal. This characteristic also makes the dried florals easy to reuse on festive occasions. A simple Christmas wreath, for example, can easily be repurposed as a holiday wreath for any other occasion or used as an outdoor wreath for front door.
Recommended Reads
- Top 5 Frugal Ways to Use Dried Flowers For Hotel & Resort Decor
- Why Dried Flowers Are The Best Wedding Decor Choice
- Can't Keep Indoor Plants Alive? Try These Dried Flowers Décor Ideas
Conclusion
While the difference between dried and fresh flowers is wide and varied, they both have their own individual advantages and drawbacks. The choice between the both depends on your own preferences, occasion, and desired impact. Whether you choose fresh flowers for their fragrance and short-lived vibrance or dried flowers for their longevity and varied uses, ultimately it boils down to your motive and intentions for your decor.
Dried floral arrangements are often popular for their multipurpose benefits. Dried flowers from Dried Flowers & Decor aren’t just a favourite for homeowners but are also widely used by event planners and interior designers, on a wholesale basis, for all sorts of occasions. Browse our collection of stunning dried flowers and foliage and let your imagination run wild.
