Rhiannon Hendricks
Pressing your wedding bouquet is a popular way to preserve your flowers and create a meaningful keepsake. Many couples opt for professional services, which involve sending the bouquet to a company that carefully presses and frames the flowers. These services can be costly, so some people choose to press their own bouquets, which can be a fun DIY project. Pressed flowers can be used in various ways, such as creating wearable jewellery or decorative art pieces. The process of pressing flowers involves disassembling the bouquet, carefully pressing the petals and flowers, and then reassembling and framing them. This process requires time and patience, but the result is a beautiful reminder of a special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $50-$400 depending on the size and type of flowers |
| Time | 12-24 weeks |
| Shipping | Shipping boxes are available for purchase, or you can use your own box with a prepaid shipping label |
| Customization | Frame size, color, glass type, design preferences, and customizations are available |
| Updates | Bi-weekly updates through email and the Pressed Floral app |
| DIY | Requires craft acumen, but can be done using a book or microwave method |
| Businesses | Pressed Floral, Pressed Bouquet Shop, Modern Pressed Flower, Paper and Petals, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Pressing your own wedding bouquet
Pressing your wedding bouquet is a great way to preserve your special day and can be a fun post-wedding project. It is also a way to save some money, as professional pressing services can be expensive. However, it is a time-consuming process that requires some skill and preparation.
There are a few different methods for pressing flowers. One simple way is to place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book and let them dry naturally. You can also hang the bouquet upside down to air-dry, but this method works best when the flowers are hung separately, rather than in a bunch. If you want to press the whole bouquet, you may need to take it apart petal by petal and then reconstruct it once it's dry. You could also try a combination of both methods, pressing some flowers whole and taking others apart.
It's important to act quickly, as flowers will start to wilt and discolour soon after the wedding. Pressing them when they're fresh will give the best results, and you can start the process as early as the day after your wedding. You should also be aware that some colours press better than others: purple, pink and blue flowers tend to press well, while white flowers may turn a golden hue.
There are also kits available to buy, which can make the process easier. These kits often include items such as tweezers and glue, which can be used to secure the flowers in place.
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Using a professional service
There are many professional services that can help you preserve your wedding bouquet. This is a good option if you want to avoid the time and effort of a DIY project, or if you want a more complex preservation method that requires craft expertise.
Pressed Floral is a popular nationwide service that offers custom art pieces. You can drop off your blooms at one of their shop locations, or ship them using a prepaid label. They offer regular updates throughout the process via their app, and the final product is shipped to you. The turnaround time is between 12 and 24 weeks.
Element Design is another well-reviewed business that offers pressed floral frames and resin flower keepsakes. They also provide digital recreations of your bouquet, which are sent to you within 8-10 weeks.
If you're in Canada, you can check out Paper and Petals on Instagram. They offer flower pressing and preservation services and accept PayPal.
There are also many local florists and small businesses that offer bouquet preservation services. You can search for these on Google or Instagram, or ask your local florist for recommendations.
When using a professional service, it's important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. Costs will depend on the size of your final piece and the complexity of the preservation method. Professionals will need to receive your bouquet within a few days of your wedding, while the flowers are still fresh.
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Choosing a frame
There are several options to consider when choosing a frame for your pressed wedding bouquet. Firstly, you should consider the size of the frame and where you plan to display it. Understanding the dimensions of the space where you will hang your bouquet can help guide your selection. For example, if you want to display your bouquet on a mantle, you may opt for a smaller, more delicate frame, whereas if you plan to hang it on a large wall, a bigger frame may be more suitable.
You can also choose between a floating frame style or a mat backing. Floating frames are more popular, as they give the impression that the flowers are "floating". This style involves placing the flowers between two panes of glass, without a solid background, so the flowers can be seen from both sides. Mat backing, on the other hand, involves placing the flowers on a mat board and securing them with a top glass pane. This provides a solid background but may not be as visually impactful as a floating frame.
Another factor to consider is the rabbet depth of the frame. The rabbet depth is the recess on the back of the frame where the glass, mat, and artwork sit. It is important to choose a frame with the correct rabbet depth to accommodate the thickness of the pressed flowers and any spacers. Spacers can be added to create a gap between the flowers and the glass, preventing compression and allowing for better air circulation.
Additionally, you may want to consider a frame with UV protective glass, which will prevent the colours of your flowers from fading over time. Sealed frames can also protect your flowers from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Finally, you can customise your frame by choosing the design style, frame colour, and glass type. Some companies offer colour correction for pressed flowers to add a natural tint to the petals and leaves to combat the fading process.
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Flower preservation methods
Preserving flowers is an art that dates back to colonial times. It is a popular practice as preserved flowers can be enjoyed for many years. There are several ways to preserve flowers, from simple methods like air drying to more complex processes like using silica gel or a microwave. Here are some detailed flower preservation methods:
Air Drying/ Hanging
Air drying is one of the simplest and best methods for preserving flowers. It involves suspending flowers upside down in a warm, dry, and dark place, allowing moisture to drain downwards. This method helps the blooms retain their fullness and plumpness even when completely dry. It is important to ensure good air circulation and protect the delicate flowers from being knocked. This process can take up to four weeks, and the flowers should be checked regularly.
Pressing
Pressing flowers is another common preservation technique. It involves spreading out the flowers between sheets of unglazed paper, such as newspaper, so that the petals do not overlap. A heavy object, like a book, is then placed on top to press the flowers. This process typically takes two to four weeks, and the dried flowers are very delicate and should be handled carefully.
Silica Gel
Silica gel is a granular compound that absorbs moisture rapidly, making it an effective method for preserving flowers. It can be easily found in nurseries and garden centers. Flowers dried with silica gel tend to retain their colors better than with other methods. Most plants will dry within 36 to 48 hours, and the silica gel can be reused.
Microwave
Microwaving flowers is a newer preservation method that involves drying them between layers of kitchen towels, using short bursts of heat. This technique requires careful attention as different flower species vary in moisture content, density, and texture. It is a quick way to press flowers, but due to its novelty, there is limited information available.
Resin Preservation
Another method to preserve flowers is by using resin. This method involves encasing the flowers in resin, preserving their beauty and creating a durable and elegant keepsake.
These are just a few of the many flower preservation methods available. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on personal preference, the type of flowers, and the desired end result.
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Displaying pressed flowers
There are several ways to display pressed flowers from your wedding bouquet. One popular method is to frame them, either on their own or with your wedding invitation. You can also create a floating frame by laying out your design backward and carefully adding the frame backing before displaying it. You may need glue or double-sided tape to secure your flowers to the back of the glass if your frame is not tight enough.
Another option is to hire an artist to paint a picture of your flowers or wedding day to hang on your wall. This can be a beautiful way to preserve your memories and create a unique piece of art. You can also press flowers using a microwave method, which is quicker than traditional pressing and helps flowers retain their color. However, some people have reported that this method can make flowers excessively moist, leading to mold issues.
If you want to try the microwave method, lay your stems on a paper towel, spacing them out evenly. Once you have the stems laid out, put the paper towel on a piece of cardboard. You can also use a household iron to press flowers, but this method is less preferred as the quality may not be as good. With this method, you can use parchment paper to sandwich the flowers and position them before ironing.
When choosing flowers to press, select fresh, flat, and dry flowers. Avoid flowers with thick petals or stems, as these can be more prone to mold or staining. It is also important to make sure your flowers are completely dry before pressing, as wet or damp flowers can become moldy. You can experiment with different pressing techniques to see which one works best for you and your chosen flowers.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to press your flowers while they're still fresh, so ideally, you should start the process within a few days of your wedding.
The time it takes to press flowers depends on the method used. Pressing flowers by putting them between sheets of paper or cardboard can take one to two weeks, while microwave pressing can be done in an afternoon. If you send your bouquet to a professional service, the turnaround time can range from eight to twenty-four weeks.
The cost of pressing your wedding bouquet will depend on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. The price of a professional service depends on factors such as the size of the bouquet and the final framed piece. A small framed bouquet can cost between $300 and $400, while larger pieces can cost more.
