Silk vs. Deco Mesh vs. Faux Floral: Which Holds Up Best in Rain?

Rain is one of those things people don't think much about until their wreath is already hanging outside and a storm rolls in.

The good news is that a little wind-blown rain doesn't automatically ruin an artificial wreath. But some materials handle moisture better than others, and the construction of the entire wreath matters just as much as the main material.

Here's what I would look at before deciding where to hang yours.

Silk

When we talk about "silk flowers" today, we're usually talking about artificial flowers made to look like silk flowers rather than flowers made from natural silk.

Many use polyester or other synthetic materials.

That doesn't automatically make them waterproof, though. Some artificial florals are specifically made or treated for outdoor use, while others are intended primarily for indoor decorating.

An occasional splash of rain may not cause a problem, but repeated soaking can affect fabric petals, their shape, color, and some of the materials holding the arrangement together.

If you love the look of silk-style flowers, I'd give them some protection. A covered porch or even a decent overhang can make a big difference.

Deco Mesh

Deco mesh itself is one of the more rain-friendly materials commonly used in wreaths.

Poly mesh doesn't absorb water the way natural fabrics do, so light rain will generally bead up or pass through it rather than soaking deeply into the material.

But a deco mesh wreath isn't made from mesh alone.

It may also have wired ribbon, signs, florals, bows, ornaments, adhesives, and other decorative pieces. Those components may react to water differently than the mesh.

That's why I wouldn't call any deco mesh wreath "waterproof" simply because the mesh can handle moisture.

If yours does get wet, let the entire wreath dry completely before putting it into storage.

For more on taking care of this material, see our guide to caring for a deco mesh wreath.

Faux Floral

This is where things get a little complicated.

"Faux floral" isn't really one material. Artificial flowers and greenery can be made from polyester, plastic, polyethylene, foam, fabric, and combinations of several materials.

That means two faux floral wreaths can behave very differently in the rain.

Rigid plastic greenery, for example, may handle moisture extremely well. Fabric petals may need more protection. Foam, paper, painted decorations, wood pieces, adhesives, and other components can introduce additional weak points.

So instead of asking whether a faux floral wreath can get wet, look at what the individual pieces are actually made from.

So Which Material Handles Rain Best?

If we're talking about the primary wreath material alone, poly deco mesh is generally one of the safer choices around occasional moisture because it doesn't readily absorb water.

But there's an important catch: the rest of the wreath still matters.

A weather-resistant mesh wreath with a water-sensitive wooden sign isn't suddenly waterproof. The same is true of a floral wreath containing several different materials.

That's why I think the better question is:

What's the least weather-resistant material on the wreath?

That piece can determine how much protection the entire wreath needs.

If your front door gets regular direct rain with no overhead protection, I'd be much more selective about what hangs there. If you have a covered porch that only gets occasional wind-blown rain, you have considerably more flexibility.

Rain Isn't the Only Thing to Think About

Here in Texas, I'm actually more concerned about what weeks of strong sunlight can do to a wreath than I am about an occasional rain shower.

UV exposure can gradually fade ribbons, flowers, signs, and other decorative materials.

If your door gets several hours of direct sunlight, our tips for protecting a wreath from sun and heat are worth reading.

We also cover sun, rain, wind, storage, and material quality in How Long Does an Artificial Wreath Last Outdoors?

What Should You Do If Your Wreath Gets Wet?

First, don't panic over a little rain.

Move the wreath somewhere protected and let it air dry completely. Give dense bows, folds, flowers, and decorations enough airflow so moisture isn't sitting between layers.

And definitely don't put a damp wreath into a storage bag or container.

Once it's dry, take a quick look at the ribbons, florals, sign, and attachments. If everything still looks good, it's usually ready to go back on the door.

A Covered Porch Is Still Your Wreath's Best Friend

No artificial wreath material is completely immune to outdoor weather.

The more protection you can give your wreath from direct rain, harsh sunlight, and strong wind, the better chance it has of looking good season after season.

If you like the full, dimensional look of mesh, you can browse our deco mesh wreath collection.

Shop Deco Mesh Wreaths →