Anna Parisi, owner of Everlasting Florals by Anna in Totowa (973-919-9773), is one. “I’m seeing an increase in silk flowers, mainly because couples realize they don’t have to make sacrifices,” says Parisi, who has worked with silk for 20 years. “A recent client loved lilies of the valley, but couldn’t afford the high price tag. But with silk, we were able to use them in her bouquet and throughout the wedding. And with the quality of faux flowers being so superior, no one knew they were fake.”

Another reason why silk flowers are gaining popularity its durability—the delicate buds won’t wilt, fade, shed, or freeze. And for the couple that wants to use Gerber daises in the winter, silk makes that option available, at a very reasonable price. Florists can also re-create the smell of fresh flowers, simply by adding fragrance to the pedals.

It’s important to educate yourself before visiting your florist. You should have a good sense of what the real flower looks like, and don’t be afraid to request a side-by-side comparison to see the florist’s silk flower next to a fresh one. Also, see if your florist provides service after the wedding. Many will rearrange the original flowers in a vase or into a wreath for you to keep and display every day.

The costs of silk vary depending on the type of flower, but many times its a few hundred dollars less than its fresh counterpart. Also, florists have more control when arranging flowers, so the same size bouquet requires only two dozen silk flowers, compared to three dozen fresh. For the couple on a really tight budget, Parisi recommends visiting Michaels or other crafts stores with a wide selection of faux flowers.