Wedding Flower Guide: Real vs. Rental Blooms at Windsor Manor

When you book your wedding at Windsor Manor, nearly everything is taken care of - from planning and catering to decor and coordination - making your experience seamless and stress-free. One of the only decisions you’ll make outside of our all-inclusive offerings is your florals. Whether you choose fresh blooms, silk arrangements, or rental flowers, the choice is entirely yours. And with our blooming gardens, timeless architecture, and naturally beautiful grounds, your wedding will be breathtaking - with or without an abundance of florals. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of real versus faux flowers to help you decide what’s best for your big day. 

The Case for Real Flowers

Romance You Can Smell

Fresh florals bring the undeniable charm of nature into your celebration. There's something magical about the scent of roses in the air or the way hydrangeas gently sway in the breeze during your garden ceremony. Real flowers can elevate your floral design, making your arrangements feel lush, organic, and unforgettable.

Timeless Beauty in Photos

Fresh flowers photograph beautifully, especially in natural light. At Windsor Manor, where soft garden backdrops and golden hour glow make for the dreamiest portraits, real blooms often enhance the romantic, editorial style many of our couples love.

Seasonal + Customizable

If you’re choosing a wedding date based on your favorite flowers - like peonies in the spring to dahlias in the fall - real flowers allow you to embrace the beauty of the season. Plus, local florists can tailor arrangements to your unique color palette, making your floral decor truly one-of-a-find. 

Considerations:

Fresh flowers do require more attention. They're delicate, often sensitive to heat, and have a shorter lifespan. That’s why our all-inclusive planning team works closely with your florist to time deliveries and setups perfectly - so your blooms look their best, right when it matters most. 

The Perks of Silk or Rental Flowers

Stress-Free Setup and Savings

Opting for silk flowers or high-quality rental arrangements can help stretch your wedding budget without sacrificing style. These blooms are prepared in advance and hold up flawlessly throughout the day - no wilting, no surprises. At Windsor Manor, we’ve seen rental flowers used creatively in arbors, aisle markers, and centerpieces with stunning results. 

Allergy-Friendly

For couples or guests with floral sensitivities, faux flowers are a beautiful and sneeze-free solution. You can still enjoy the romance of lush arrangements without worrying about pollen. 

Reusability and Sustainability

Many couples choose silk or rental florals as a more sustainable option. Rental flower companies often repurpose blooms for multiple weddings, and if you go the silk route, you can repurpose your bouquet in your home or offer it to a loved one as a keepsake.

Considerations:

While faux flowers have come a long way, they may not offer the same natural movement, texture, or fragrance as fresh florals. Close-up photos may reveal differences in quality - so if you go this route, we recommend investing in premium silk blooms or a reputable rental service. We highly recommend Something Borrowed Blooms for beautiful faux florals and great customer service!

What Works Best at Windsor Manor?

The beauty of choosing Windsor Manor as your wedding venue is that both options work beautifully here. Whether you envision fresh white roses cascading from our ceremony arbor or a luxe silk floral installation framing the fireplace in our buffet room, our team helps your vision to life with ease and elegance. We’re happy to share our trusted florist recommendations - many of whom offer both real and faux options - and help you navigate what will work best for your aesthetic, your budget, and your wedding day timeline. 

Final Thoughts

At Windsor Manor, so much is already taken care of—from your timeline and design details to the stunning ceremony and reception spaces. Florals are one of the few elements we leave entirely up to you, allowing you the freedom to personalize your day in a way that feels most meaningful. Some couples choose to go all out with lush, custom blooms, while others embrace the natural charm of our garden ceremony space, the historic manor, and scenic grounds with minimal or rental florals. Whether you choose fresh flowers, silk arrangements, or none at all, know that your celebration will be beautiful, romantic, and uniquely yours.

Still unsure which to choose? Schedule a tour or planning consultation, and let’s talk through your floral dreams. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.