Rhiannon Hendricks
Lavender is a popular choice for weddings, with its fragrant scent and purple hue, it is a versatile flower that can be used fresh or dried. It is also inexpensive and long-lasting, making it a great option for couples looking to add a unique and memorable touch to their special day. But how long does lavender last for a wedding? Well, that depends on how you use it. Fresh-cut lavender can last about a week in water, while dried lavender can retain its scent for upwards of 10 years when stored correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time for a lavender wedding | June or July, during the lavender bloom |
| Ideal wedding theme | Summer |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, out of heat and sunlight |
| Storage temperature | Room temperature |
| Storage duration | Up to 10 years |
| Use cases | Bouquets, boutonnieres, wedding toss, wedding favours, decor, cocktails, wedding cake, aisle decoration, engagement photo props, thank-you notes, place cards |
| Amount | 1 pound of dried lavender for 50 guests |
| Preparation time | Make sachets and favours right before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
How to store lavender before a wedding
If you're planning to incorporate lavender into your wedding, you'll want to ensure it stays fresh and fragrant for the big day. Here are some tips on how to store lavender before your wedding to make it last:
Choose the Right Storage Location:
Store your lavender in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Keep it in a well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria. If you have bouquets, store them standing upright to avoid flattening on one side.
Timing is Key:
Lavender is at its fragrant best when used fresh. If you're using fresh lavender, cut the stems about an inch above the woody part of the plant and hang them upside down to dry for about two weeks. Then, you can flip them upright and put them in a vase. However, if you're making sachets or favours with dried lavender, it's best to do this closer to the wedding to preserve the fragrance.
Order in Advance:
It's recommended to order your lavender products at least two weeks before the wedding. This allows time for shipping and ensures you have the items in hand well before the event. Once you receive them, keep them stored in a cool, dry place, and tape the box back up after inspecting the contents.
Amount to Order:
When ordering lavender, consider ordering more than you expect to use. People love the fragrance and often use more than planned. It's better to have extra lavender on hand than to run out. Additionally, consider ordering extra ribbon for favours or decorations, as you may need more than you initially estimated.
Storage for Fresh Lavender:
If you're using fresh lavender, cut the lavender stems about a week before the wedding and place them in water in a cool, dark space. This will help them stay fresh until your wedding day.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your lavender remains fresh and fragrant for your wedding, adding a unique and memorable touch to your special day.
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Using lavender in wedding bouquets
Lavender is a versatile flower that can be used in many ways for a wedding, including in bridal bouquets and bridesmaid bouquets. It is one of the easiest plants to grow and thrives in dry and hot conditions with lots of sun and minimal watering.
Lavender is in season during June and July, making it perfect for a summer wedding. It is also available dried, which can be purchased or DIY, and will last for years. To dry lavender, cut each stem about an inch above the woody part of the plant, group 50 stems together with an elastic, and hang them upside down for about two weeks.
When using fresh lavender, it is best to cut the lavender a week before the wedding and store it in water in a cool, dark place. This will help it stay fresh until the wedding day. To transport fresh lavender bouquets, wrap the stems with floral wire and green floral tape to prevent them from drooping during travel.
Lavender pairs well with other soft, pastel summer flowers, such as peonies and roses, and can be mixed with larger blooms. It also complements rustic and garden-style arrangements. For a unique touch, consider using a single-bloom lavender bouquet.
In addition to bouquets, lavender can be incorporated into the wedding in many other ways. It can be used as boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, aisle decorations, wedding favours, and even as an ingredient in signature drinks and culinary decorations.
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Dried lavender as wedding favours
Dried lavender is a versatile flower that can be used at weddings all year round. It is a great way to add a unique touch to your special day and create meaningful memories. Here are some tips and ideas for using dried lavender as wedding favours:
Timing and Storage:
Dried lavender will stay beautiful for years when stored correctly. To ensure your dried lavender is at its fragrant best, make the favours right before the wedding. Store dried lavender in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from heat and sunlight to preserve its colour and fragrance.
Quantity and Presentation:
Plan for about a tablespoon of dried lavender per guest. One pound of dried lavender should be sufficient for 50 guests. However, it is better to have more than you expect to use as guests often take more than one favour. For paper cones used for wedding toss, use about half a cup of lavender per cone. Get creative with the presentation! You can use ribbon to tie bows around the favours or try making your own muslin sachets with your wedding logo or names.
Enhancing Fragrance:
To enhance the fragrance of dried lavender, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your dried arrangements. This will make the lavender scent stronger and more noticeable for your guests. You can also squeeze or crush the flowers to release their scent.
Alternative Uses:
In addition to wedding favours, dried lavender has a variety of other uses at weddings. It can be used as a romantic and eco-friendly alternative to confetti or rice for guests to shower the newlyweds. Dried lavender buds can also be added to cocktails for a light and sweet floral flavour, perfect for springtime nuptials. For a unique touch, decorate your wedding cake with delicate lavender pieces or even infuse the flavour into the dessert itself.
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Using lavender in wedding decor
Lavender is a versatile flower that can be used to create a unique and memorable wedding experience. It is one of the easiest plants to grow and can be used fresh or dried, making it accessible all year round. Here are some ideas for incorporating lavender into your wedding decor:
Bouquets and Boutonnieres: Lavender is perfect for bridal bouquets, adding a rustic, garden-style feel. It pairs well with soft, pastel summer flowers like peonies, roses, and ranunculus, as well as larger blooms. For a unique touch, consider a single-bloom lavender bouquet. Lavender can also be used as boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, especially when mixed with other rustic and garden-style plants.
Aisle and Altar Decor: Decorate your aisle with fresh lavender blooms mixed in with greenery to create a fragrant and romantic walkway. For a whimsical look, consider a lavender-covered altar structure, especially if purple is your favourite colour.
Wedding Toss: Instead of rice or confetti, provide your guests with dried lavender buds to shower you with as you exit your ceremony. Lavender is not only eco-friendly but also smells wonderful and won't hurt when thrown. It's a great choice for weddings in any season, as dried lavender bunches come in a range of colours.
Cocktails and Cake: Add a light and sweet floral flavour to your cocktails by infusing them with lavender. This is especially perfect for springtime weddings. You can also decorate your wedding cake with delicate lavender pieces or even infuse the flavour into the dessert itself.
Favours and Gifts: Lavender sachets or eco-friendly lavender soap bars make unique and useful wedding favours. The scent of lavender will evoke memories of your happy occasion. You can also tie sachets to thank-you notes or other wedding giveaways.
Place Settings: Surprise your guests by nestling their place cards in boxes of dried lavender buds. This adds an unexpected touch of fragrance to your reception tables.
Preserving Lavender: To preserve the scent of your dried lavender, store it in a cool, dry place, and keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. You can also add lavender essential oil to the flowers to rejuvenate the scent.
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Incorporating lavender into wedding drinks
If you're looking to incorporate lavender into your wedding drinks, there are several ways to do so, from simple non-alcoholic options to cocktails.
One of the simplest ways is to make lavender lemonade, which can be served as a non-alcoholic option or spiked with vodka, tequila, or champagne for a fun twist. To make lavender lemonade, you'll need freshly squeezed lemon juice, culinary lavender, honey, sugar, and water. Combine these ingredients in a large pitcher, adjusting the amounts to your taste preferences. You can also add a few drops of blue or purple food coloring to enhance the color. Serve the drink over ice, and you're good to go!
For something a little more complex, you can try your hand at crafting cocktails with lavender simple syrup. This syrup can be used in a variety of cocktails, adding a unique herbal aroma and flavor. One option is to make a twist on the classic Margarita by combining tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and a splash of lavender simple syrup. You can also create a refreshing spring cocktail by mixing lavender simple syrup with vodka, lemon juice, and triple sec for a citrusy lavender vodka cocktail. If you're feeling fancy, garnish the rim of the glass with sugar.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated option, consider a cocktail featuring lavender gin or lavender bitters. The Violet Gin Fizz, for example, combines lavender gin with ice, chilled sparkling water, and other ingredients for a delightful lavender cocktail. Alternatively, you can add a few dashes of Scrappy's Lavender Bitters to a traditional Old Fashioned or a classic or fresh strawberry margarita.
When preparing lavender-based drinks, it's important to note that fresh lavender is typically preferred, as dried lavender may not have a strong fragrance. Additionally, it's always a good idea to have more lavender on hand than you expect to use, as guests often appreciate the fragrance and may even take some home as favors.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh lavender can be left out of water for a long time without wilting, but it will only last about a week in water.
Dried lavender will keep its colour for years unless it is in the sun. It will keep a strong fragrance for an entire season, but when stored and cared for correctly, dried lavender can last upwards of 10 years.
Make the lavender favours right before the wedding so they are at their fragrant best.
Lavender rice should be used immediately after making it.
Lavender confetti should be used on the day of the wedding.
