Faux vs Real flowers
Why Local Blooms Make the Difference
When planning your wedding, you’re faced with hundreds of decisions—venue, dress, menu, photographer—and, of course, flowers. Recently, more brides and grooms have asked whether faux (artificial) flowers are a better, more sustainable option than fresh blooms. At Wishflower Farms, serving Denver, Brighton, and Northern Colorado, we love this question—because it opens the door to talk about what makes real, locally grown flowers so special. My floral journey started with faux florals almost twenty years ago, but though they have a special place in my heart, they may not always be the best option.
The Environmental Reality of Faux Flowers
On the surface, artificial flowers might seem like a “greener” choice because they last forever. But most faux flowers are made from plastic or polyester, both petroleum-based materials. They’re often produced overseas in factories that emit carbon during manufacturing and transportation. Once used, they can’t be composted or recycled, meaning they’ll sit in a landfill for decades. While some high-quality artificial arrangements can be reused, their overall environmental footprint remains significant.
Why Real Flowers Are the Sustainable Choice
Real flowers—especially when sourced locally—are part of a natural, regenerative cycle. At Wishflower Farms, we grow our flowers right here in Brighton, Colorado, using sustainable practices designed to nurture soil and pollinators. Fresh blooms are biodegradable, support local economies, reduce transport emissions, and are cut at their peak for exceptional quality.
A Realistic, Flexible Approach to Flower Sourcing That said, local first doesn’t have to mean local only. Colorado’s seasons are short, and some varieties aren’t available year-round. We proudly grow most of our flowers ourselves, but we also partner with trusted wholesalers and farms across the country—and occasionally internationally—when needed. These partnerships allow us to access ethically sourced, high-quality flowers for any season or design vision. Our philosophy: Local when possible, global when necessary—always sustainable, always beautiful.
The Experience of Real, Seasonal Beauty Each season in Colorado brings its own color palette—spring’s pastels, summer’s bold garden blooms, and fall’s rich tones. Choosing real, locally grown flowers connects your celebration to the same land where your love story is rooted.
Faux Flowers Have Their Place—but Real Flowers Tell Your Story Faux flowers can be practical for allergy concerns or destination weddings, but for most couples, fresh, local blooms bring authenticity that artificial alternatives can’t match. Whenthose flowers are grown by a Colorado farmer, they not only look good—they do good for the environment, pollinators, and community.
Whether you’re planning a Denver city wedding, a Brighton barn celebration, or a Northern Colorado mountain event, Wishflower Farms offers custom, farm-to-wedding floral design that reflects your vision and values. We specialize in crafting bespoke arrangements using locally grown blooms whenever possible—and responsibly sourced flowers when needed—to ensure your wedding is as sustainable as it is stunning.