silk flowers

commandz

What do you guys think of silk flowers in centerpieces? Tacky?
But carry real flowers....

amberpro

I personally prefer flower alternatives to silk flowers.  Candles?  Lanterns?  Also, ask your florist if she does anything cost effective.  I told my florist our budget, and she offered some things she has done in the past with limited funds.  Does your venue offer anything for centerpieces you can use?  Fish bowls?  Votives?  Try looking on the trash to treasure board or craigslist for brides trying to sell various items for centerpieces.

Mariah09202008

We did this for my sister's wedding.  Honestly, if you're doing simple centerpieces, the silk flowers usually end up costing just about the same as real flowers.  I guess it just depends on the type of flower you were going for. 

fallbride1109

I'm not a fan, but that's just me.  If your budget is a concern, there are things you can do to minimize the costs--like using candles, petals, etc. and just a few flowers, use less expensive flowers, etc.  A good florist can help you. 

To me a candle centerpiece is prettier than a silk flower arrangement.  But again, that's JMO.  Maybe someone else can shed a different light on it. 

fallbride1109

Oh and if you look up Knottie Adorable Bridzilla--she did tissue paper centerpieces and I thought they looked fabulous!  There are definitely ways to be creative with centerpieces other than just flowers.

Mariah09202008

I agree with the others about alternatives.  I didn't see the point in spending a lot of money on real flowers, so instead I just had a lot of votives and tealights as centerpieces.  I also had some silk rose petals scattered around them.  Very easy on the budget, very DIY friendly, and very pretty.  It sets a nice, romantic tone.

commandz

Thanks guys for your insight!

TCUESW1999

I did the same as Mariah.  I had a formal wedding but couldn't fathom spending a ton of money on flower centerpieces.  We used the venue's hurricane candle holders and their tealights and I provided glass stones and other misc. items.  We had the lights dimmed for a more intimate setting and I was very impressed how it all turned out.  So, I agree, I would look for an alternative before resorting to silk flowers. 

Tiffany618

I actually don't care for floral centerpieces at all.  I mean they can be very beautiful but unless they are on the tall vases they always get in my way or I can't see the person across from me, etc. 

I'm going to do what Mariah and TCUSW did.  My venue provides hurricane candle holders and tea lights on a mirror square.  I'm going to have nice linens in some sort of scheme that incorporates our colors though... so the tables won't be plain.