What’s best for a wedding in December, fresh or artificial flowers?

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.

We recommend fresh florals, they are so much more beautiful & of course 'natural' regardless of the season!

A professional florist will be able to guide and advise on the best flowers to source. Usually sesaonal blooms are best. Your florist should have enough experience in the industry to be able to ensure that this does not happen. However weather is something we can't control. I have doen many weddings in summer and my brides tell me that they have lasted all day. The key is to know your product and to condition them properly. Ensure your using an experienced florist and someone who is willing to work with weather constrants. 

Fresh or Artificial !

I work with mostly fresh flowers and occasionally preserved .

In December I would preferably choose more hardy flowers , clients could focus on a colour scheme and let the florist make the decision on the hardiest varieties available around your date in December that bring your design vibe to life .

Roses are still an option even though they may open quickly , they will still give that romantic,classic Wedding Vibe especially for your indoor arrangements  !

Opt for designs that have a water source so the flowers are drinking for the duration and be guided by your floral designer if any extra flowers will be needed to replaced in outside structures -like your Arbour or Plinth Flowers .

Artificial /Preserved Hydrangea are a great option instead of fresh ( Hydrangea are known to wilt in direct sun /heat ) 

Giving your experienced floral designer creative freedom with the varieties is optimal for hot periods during the year .

There’s truly nothing like fresh flowers, their scent, softness, and natural beauty bring something special to a wedding day. For a December wedding, we simply choose heat-tolerant blooms like orchids, roses, or natives, and with the right care, they’ll hold up beautifully even in warm weather.

Fresh is always the best would depend on the type of flower but a mixture also could look good fresh and artificial 

regards

As a nature lover- fresh is best. December is a wonderful time to get married- there are tonnes of stunning flowers around which also means there are heaps of alternatives if the day is really hot and your florist needs to switch to some hardier types. A lot of flowers  are very hardy- even on hot days. Especially if they are arranged foam free- aka in water! Water can always be topped up and it's the best thing for them to be in if it is really hot. There are so many other things that florists can do behind the scenes to make your flowers will last on a hot day- so choose a good florist who has had experience with this and trust them! I have done flowers on a 42 degree day in the full sun and set them up 2 hours before the ceremony and because of my flower choices, the freshness of using as much local products as possible, conditioning the flowers appropriately and having them in water they looked great for the whole day and the bride, photographer and venue were so impressed on how well they did. So it's totally possible! 

Great question—December weddings in Australia can definitely bring the heat, so it’s completely understandable to wonder about how flowers will hold up.

Fresh flowers are still a very popular choice, even in summer. Florists will typically choose hardy, seasonal varieties like roses, lisianthus, orchids or chrysanthemums that are well-suited to warmer weather. With the right prep and care, fresh blooms can look amazing all day long.

While artificial flowers can photograph nicely and be practical in certain situations, they don’t quite offer the same beauty, fragrance, or natural feel that fresh flowers do. There’s often a real sense of wonder guests get with fresh blooms—those little moments of, “Are these real? They’re stunning!” It adds to the atmosphere in a way that’s hard to replicate.

Of course, it comes down to personal preference—but if the couple loves the idea of fresh flowers, it’s definitely still achievable with the right planning.

Hi Frances, 

If you are worry about the heat weather & wiltin flowers in December, say shouldn't! There are some flowers of heat -tolerant or kind of managing skills. All depend on how experienced is the florist & how handle she/ he to avoid of wilting. I did a few wedding in high heat such as 40 degrees so i mean should nt be worry but if thinking of budget yes silk flowers is another option and easy to handle as well however fresh flowers always preferred options becasuse looks more magnificent in a wedding.

Kind regards,

Frida

Hello Francis, 

i would say if you are using an experienced florist, and your flowers are prepared and reconditioned well by him/her then fresh will survive and bloom beautifully without wilting or disappointment. 
Although I personally provide either, I believe fresh flowers always offer more sentiment, luxury and emotion. 
cheers Letisha