There’s been a huge trend in wooden flowers for weddings the past couple of years, and we can see why. Not only can they be less expensive than most real bouquets or centerpieces, but they last forever!
Considering all the questions we’ve been getting from brides on the subject of wooden flowers, we thought it would be great to pull together a list of our favorite resources. We’re also sharing some important details you should know about these alternative flowers. PLUS: We found some great DIY tutorials featuring clever ways to arrange and dye them. Read on for more!
What Are Wooden Flowers?
Wooden flowers are exactly what you think they are…kind of. While images of hard, carved creations might come to mind, that’s not necessarily the case with most wooden flowers.
These days, wooden flowers are made mostly from the wood of a marshy plant called Aeschynomene aspera. Also known as Sola (or shola), the wood of the stem is harvested from this renewable flowering plant to make everything from hats to, more recently, flowers. You might also see wooden flowers made from cassava plants.
Because Aeschynomene woods are very lightweight, it makes them easy to cut and shape into a variety of flower designs. Fun fact? Most sola wood flowers are actually made by hand. They are also 100% biodegradable.
How Much Do Wooden Flowers Cost?
Wooden flowers typically cost between $0.80/$1.00 each depending on the size and whether or not they are dyed. Because sola wood flowers are a cream color naturally, if you want a different color you would either have to purchase them that way or DIY them with acrylic paint (more on that below). They also usually come unstemmed if you’re buying them in bulk. If you want to create a bouquet or wedding centerpiece, you will most likely have to either DIY the stem yourself or purchase a stemmed version for a higher price. For example, The Sola Store sells 12 of their unstemmed Sola Wood Roses for $11.69. The stemmed version would be $33.99.
Other factors that affect the price of wooden flowers include size (usually 1-4 inches) and the design/type of flower. Peonies, for instance, will most likely be more expensive.
Compared to real wedding flowers, the average wedding centerpiece will end up costing you $100++, while you can find gorgeous (reusable) wooden flower centerpieces for half that price. Read more about how much real wedding flowers cost here.
How Long Do They Last?
When cared for properly, wooden wedding flowers should last you forever. You should keep them in a cool, dry place in an open container. It’s also best to avoid direct sunlight if possible, especially if your flowers are dyed as it might fade the color.
Where Do You Buy Wooden Flowers?
When people talk about wooden flowers they usually say they bought Sola Flowers, which makes you think one company sells all of them. This is pretty confusing until you realize they’re talking about the type of flower.
You can find Sola flowers from several places online, though you want to make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Here’s a few of our favorite places to find wooden flowers, all of whom work with talented floral artists:
The Paisley Moon on Etsy is my go-to source for beautiful wedding bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres. This ‘June’ bouquet, starting at $42, is magical.
Teton Wood Blooms makes super charming, rustic centerpieces and bouquets for a great price.
Stuff by Rossy is producing beautiful arrangements, like this pastel centerpiece for $102.
Oh! You’re Lovely has a beautiful selection of sola wooden flowers to choose from. They offer bulk wooden flowers in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as dyed assortments. We love the “Sangria” collection, which includes 30 dip-dyed/hand painted/ airbrushed sola flowers for $38.99
Southern Blooms Co. creates gorgeous bridal bouquets that look incredibly real. The prices are closer to real bouquets (this Serenity bridal bouquet is $199.95), but it will last forever.
Sola Wood Flowers has some of the best prices we’ve seen, and they also sell all the DIY materials you need to create your own wedding centerpieces or bouquets, including fragrance oils to scent your flowers.
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How to DIY Your Flowers
When it comes to using wooden flowers at your wedding, you’ll want to decide if you want to buy pre-made centerpieces and bouquets or if you want to DIY them.
If you want to DIY your arrangements, the first thing you’ll want to do is make a plan. Figure out how many tables you’ll have to determine the number of centerpieces you’ll need. After that, you’ll want to plan for a bouquet for you and each of your bridesmaids.
From there you’ll need craft supplies such as floral tape, floral wire, foam, and floral stems (if you’re buying stemless wooden flowers).
Stephanie from Oh! You’re Lovely has created some really helpful DIY tutorials for your wooden flowers, including How to Make a Sola Wood Flower Bouquet, How to Add a Wooden Flower Stem.
You’ll also want to decide if you want to dye your flowers on your own and save. To do this you’ll need a bowl and tap water, along with a place to dry your flowers overnight. This DIY tutorial will help walk you through the process.
Not sure where to start? I like how Sola Wood Flowers has DIY Craft Kits for everything from centerpieces to bouquets, and includes all the supplies you’ll need to create each. For inspiration, simply search for bouquets and centerpieces you love on Pinterest, and model your design after those!
While it’s hard to beat the smell and beauty that a fresh arrangement has, these wooden flowers come pretty close. Plus, aside from the fact that they’ll save you hundreds of dollars compared to real florals, you also get to keep them way past your wedding day. You can incorporate them in your interior design home or even give your wooden wedding bouquet or reception centerpieces to your family and friends as a sweet keepsake.
Wooden Flowers FAQ
What are wooden flowers called?
Wooden flowers are also referred to as Sola flowers. This can get a little confusing because there are several brand with “Sola” in the name. But it’s actually a term derived from the type of wood that is used to make them, Aeschynomene Aspera.
Do wood flowers last forever?
In short, yes. They are also tolerant to the heat and eco-friendly since they are made from a sustainable source. You’ll want to make sure you take proper care of them with regular dusting and by keeping them away from water, but if you do they should last a lifetime.
Are wood flowers expensive?
Compared to real flowers, they are slightly less expensive. For instance, a dozen roses from 1-800-flowers will cost you $39.99 (before shipping and without a vase).
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