Many Christian Brides prefer fake flowers on their hair as part of the wreath or side spray to which a veil is attached

A WEDDING without flowers is almost unimaginable, The sweet smell of rose permeating the air as
two become one, the waft of lily of the valley while the bride tosses her bouquet to the hoards of hopeful singles and the showering of the couple with jasmine blossoms- all reiterate the sweet 'flower power', But factors like maintaining the freshness of the blooms throughout the ceremony and reception, coupled with the escalating costs of flying down exotic varieties like orchids, gerberas, tulips and tiger lilies from places like The Netherlands and Bangkok have exacerbated the need for those cunning little doppelgangers aka fake flowers!
It is no surprise then that many bridal couples actually prefer to use artificial flowers at weddings, With contemporary and theme weddings being held at hotels and palaces, kitting out the place with tons of the fake variety that are not only classy and affordable, but also available in myriad hues is a good idea,
So Real
Over the last few years, artificial flowers have taken over the wedding industry by storm. They are easy to make, easy to maintain and easy to set up. Such flowers are available in silk, organza, net, paper and plastic. And what's more, you can even have them scented to have the effect of real flowers! Says Muthu of Sri Saibaba Flower Stalls, Chennai, "Artificial flowers are available in different colours and materials. They suit any wedding venue, be it grand halls or churches and they sure have a charm of their own."
You can find such artificial flowers everywhere-the decor at the church where every pew is decorated with a corsage and satin ribbons, arrangements at the entrance of the reception hall, the arch over the cake and even as part of the center pieces on tables. You can go a little further and decorate your car and even your wedding trousseau with it. Says Jennifer of Flowers By Design, Mumbai, "Many brides prefer artificial flowers for trousseau packing. It looks elegant, different and aren't that expensive." The fake flower craze has even made inroads into the groom's apparel, where a tiny spray of artificial flowers has replaced the traditional carnation worn on the suit's jacket lapel!

Why watch beautifuI flowers wither away right in front of you? Instead of spending a lot on real ones, just get artificial ones in gorgeous colours and materials. Says Archie Paranji, a wedding planner from Hyderabad, "Artificial flowers are being used for every aspect of wedding decor. Setting up the stage and decorating it has never been easier. They can even be customised to suit the client's taste and preferences."

Most of the couples prefer plastic flowers for the stage decor as it looks bright, photographs well and hangs stiff. Paper flowers are used to decorate cars and lights in attractive ways. Silk and organza are preferred to decorate tables and centrepieces.
If you have neat taste, then you can also rent fake flowers for your wedding decor. Let's face it, what will you do with meters of silk or plastic flowers? Select from an eclectic range of fake flowers and potted plants for your wedding.

But why just stick to wedding decor? Most of the brides are using it as accessories as well. Many brides prefer fake flowers on their hair as part of the wreath or side spray to wh ich a veil is attached. "The fake flowers matched my wedding outfit and jewellery. They even looked fresh, not like the real flowers which wither away in a few hours" says Lavanya Hari, a newlywed from Bengaluru. And of course, they don't tangle and are easy to remove as well. Some couples are even choosing the wedding garland to be in organza as it doesn't stick to the body or spoil the wedding outfit.
Most Christian brides opt for bridal bouquets made of silk and corsages made of chiffon and georgette. The bouquet usually has sentimental value for the bride and needs to be preserved. Unlike in case of real flowers, the bride does not have to throw them away.
Corsages made of silk, chiffon, net and organza can be coupled with pearls and crystals for a luxurious look for mothers of the bride and groom.

Over the last few years, artificial flowers have taken over the wedding industry by storm as they are easy to make, maintain and set up