When planning your dream coastal wedding at The Chapel by the Sea, Savannah’s premier ocean inspired wedding venue, one of the most important design choices you will make is your floral selection. Flowers set the tone for your entire celebration and play a major role in your ceremony design, photos, and overall atmosphere.
Many couples find themselves asking the same question: Should we choose real or faux florals for our wedding day by the sea. Below we break down the differences, benefits, and considerations to help you decide what works best for your vision.
Real flowers have long been a favorite for weddings due to their natural beauty and classic appeal. Fresh blooms bring organic texture, movement, and fragrance that elevate the ceremony space and photograph beautifully.
Real florals also allow couples to incorporate seasonal blooms that align with their wedding date and color palette. Many couples love the symbolism tied to certain flowers, making real arrangements feel deeply personal.
However, there are a few things to consider when planning fresh florals for a coastal wedding. Heat, humidity, and ocean breezes can impact delicate blooms. Real florals can also be more costly depending on flower selection and require careful timing for delivery and setup to ensure they look their best.
Real flowers are often ideal for couples who value tradition, scent, and natural elements and who are comfortable planning around weather conditions.
Faux florals have come a long way and are now a popular choice for weddings. High quality artificial/ silk flowers offer a polished and realistic look while providing excellent durability in outdoor settings.
Faux arrangements will not wilt in heat or humidity, making them especially appealing for seaside ceremonies. They also allow couples to enjoy full lush designs throughout the entire day and evening without worrying about weather related wear.
Another benefit of faux florals is their longevity. Many couples choose to keep their arrangements as home decor or meaningful keepsakes after the wedding. Faux flowers are also allergy friendly and often more budget predictable.
For couples interested in faux floral design, Something Borrowed Blooms offers beautifully curated arrangements that look stunning in both ceremony and reception settings. Their collections are designed specifically for weddings and provide flexibility for arches, bouquets, centerpieces, and more. You can explore their options at Something Borrowed Blooms.
Real flowers offer natural fragrance and organic beauty but may be impacted by coastal weather and typically have a shorter lifespan. Faux flowers provide long lasting durability, are weather resistant, and can be kept long after the wedding day, though they do not offer natural scent.
Both options can be equally beautiful when designed thoughtfully and paired with the right venue.
At The Chapel by the Sea, we have seen stunning weddings using real florals, faux florals, and a combination of both. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.
Couples who prioritize fragrance and tradition often lean toward fresh blooms. Couples who value durability, longevity, and ease often choose faux arrangements. Many couples opt for a blended approach using real flowers for personal pieces like bouquets and faux florals for arches and larger installations.
Soft coastal color palettes photograph beautifully against ocean backdrops. Neutral tones, soft pastels, and greenery complement the natural surroundings without overpowering them.
Choosing florals and installations designed to withstand coastal breezes helps maintain a polished look throughout the ceremony. Layered textures such as greenery, grasses, and structured blooms add movement and depth that feel effortless and romantic by the sea.
At The Chapel by the Sea, we love helping couples design weddings that feel elevated, personal, and stress free. Whether you choose real flowers, faux florals, or a thoughtful combination of both, your floral design should reflect your vision and enhance the natural beauty of Savannah’s beachside setting.
If you would like help planning your coastal wedding or scheduling a tour, we would love to connect with you.
We want your style to shine, but to protect our space, decorations must be freestanding or secured with non-damaging tape. Please avoid nails, staples, adhesives on walls or trees, glitter, confetti, fireworks, and open flames unless approved in advance.
2. Candles, sparklers, confetti—what’s allowed?
3. How do I book an engagement session?
Sessions are available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM by appointment. Contact Kemlyn at kemlyn@thechapelga.com.
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