How To Dry And Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet

Wedding flowers are an integral part of any ceremony, but what happens to them after the celebrations? Many couples like to preserve their wedding bouquets as a memento, and there are several ways to do this. From professional preservation services to DIY methods, there are plenty of options to keep your flowers looking beautiful long after your wedding day.

Hang flowers upside down to dry

Hanging flowers upside down to dry is one of the easiest ways to dry and preserve your wedding bouquet. This method helps to maintain the flowers' form while they dry and allows air to circulate around the petals, stems, and leaves, preventing mould and mildew.

To hang your wedding bouquet upside down to dry, start by removing any browning parts of the flowers, torn petals, and extra leaves. Then, tie a piece of string to each stem. Hanging the flowers individually will help keep them in the best shape. Choose a dry, dark, and temperate area, such as an attic, closet, or unused room, for hanging the flowers. Ideally, the space should be well-ventilated, dark, and warm, with good airflow. Too much heat can cause the flowers to become brittle and more vulnerable to breakage, so room temperature is best.

Once you have chosen a suitable location, hang your flowers upside down and leave them to dry for about two weeks or longer, depending on the temperature and humidity of the room. The flowers should be completely dry before you take them down. You can then display your dried wedding bouquet in a vase or create a wreath or other decorative items with the dried flowers.

If you want to add extra protection to your dried flowers, you can spray them with unscented hairspray or an artist fixative spray. This will help prevent the flowers from crumbling too easily and will give them some protection from moisture.

Press flowers in a book

Pressing your wedding flowers is a great way to preserve your bouquet and add a new piece of artwork to your home. It is a simple process that only takes an afternoon to get started, and you can use a book you already own.

How to Press Flowers Using a Book:

Prepare Your Flowers:

• Pick flowers that are close to full bloom, and avoid ones with blemishes or dark spots.
• If you are using flowers from a bouquet, keep them in water until you are ready to press them. Cut stems at an angle and change the water daily.
• For thicker flowers, consider splitting them in half or separating the petals before pressing.

Arrange Flowers:

• Place your flowers on a sheet of absorbent paper, such as parchment paper, thin cardboard, or coffee filters. Avoid paper towels as they can leave imprints on your flowers.
• Try to press flowers of similar varieties or thicknesses together, leaving at least 3/4 inch of space between them.
• If you want to press an entire bouquet, pluck off individual petals from bigger flowers or group flowers with multiple individual flowers, like hydrangeas or delphiniums.

Cover Flowers and Close the Book:

• Place another sheet of absorbent paper on top of the flowers.
• Close the book and put something heavy on top, like a skillet or more books, to help with the pressing process.

Let the Flowers Dry:

• Leave the flowers to dry for about two weeks. If they still aren't fully dry, repeat the process.
• Once dry, carefully remove the flowers from the paper and display them in a frame or a phone case, or get creative with some decoupaging.

Use silica gel to preserve flowers

Preserving a wedding bouquet is a great way to keep a beautiful memento of your special day. Using silica gel is one of the best methods to keep your flowers true to their original form and colour. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Flowers and Silica Gel

• For the best quality, use fresh flowers. Pick flowers straight from your garden or buy a seasonal bouquet from a local florist or grocery store.
• Note: Silica gel consists of blue and white crystals that act as a desiccant, absorbing moisture from the flowers.
• As silica gel is non-toxic, it is recommended to wear a mask and gloves when handling the product to avoid inhaling any fine dust.

Step 2: Place the Flowers in an Airtight Container

• Pour a layer of silica gel about 1.5 inches thick into an airtight plastic or metal container.
• Gently place your flowers face-up on top of the silica gel. Try not to overcrowd the container to avoid damaging the flowers when removing them later.
• Slowly pour more silica gel over your flowers, ensuring that the crystals nestle into the petals and around the flower stems. Do not submerge the flowers completely.
• Seal the container and set it aside in a dry place.

Step 3: Allow the Flowers to Dry

• Depending on the thickness of the flower buds and stems, leave the flowers in the silica gel for 2-7 days.
• Blooms with thicker centres, like rosebuds or zinnias, will take closer to 7 days to fully dry.
• You can also use the microwave method for faster results. Place the container with flowers in the microwave (without a lid) along with a glass of water. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until dry, which usually takes 1-3 minutes.

Step 4: Remove and Display the Preserved Flowers

• Once the flowers are completely dry, remove them from the silica gel and gently brush off any excess crystals with a soft paintbrush.
• You can use hairspray or an artist fixative spray to protect your flowers from moisture and fading.
• Display your preserved wedding bouquet in a shadow box or picture frame.

Tips and Tricks:

• For optimal results, dry flowers of the same type together. If drying different flowers together, regularly check the container and remove any flowers that are already dry.
• Silica gel is reusable. To reactivate the gel, spread the crystals on an oven-safe pan and heat at 250°F until the pink crystals turn blue again.
• If you want to preserve the entire rose or flower with its stem, it is best to remove the stem and only place the flower head in the silica gel. You can reattach the stem with floral wire once the flower is dry.
• For lighter-coloured flowers, expect some yellowing over time.
• Silica gel can be purchased at most craft stores and typically costs between $10 and $30, depending on the quantity.

Display dried flowers in a frame

Preserving a wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to commemorate a special day. Dried flowers can be displayed in a frame to create a stunning piece of botanical art. Here are the steps to achieve this:

Prepare the Flowers:

Select flowers with thin petals, such as cosmos, pansies, daisies, or poppies, as these are easier to press and less prone to mould. Pick flowers at their peak, avoiding the morning dew, and keep them out of direct sunlight and heat. Alternatively, use flowers from your wedding bouquet.

Create a Homemade Press:

Use cardboard, newspapers, paper towels, coffee filters, waxed paper, or heavy books to create a press. Place the flowers between absorbent paper, arranging them in the desired shape. Layer additional sheets of paper on either side to absorb moisture.

Apply Weight:

Use a flat, heavy object, such as a board or stack of books, to weigh down the flowers and press out moisture. This step is crucial for successful preservation.

Drying Time:

Leave the flowers undisturbed for 2-3 weeks to ensure they are completely dry. This process may take longer, depending on the temperature and humidity.

Styling and Framing:

Once dried, gently remove the flowers and plan your arrangement. Use a small amount of glue or double-sided tape to secure the flowers to the backing or mat of your chosen frame. Select a frame that complements your style and showcases your dried bouquet.

Display:

Hang your framed flowers on the wall or prop them up on an easel. You can also add a ribbon from your wedding bouquet as a decorative touch.

Additional Tips:

• If you're short on time, you can use a microwave to speed up the drying process. Place the flowers between wax paper and paper towels, then microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid burning.
• To enhance the colour preservation of your flowers, dry them in a dark, temperate area.
• If you want to preserve the stems, consider using the air-drying method by hanging the flowers upside down individually.

Dip flowers in wax

Wax-dipping is a great way to preserve your wedding bouquet, although it should be noted that this method is not permanent. Your flowers will last for up to six months, but they will retain their original shape and colour.

How to Dip Flowers in Wax

To dip flowers in wax, you will need paraffin wax, a heat source, a container for melting the wax, and a sheet of wax paper or newspaper to catch any drips. You can use a double boiler, or a large saucepan with a smaller metal pot or bowl inside.

First, cut the paraffin wax into small pieces and melt it in the double boiler or saucepan. Stir the wax constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once melted, turn the heat down to low.

Next, prepare your flowers by removing any dead or wilted petals or leaves. Cut the stems to a length of around 8-10 inches, and tie a piece of string to each stem.

Now you're ready to dip! Holding a flower by its stem, dip it into the melted wax until it is completely and evenly coated. Use the string to hang the flower to dry, or place it upright in a vase. Repeat this process for all of your flowers.

Once the flowers are dry, carefully remove one and dip the stem in the wax, swirling it until it is completely covered. Lay the flower on a sheet of wax paper to dry. Repeat for all of your flowers.

Tips for Success

• If you are using a heat source with an open flame, take extreme precautions. Use the lowest heat setting and do not leave the wax unattended.
• The ideal temperature for the wax is 100° F (37° C). If the wax is too hot, the flowers will wilt, and if it is too cool, it will look cloudy.
• If you are using a microwave to melt the wax, melt it in short increments to prevent overheating.
• If you are preserving roses, the best time to dip them in wax is at the end of their shelf life when they are in full bloom.
• You can use paraffin wax or soy wax. Soy wax has a lower melting point and is easier to clean up.
• Waxed flowers will last longer if you feed the live flowers a solution of two parts warm tap water to one part glycerin for 3-5 days before dipping.

Frequently asked questions