What to Call Artificial Flowers - Part 2: What do Floral Professionals Call Artificial Flowers?

In part 1 of this series, we noted that “artificial flowers” is the term people search most often online, but is it the right language for the professionally designed product you provide? Is it the right description when you are conducting an in-person wedding consultation? Is it the right way to describe how your designs transform a room in someone’s home?

We asked our community of followers so you could benefit from the insights of your colleagues.? “Which term do you use in marketing to your customers: silk flowers, faux flowers or permanent botanicals.” There was no clear champion with understanding and reason for each term.? (Though some commenters were more adamant than others!)

Some of you said you do echo back the term, “artificial.” You hear customers say “artificial,” and want to deliver on their request with relatable language. While others take the point of view that this is an opportunity to educate your customer.

Some of you see “silk” as a luxurious fabric that evokes the senses, while some of you view the term “silk” as dated and untrue.

One term that most designers avoid is “fake” due to its negativity. All agree it is important to be using a description that elevates your business and differentiates the quality you provide.

Other types of businesses, including mass marketers and international ecommerce vendors, sell “silk arrangements” and “fake flowers” reminds Tom Bowling, AIFD, PFCI. “It doesn’t have the panache to it!”

Further explaining his choice to use “permanent botanicals” he explains, “when you elevate what they are by the name – which costs you nothing – it’s just an easier sell. Bottom line.”

While “permanent botanicals” may not be a term known by all consumers, floral and event designers are on board with this description. To call them “permanent,” tells the customer the material is undying, and “botanicals” encompasses the botanically correct flowers and foliage.

“In production we are seeing things that are more botanically correct than you did at one point,” continues Bowling.

One thing is certain -- as the community of floral and event professionals, we are aligned in our mission to explain to customers the experience and design which professional designers deliver. However, like many things in life, there is more than one right answer!

Look out for part 3 of this series for a guide to help you determine which descriptive term is right for your business.

See original article on Pioneer Imports & Wholesale official website: https://www.pioneerwholesaleco.com/blog/company/what-to-call-artificial-flowers-part-2-what-do-floral-professionals-call-artificial-flowers.html

A collaboration between writer Laura Vitale and Sarah Botchick of Pioneer.