Fresh Flowers vs Preserved Flowers: Which Should You Get?

Flowers make for beautiful gifts. Yet, as with all things in nature, the beauty of flowers can fade with time. However, in Singapore, preserved flowers are also readily available, and you can likely find them in any flower shop you walk into. 

But what are the tradeoffs between fresh and preserved flowers? Well, we’ve curated this article to answer that very question, so make sure you read on to find out the key differences between the two! 

Longevity 

First, there is a stark difference in longevity between fresh and preserved flowers. Fresh flowers usually last for a few days to about a week before they whittle. Their lifespans can be extended with good care techniques, though, which you can read more about in our previous blog here. Nonetheless, even with utmost care, fresh flowers are likely to last for no longer than a few weeks.

When it comes to preserved flowers, however, they generally last anywhere between a few months to a full year. Different flower types have different lifespans once preserved, and are best kept out of direct sunlight and left unexposed to moisture. Their longevity makes preserved flowers a more lasting option for those who are more practical. 

Appearance 

And then there’s the subject of appearance. Fresh flowers often look dewy and radiant; the colours that can be found on fresh flower bouquets and table flower arrangements are often more vibrant and eye-catching than those on preserved flowers. But that is not to say that fresh flowers are objectively more visually appealing than their preserved counterparts.

With preserved flowers, it’s an entirely different aesthetic altogether. Preserved flowers feature petals with faded colours, along with branches and leaves that are duller and more brittle. They make for perfect rustic décor due to their relative muted-ness, but with all the delicateness and beauty of fresh flowers preserved. 

When it comes to appearance, it’s all about personal preference ⁠— do you like your flowers bright and radiant or do you prefer them muted and rustic? Go for what speaks to you the most, and don’t let others tell you otherwise! 

Scent

The scent of fresh flowers is something enjoyed by many. Not only do most find it mood-lifting, but it has also been shown to help reduce stress, fight inflammation, and help induce better sleep. Preserved flowers, on the other hand, have little to no natural scent, as the commonly-used preservation technique involves the processing of flowers in glycerin. This effectively coast the flowers in a wax-like solutions which causes them to lose their natural scent. 

Although this may seem like a clear-cut disadvantage of preserved flowers, it should also be noted that preserved flowers make for a more appropriate option for those that are hypoallergenic, due to the very fact that they lose their natural scent. Preserved flowers do not trigger pollen allergies, and are great alternatives to fresh flowers for households with members or pets that are affected by pollen.

Final Verdict: It Depends

As cliché as it sounds, whether you should get fresh or preserved flowers really boils down to preference. Especially when considering flowers for a gift, make sure you weigh the two options wisely. While there are only three main differences in their tangible characteristics, the innate messages and sentiments they can be used to embody are also largely varied. You should also pay attention to how much attention you or your giftee are willing to pay to maintaining the flowers in good condition. 

Get the Best Flowers Online with The Interior Collections

Whether it’s fresh or preserved flowers you end up going with, The Interior Collections has got you covered. Shop our collection of fresh flower bouquets and preserved ones online, and enjoy our flower bouquet delivery services available throughout Singapore. 

Browse our flowers today, or contact us for any inquiries you may have.