Franklin Dean
Wedding flowers are often a significant part of the big day, and many couples choose to preserve their wedding bouquets to immortalize their special day. There are several ways to preserve wedding flowers, from DIY methods like pressing flowers in a book to professional services that can create resin decorations or paintings. Some couples opt for faux flowers or simple flower arrangements that can be easily preserved, while others focus on keeping their flowers fresh during the event with proper flower care and storage. The decision to preserve wedding flowers depends on personal preferences, practicality, and the desire to have a lasting memento of the celebration.
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What You'll Learn
Keeping wedding flowers fresh
Wedding flowers can be preserved in several ways, and many people choose to keep their wedding flowers as a memento. Here are some tips to keep wedding flowers fresh:
Before the Wedding
If you are arranging the flowers yourself, it is important to plan for their delivery 2-3 days before the wedding. This gives the flowers time to rehydrate and bloom. When they arrive, unpack them immediately and place them in a vase or container filled with fresh, room-temperature water and add flower food. If you don't have flower food, a little sugar or lemon-lime soda can be added to the water instead. You can also add a drop of bleach to the water to prevent bacterial growth. Flowers should be kept in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or sources of heat, such as appliances or vents.
On the Wedding Day
Keep the flowers in water between photos and the ceremony to prevent wilting. If you are using a bouquet, recut the stems at an angle and place them in warm water. This exposes their watering channels and helps them to drink. If you are using hydrangeas, dunk the heads in ice water 1-3 hours before arranging to perk them up.
After the Wedding
If you want to preserve your wedding flowers, there are several methods you can use. You can press the flowers by spreading them out on wax paper and placing them inside a heavy book to dry. You can also use epoxy resin to create a decoration that preserves your flowers in bloom. Alternatively, you can send your flowers to an artist who will create a bespoke artwork for you.
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DIY preservation methods
Preserving your wedding flowers is a great way to cherish your special day forever. Here are some DIY preservation methods to keep your wedding flowers:
Pressing
One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods to preserve your wedding flowers is by pressing them. Simply select the flowers you want to press and arrange them on parchment paper, wax paper, or clean coffee filters. Avoid using paper towels, as their texture can transfer onto the flowers. Place the arranged flowers inside a heavy book, like a dictionary, and then put another sheet of paper or coffee filter on top to prevent any ink from transferring onto the flowers. Close the book and place additional weights on top to help press the flowers. Once they are pressed to your liking, you can display them in a frame or use them in crafts.
Air-drying
Air-drying is another easy way to preserve your wedding flowers. First, remove any browning parts, torn petals, and extra leaves from the flowers. Then, tie a piece of string to each stem and hang the flowers upside down to dry in a dark, temperate area. Let the flowers air-dry for at least two weeks, or longer depending on the temperature. The color of the flowers will gradually fade, but they will still look nice displayed in a vase or hanging on a wall.
Silica Gel
Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture and acts as a drying agent. It is a more expensive option, but it helps to preserve the form and color of the flowers. Place the flowers stem-down into a pillow of silica gel crystals, or suspend them above the crystals and pour the crystals around them. Different flowers will dry at different rates, so check them periodically. Once the flowers are dry, you can arrange and frame them or cast them in resin.
Resin
Preserving flowers in resin requires first drying the flowers using either the air-drying method or silica gel dip. Then, fill a suitable container halfway with epoxy resin liquid and arrange the flowers in the fluid. Fill the container to the top and let it dry. This method creates a unique piece that can be displayed as coasters, paperweights, bookends, or stand-up letters.
Wax Dipping
Wax dipping is a traditional method of preserving flowers. First, melt paraffin wax in a pot and then dip each flower into the wax, avoiding any wilting flowers. Immediately hang the dipped flowers upside down to dry. Once dry, your flowers will be preserved for several months and can be displayed.
Painting
For a more artistic preservation method, you can paint your wedding flowers. Grab a canvas and create a piece that fits your individual style using any medium, such as charcoal, watercolor, or acrylic. Find a frame to match your artwork and showcase it in your home.
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Professional preservation services
There are many professional preservation services that can help you keep your wedding flowers forever. These services can transform your flowers into lifelong keepsakes that remind you of your special day.
One such service is Bloomsake, which offers both virtual and in-person consultations with floral preservation specialists. They can guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have. Bloomsake accepts pre-dried bouquets and can work with fresh flowers as long as they are not mouldy or rotten. They offer colour-enhancing as an additional upgrade option to match the dried flowers to their original vibrancy.
Another option is dbandrea, which offers bouquet preservation services for weddings and other special occasions. They use a proprietary technique that guarantees beautiful and lasting results. Many customers have praised the quality and attention to detail of their work, claiming that it is the best choice for flower preservation.
You can also find professionals on Google or Instagram who offer flower pressing services. This involves spreading the flowers on clean wax paper and arranging them inside the pages of a heavy book. After 7-10 days of drying, the flowers can be framed and displayed as artwork in your home.
If you're looking for a unique way to preserve your flowers, you can send them to an artist who can create resin decorations or jewellery trays with your wedding flowers. This method will keep your bouquet in bloom forever and make a gorgeous keepsake.
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Wedding flower checklist
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right flowers. A well-thought-out wedding flower checklist will ensure that you don't forget any important floral details and help you stay within your budget. Here is a comprehensive wedding flower checklist to guide you through the process:
Set a Budget:
Before diving into flower choices, it's crucial to first determine your budget. The average couple typically spends around 10% to 15% of their total wedding budget on flowers. Setting a clear budget will help you make informed decisions and ensure you don't overspend.
Choose a Florist:
It is recommended to hire a florist at least a year in advance, as the best florists tend to book up quickly. When choosing a florist, consider their expertise and creativity, as well as their ability to work within your budget and bring your floral vision to life.
Personal Flowers:
These are the flowers that will be carried or worn by the wedding party and close family members. Here is a detailed list of personal flowers to consider:
- Bride's bouquet
- Tossing bouquet
- Floral crown or hair blooms
- Bridesmaids' bouquets
- Flower girl petals or mini bouquet
- Groom's boutonnière
- Groomsmen boutonnières
- Corsages for mothers and grandmothers
- Boutonnières for fathers and grandfathers
- Officiant and ring bearer flowers
Ceremony Flowers:
Ceremony flowers are used to create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere for the exchange of vows. Here are some key ceremony flower arrangements to consider:
- Welcome table or entry florals
- Altar, arch, or chuppah flowers
- Aisle markers (chair or ground arrangements)
- Statement pieces to frame the aisle
- Flower petals for the guest toss
- Flower crowns for flower girls
- Floral collars for pets
Reception Flowers:
Reception flowers add a touch of elegance and colour to the celebration. Here are some key reception flower arrangements:
- Centerpieces for guest tables (low, tall, or mixed heights)
- Sweetheart or head table florals
- Chair decorations for the couple
- Cake flowers
- Buffet or food station décor
- Lounge area accents
- Powder room bud vases
- Cocktail table bud vases
- Bar arrangements
- Seating chart or escort card table florals
Flower Preservation:
If you want to preserve your wedding flowers as keepsakes, there are several methods you can choose from, such as pressing, epoxy resin, or wax preservation. Decide on a preservation method that aligns with your preferences and display options for your home.
Flower Care and Setup:
To ensure your flowers stay fresh and vibrant, proper flower care and setup are essential. Here are some key tips:
- Plan flower delivery 2-3 days before the event to allow flowers time to rehydrate and bloom.
- Store flowers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep flowers away from fruits and vegetables, as they emit ethylene gas, causing flowers to wilt.
- Change the water daily and add flower food or a drop of bleach to prevent bacterial growth.
- Remove leaves from stems that will be submerged in water to reduce bacterial growth.
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Displaying preserved flowers
Wedding flowers are often preserved as they hold sentimental value for many people. There are many ways to display preserved flowers, from simple DIY methods to professional services. Here are some ideas for displaying preserved wedding flowers:
Pressing Flowers
One popular method is to press the flowers. This can be done by selecting flowers from the bouquet and arranging them on parchment paper, wax paper, or clean coffee filters. Place them inside a heavy book, like a dictionary, with another sheet of paper or wax paper on top to prevent any ink from transferring to the flowers. Close the book and weigh it down with something heavy. Leave the flowers to dry for about 7 to 14 days. Once dry, you can frame the pressed flowers and display them as artwork.
Epoxy Resin Molds
Another option is to preserve your flowers using epoxy resin. This method involves submerging the flowers in epoxy resin molds, which can create fun objects like paperweights or jewelry. However, this technique requires some craft skills and preparation. It's important to act quickly with this method to ensure the flowers are preserved in the freshest state.
Wax Preservation
Wax preservation is a technique that can extend the life of your flowers for up to six months while maintaining their original integrity and color. This method involves dipping the flowers in paraffin wax, which is melted in boiling water and then cooled slightly.
Floral Preservation Services
There are also professional floral preservation services that can transform your wedding flowers into wearable keepsakes, such as jewelry, lockets, necklaces, earrings, coasters, and keychains. These services offer custom designs and can incorporate other wedding items, like invitations, to create a truly personalized memento.
Displaying at Home
If you choose to preserve your wedding flowers through pressing or resin molds, you can display them in various ways in your home. Consider framing your pressed flowers and hanging them on the wall, or displaying resin-preserved flowers as paperweights or decorative objects on shelves or tables.
Preserving wedding flowers is a special way to cherish the memories of your big day, and displaying them in your home allows you to enjoy their beauty long after the event.
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Frequently asked questions
To keep your wedding flowers fresh, plan to have them delivered 2-3 days before your event so they have time to rehydrate. When they arrive, remove any plastic wrap and strip the leaves from the stems that will be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth. Change the water daily, and add flower food or a drop of bleach per gallon of water to prevent bacteria. Keep the flowers in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, and away from direct sunlight or sources of heat.
There are several ways to preserve wedding flowers, including pressing, waxing, or using epoxy resin. Pressing involves arranging the flowers on clean wax paper and placing them inside the pages of a heavy book for 7-10 days. Waxing involves dipping the flowers in paraffin wax to extend their life for up to six months. Using epoxy resin involves arranging the flowers in a mold filled with fluid and letting it dry. Other methods include using silica gel or shadow boxes.
There are several ways to display preserved wedding flowers. You can frame them, create a shadow box, or display them in a blank frame with your wedding invite. You can also incorporate them into home decor items such as resin ring holders, jewelry trays, or artwork.
