Floral Life Art

Floral Life Art

Hi Frances, 

As an experienced florist and event designer, I—and many in the industry—will always say: fresh is best!

While artificial flowers can be an option, especially in Australia's warmer months, they simply don’t compare to the natural beauty, texture, and fragrance of real blooms. Fresh flowers bring a softness and life that elevate a wedding’s atmosphere in a way artificial arrangements can’t. And despite what some may say—yes, you absolutely can tell the difference in photos. Artificial flowers often lack the organic movement, detail, and vibrancy of fresh ones, and they don’t photograph with the same richness or depth. People may claim you “can’t tell”—but trust me, you can.

Fresh flowers also engage all the senses. The smell of fresh roses, eucalyptus, or jasmine drifting through your ceremony or reception space is unforgettable. It’s part of what makes the day feel alive and emotionally resonant. Artificial flowers, on the other hand, are scentless and static—and at the end of the day, you're left with a pile of faux blooms that may end up as clutter.

That said, there are smart ways to work with fresh flowers during December. Many florists (myself included) will guide you toward heat-tolerant varieties like Australian natives or in-season blooms designed to last. We’ll also often suggest avoiding full white floral palettes in summer, as they tend to wilt faster in heat and light. Bold or pastel tones are typically more durable and stay vibrant throughout the day.

As professionals, we’re trained to support fresh flowers through heat and long events. From built-in water sources to smart hydration techniques, we know how to care for delicate blooms to ensure they go the distance—not just for a few hours, but from prep to pack-down.

If you’re concerned about wilting, the key is to communicate early with your florist. Ask about flower longevity, care strategies, and varieties that hold up well in warm conditions. A good florist will make sure your arrangements are both beautiful and resilient.

In the end, fresh flowers offer something truly special. They bring real beauty, fragrance, and atmosphere—something you, your guests, and your photos will reflect for years to come. Choose what feels right for you, but if you want timeless elegance and a truly sensory experience, fresh florals are always worth it.

Floral Life Art

Hi lovely!

When it comes to sourcing a specific flower, it really depends on the type of flower and the time of year. If you're working with artificial flowers, it’s usually possible to find the exact type you’re after, since they’re not limited by seasons. However, I’ll always say—fresh is best!

For fresh flowers, the best approach is to chat with your florist and ask what’s in season. The floral industry is huge and always evolving, and as professional florists, we have access to local growers and international suppliers. That means, depending on availability, we can sometimes source special blooms—even rare or imported ones—if the conditions are right.

That said, it’s important to remember that not all flowers are available year-round. Weather conditions, growing seasons, and shipping timelines can impact what’s accessible at the time of your event. Sometimes you get lucky and your dream flower is in season—other times, it might be more challenging or costly to bring it in.

This is why I highly recommend focusing on a colour palette and style, rather than locking in a single flower type. Your florist can then use that palette to design something beautiful with seasonal blooms that reflect the same look, feel, and emotion you’re going for. Seasonal flowers are generally fresher, more cost-effective, and will hold up better—especially in our warmer months.

At the end of the day, flexibility allows us to be more creative and deliver florals that are stunning, long-lasting, and tailored to your vision. So definitely ask your florist about the specific flower you love, but also trust their guidance if it’s not the best fit for your date or climate.

You never know—we might be able to get exactly what you’re after, or even suggest something even better!

kindest regards, 
Hannah - Floral Life Art 

Floral Life Art

I would aim for 4 to 12 months in oganiaing flowers for your wedding day, as some wedding florist are booked out a year in advance, I recomend 5 months at least so the florist can effectively oganise with farmers wholesale supplies your flowers and other details you require of your florist