Bringing Your Wedding Bouquet Back From Hawaii: Is It Possible?

If you're planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, you might be wondering what to do with your bouquet after the big day. While some brides choose to preserve their bouquets as a keepsake, others may want to bring their flowers home. If you're considering the latter, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, plants and flowers usually need to be cleared by agricultural inspections when arriving from an international destination, and there is a risk they could be confiscated. You will also need to consider how to keep your flowers fresh during your travel home.

Preserving your wedding bouquet

Air Drying

Air drying is one of the simplest ways to preserve your wedding bouquet. Find a dry, warm, and dark space, such as a boiler room or airing cupboard. The best way to dry the bouquet is to separate the flowers and hang them individually to ensure proper air circulation. You can use coat hangers or set up clotheslines. Make hooks with florist's wire and carefully poke one end through the stems, keeping in mind that the stems will contract as they dry. It takes about four weeks for the flowers to fully dry. Check on them occasionally, as some flowers will dry faster than others.

Silica Gel

Another easy way to preserve your wedding bouquet is to use silica gel, a desiccant with a crystal texture that absorbs moisture. Cut the stems short and replace them with wires to speed up the drying process. Place the blooms on a layer of silica gel in a box, cover them completely with more gel, and seal the box. Check them after a few days. For even drying, separate the flowers into groups of similar sizes. This method will not preserve the flowers' perfect appearance for long, but it is a good option if you want to create a resin decoration.

Wax Dipping

Wax dipping is a temporary preservation method that will make your flowers look stunning for a few months. Take your bouquet apart and tidy the stems. Melt paraffin wax in a heat-resistant container long enough to dip your flowers. Have a vase or bucket ready to hold the dipped flowers. Allow the melted wax to cool slightly before dipping each flower, turning them carefully to remove excess wax. Double dipping will give you even better results. Dry the flowers upright to preserve them with open petals.

Freeze Drying

Freeze-drying is an excellent method to preserve your wedding bouquet, but it requires a freeze dryer or dehydrator. This method is not the cheapest, but it will give you exceptional results. Specialist florists offer this service, and they will guide you on how to prepare your flowers and the expected timeline.

Flower Pressing

Flower pressing is a simple way to preserve your wedding bouquet, although it will result in flat flowers rather than three-dimensional ones. You can use a flower press or place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book. Some flowers press better than others. More delicate blooms, such as poppies and buttercups, press well, while fuller flowers like peonies and roses may take longer and run the risk of rotting before they dry out. It usually takes between two and four weeks for the flowers to be fully pressed. Once pressed, you can create a botanical-style picture or preserve them in a book.

Resin Preservation

You can also preserve your wedding bouquet in epoxy resin, creating a timeless memento. First, trim and dry your bouquet, as moisture can cause rot and discolouration. Then, choose a silicone or HDPE mould that showcases your flowers effectively. Clean the mould with water or isopropyl alcohol, and mix the epoxy resin with a hardener. Pour the mixture into the mould, carefully observing for bubbles. Allow the resin to harden, arrange your flowers, and pour another layer. Continue adding layers until you reach the desired depth. Let the resin cure for at least three days before removing the preserved flowers from the mould. You can showcase your exquisite floral preservation block or use it as a thoughtful gift.

Shipping your bouquet back from Hawaii

If you're looking to preserve your wedding bouquet and bring it back home from Hawaii, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check with your airline and the USDA site for any restrictions or guidelines regarding transporting plants across states. You might also need to get your bouquet cleared by agricultural inspections upon arrival, and there is a possibility that your flowers could be confiscated.

If you're determined to bring your bouquet back, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to carry your bouquet onto the plane with you, wrapping the stems in damp paper towels and placing them in a plastic bag or foil. Alternatively, you could ship your bouquet overnight to a florist in Kauai who specialises in preserving wedding flowers in resin. This option ensures your bouquet is professionally preserved and can be admired for years to come.

If you decide to ship your bouquet, it's important to package it carefully to ensure the flowers stay fresh during transit. Here are some general tips for caring for Hawaiian flowers:

• Trim the stems: Cut about 1-2 inches off the stems at an angle every 2-3 days to help the flowers absorb water better.
• Use a clean vase: Wash the vase with soap and water to prevent bacteria growth.
• Change the water: Replace the water every 2-3 days with fresh, lukewarm water.

When shipping your bouquet, be sure to pack it carefully in a well-ventilated box with wet newspaper or paper towels to keep the flowers hydrated. It's also a good idea to choose a shipping service that offers tracking and guaranteed delivery times to ensure your bouquet arrives safely and on time.

Caring for your flowers

Flowers are delicate and sensitive to their environment. Here are some tips to ensure your wedding bouquet stays fresh during your trip back from Hawaii:

Before you leave

• Recut the flowers: Cut one to two inches off the stems at a 45-degree angle. This will help to extend their life and keep them fresh. Fill a shallow basin with water and cut the stems while they are submerged to prevent air from getting into the stem. Use sharp shears or scissors to avoid pinching the stem.
• Trim off any lower leaves: Remove any leaves that won't be part of your arrangement. This will prevent rot and the growth of mould or bacteria at the base of your bouquet.
• Wrap the stems with rubber bands: Keep your flowers in manageable bundles and preserve your arrangement.
• Wrap the flowers to keep them moist: Soak cotton wool in room-temperature water and wrap it around the stems. You can add a small amount of floral preservative to the water. Cover the cotton wool with plastic wrap to seal in the moisture and secure it with a rubber band.

During your trip

• Keep the flowers cool: Place your bouquet in a cool spot, such as the floor of the back seat.
• Secure the flowers correctly: Ensure the flowers are on a flat surface so they can stand upright in a vase or bucket.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Cool the car down with air conditioning before placing the flowers inside. Direct sunlight can cause flowers to wilt more quickly.
• Avoid sudden movements: Take turns slowly and avoid sharp turns or sudden stops to prevent your flowers from falling over and losing petals.
• Avoid stacking your flowers: Do not stack your bouquet on top of other items. Let it rest securely on the floor of the car.

When you arrive

• Unpack your flowers carefully: Place them in cold water immediately.
• Trim the stems regularly: Cut one to two inches off the stems every two to three days at an angle to help the flowers absorb water better.
• Use a clean vase: Wash the vase with soap and water to prevent bacteria growth.
• Change the water regularly: Replace the water every two to four days with fresh, lukewarm water.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your wedding bouquet stays fresh and beautiful during your trip back from Hawaii.

Hawaiian flower bouquets as a gift

Hawaiian flower bouquets are a vibrant and extraordinary gift, full of rich colours and intense fragrances. They are a wonderful way to bring a slice of paradise to your home or that of a loved one. With Hawaii's ideal growing conditions, the flowers stay fresh for longer, ensuring your bouquet will last.

There are many options for buying Hawaiian flower bouquets, with companies offering fresh flowers delivered straight to your door. Some companies even offer a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you can order with confidence. You can also order Hawaiian flower bouquets online from Etsy, with many sellers offering free shipping.

If you are looking for a more permanent gift, you can preserve your Hawaiian flower bouquet in resin. This way, you can admire your flowers forever and always have a piece of Hawaii in your home.

When ordering Hawaiian flower bouquets, it is important to keep in mind that shipping times may vary, and some companies may only deliver on certain days. It is also worth noting that there may be issues with bringing flowers back from Hawaii, as plants usually need to be cleared by agricultural inspections when arriving from an international destination.

Ordering flowers from Hawaii

If you're not based in Hawaii, there are a number of companies that can deliver Hawaiian flowers to you. Watanabe Floral, Inc. is a Honolulu-based florist that delivers Hawaiian flowers to the US mainland. They have been in business since 1946 and have been recognised as "Hawaii's Best Florist" every year since 2003.

The Bouqs Co. is another option, offering farm-fresh floral arrangements and same-day delivery in Hawaii. They work directly with farmers who use sustainable farming practices, allowing them to deliver flowers faster and fresher than older delivery methods.

Blooms of Hawaii also delivers fresh Hawaiian flowers from Hawaii to your door, nationwide. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and ship with FedEx to ensure flowers arrive fresh and on time.

If you're based in Hawaii, Watanabe Floral, Inc. and 1-800-Flowers offer flower delivery to various locations across the state, including Honolulu, Kauai, Kona, Hilo, and Wailea.

Frequently asked questions