Artificial Flower Guide Australia

Wedding Superstore stocks a wide range of artificial flowers, greenery, garlands, bouquets and floral arrangements for weddings, events, home decor, venue styling and commercial displays. This guide answers the most common questions customers ask before and after purchasing artificial flowers.

Are Your Flowers Real Or Artificial?

Our flower range is artificial. Depending on the product, artificial flowers may be made from silk-style fabric, polyester, foam, plastic, latex, real touch materials or a combination of materials.

Artificial flowers are chosen for weddings and events because they can be purchased in advance, arranged before the event, cheaper than real flowers, transported easily and reused after the occasion. They are also helpful for destination weddings, DIY styling and large-scale installations where fresh flowers may be difficult or expensive to manage.

Are Real Touch Flowers Worth The Extra Cost?

Real touch and soft touch flowers are designed to look and feel more like fresh flowers. They are often worth the extra cost when realism is the priority, especially for bridal bouquets and arrangements that will be seen close up or photographed in detail. If the budget can be used elsewhere regular artificial flowers can look just as good. 

Standard artificial flowers can still look beautiful, especially when used in arrangements, arches, centrepieces, backdrops and venue styling. Once arranged in larger displays, many guests will not notice the difference between quality artificial flowers and more expensive real touch flowers.

Real touch flowers can lose colour over time, especially with sun exposure, uv from lights,  handling or storage. Some foam-style flowers may brown around the edges or develop splits in the painted surface, showing the colour underneath. Dust and dirt can also be harder to remove from real touch materials than from standard artificial flowers.

Can Artificial Flowers Be Used Outdoors?

Artificial flowers can be used outdoors for short-term events such as wedding ceremonies, garden parties, aisle styling, arches, welcome signs and outdoor receptions.

For best results, keep artificial flowers protected from strong wind, heavy rain and direct sun where possible. Outdoor conditions can affect the appearance of flowers, especially lighter colours and more delicate materials. 

Can Artificial Flowers Be Used Outdoors Permanently?

Artificial flowers are generally not recommended for permanent outdoor use unless the product is specifically designed for outdoor conditions. Sun, rain, wind and dust can cause fading, discolouration, brittleness and general wear over time.

If using artificial flowers outdoors for a long-term display, expect that they may need to be cleaned, repositioned or replaced periodically as htey are not UV Certified. Real touch and foam flowers are less suitable for permanent outdoor use because the surface can mark, fade or deteriorate more easily.

How Do I Fix Squashed Artificial Flower Petals?

Artificial flowers can sometimes become flattened or compressed during shipping and storage. This is normal and can usually be corrected in a few minutes.

• Gently mould the petals back into shape by hand.
• Use a handheld steamer to lightly steam the petals.
• Use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to help soften the material.
• Carefully use steam from a kettle to relax creases and reshape petals.
• Allow flowers to sit out of their packaging before styling.

Once the petals have softened slightly, gently shape them in your hands until the flower looks natural again. Always use caution with heat and steam, especially around delicate materials.

Why Has The Flower Head Fallen Off?

Occasionally, a flower head may become detached during shipping, handling or arranging. This can happen with artificial flowers and does not always mean the product is faulty.

Many artificial flower heads are attached to wired or plastic stems and can be reattached quickly if they come loose.

• Glue dots are quick and easy for last-minute event repairs.
• Hot glue guns provide a strong hold for most artificial flowers.
• Super glue can be used for a more permanent attachment.

Apply a small amount of adhesive to the stem or flower head, press it back into place and allow it to set before arranging.

Can I Cut Artificial Flower Stems?

Yes. Most artificial flower stems contain a wire core covered with plastic, allowing them to be cut, bent and shaped to suit bouquets, vases, arches and arrangements.

Tools that can be used to cut artificial flower stems include:

• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Side cutters
• Commercial stem cutters
• Heavy-duty floral cutters

Cut stems slightly longer than needed first, then trim again if required. Thicker wired stems may need stronger cutters. Always take care when cutting wire, as small pieces can flick when cut and the edge may be left sharp.

How Do You Clean Artificial Flowers?

Artificial flowers can be cleaned gently to remove dust and light marks. The best method depends on the material and how delicate the flower is.

• Use a soft cloth or feather duster for light dust.
• Use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting to blow away dust.
• Wipe plastic stems and leaves with a slightly damp cloth.
• Dunk the heads in cold water, swish around then spin in your hands to remove excess water. 
• Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach or soaking delicate flowers.
• Test any cleaning method on a small area first.

Real touch and foam flowers may be harder to clean because dust and dirt can cling to the surface. Gentle dusting is usually safer than wet cleaning for these styles.

How Should Artificial Flowers Be Stored?

Store artificial flowers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep arrangements loosely packed so petals are not crushed for long periods.

For best results, store stems upright in containers or lay them gently in large storage tubs. Avoid placing heavy items on top of flowers, as this can flatten petals and bend stems.

Can You Make Custom Bouquets Or Flower Arrangements?

Wedding Superstore specialises in supplying artificial flowers, bouquets, greenery and floral supplies for DIY weddings and events. We do not offer a custom bouquet or florist design service.

Many customers create their own bouquets and arrangements using our range of artificial flowers, greenery and floral accessories. This allows you to choose the exact flowers, colours and styles that suit your wedding or event.

If you are looking for a particular flower style or colour theme, our team may be able to suggest suitable products from our range, however we do not create custom-made bouquets or arrangements.