Artificial Wreaths vs Real Foliage Wreaths

When it comes to decorating your home or event space, wreaths are a popular choice. Wreaths can add a touch of natural beauty and warmth to any setting. However, when it comes to choosing a wreath, you have to decide between artificial and real foliage.

Artificial wreaths featured in this post are available in our wreaths category

Artificial Wreaths:

Artificial wreaths are made from synthetic materials like plastic or silk. They are designed to look like real foliage, but they do not require any maintenance.

Pros:

• Artificial wreaths are low maintenance, and they require no watering or care.
• They are long-lasting and can be used for multiple seasons.
• They are more affordable than real foliage wreaths.
• They can be customised to match any decor style or colour scheme.

Cons:

• Artificial wreaths may not look as realistic as real foliage wreaths.
• They can be less eco-friendly than real foliage wreaths.
• They can become brittle and faded over time if exposed to direct sunlight or extreme weather conditions.

Above: Wreath made using deco mesh material

Real Foliage Wreaths:

Real foliage wreaths are made from natural materials like pine, cedar, or eucalyptus. They are usually handcrafted, and they require more care than artificial wreaths.

Pros:

• Aesthetic appeal: Fresh foliage wreaths have a natural and rustic appeal that can enhance the look of any space.
• Fragrance: Fresh foliage wreaths can emit a pleasant and refreshing scent, which can make the environment more inviting.
• Easily customised: Fresh foliage wreaths can be customised with a variety of foliage types, colours, and accents, allowing for unique and personalised designs.
• Biodegradable: Fresh foliage wreaths are biodegradable and eco-friendly, as they can decompose naturally without causing harm to the environment.

Cons:

• Short lifespan: Fresh foliage wreaths have a limited lifespan, as the foliage will eventually wilt and dry out, making them less visually appealing.
• Maintenance: Fresh foliage wreaths require maintenance, such as regular misting to keep the foliage fresh and prevent it from drying out.
• Fragility: Fresh foliage wreaths can be fragile and easily damaged, particularly if they are placed in areas with high traffic or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
• Cost: Fresh foliage wreaths can be more expensive than artificial wreaths, as they require fresh and high-quality foliage, which can be seasonal and limited in availability.

Above: Traditional wreath using foliage

Christmas wreaths are a popular and traditional decoration during the Christmas season. Both fresh and artificial types have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing between them depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Fresh traditional wreaths have a natural, fragrant scent that fills the air, and they add a touch of authentic, rustic charm. However, they require more maintenance than artificial wreaths, and may shed needles over time. They also have a shorter lifespan, usually lasting up to a few weeks before they begin to dry out and lose their color.

Artificial Christmas wreaths, on the other hand, are made from synthetic materials, such as plastic or PVC. They come in a wide range of styles and colours, and can be found at most department stores or online retailers. 

Artificial wreaths are more durable than fresh wreaths, as they can be reused year after year, and they require less maintenance, as they do not need to be watered or tended to. 

They also do not shed needles, which can make them a cleaner and more convenient option. However, they lack the natural fragrance and texture of fresh wreaths, and may not provide the same level of authenticity or charm.

When deciding between fresh and artificial Christmas wreaths, it's important to consider your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. If you enjoy the traditional look and scent of fresh greenery, and don't mind the extra maintenance, a fresh wreath may be the best choice for you. 

However, if you're looking for a more convenient and long-lasting option, or have allergies or sensitivities to natural greenery, an artificial wreath may be a better fit. Ultimately, both types of wreaths can add festive cheer and warmth to your home during the holiday season, and can be a wonderful addition to your overall decor.