Artificial Flowers or Real Flowers?

I'm using faux flowers. I'm renting them from Something Borrowed Blooms! They have different collections and colors to chose from, also corsages, garlands, table decor, etc... All of it is very affordable and I went with them so I wouldn't have to worry about working with a florist, or DIYing anything. They also look very real! I definitely recommend them! Here is what my bouquet will look like:

Personally, I have a huge preference for real (the look, smell, natural colors, etc.), but strongly support the suggestion to shop around. Daughter found an excellent florist, who she also LOVED working with, whose proposal was more than $1000 less than her next lowest bid for more and higher quality arrangements, in a high cost of living area ($1700 w/ tax & develiver vs. nearly $3000; that included her bouquet, 5 BMs & 2 FGs bouquets, 12 boutonnieres, 2 corsages, an extensive arch arrangement [that was repurposed on the Sweetheart table for the reception], 13 dinner centerpieces, 4 smaller centerpieces for the cocktail hour, flowers & ribbons on the ceremony chairs, rose petal aisle, cake florals, etc., etc. All flowers were roses and hydrangea.). Good luck!

I used Sola Wood flowers. I bought them undyed and dyed them all myself and arranged them all myself. I saved a lot of money! I paid $200 for everything and I made 8 bouquets, 16 boutonnieres and 6 corsages plus I have flowers left over still. Here is one of my bouquets.

Thank you! They were so much fun!

You can always do real for just your bouquet and fake for everything else? I personally am always a fan of fresh flowers but they can be pricey. You can do wood flowers or use greenery as an alternative too.