Lyla Dejesus
Preserving a wedding bouquet is a great way to keep a memento of your special day. There are many ways to dry your bouquet, from pressing flowers in a book to dipping them in wax or silica gel. The time it takes to dry a wedding bouquet varies depending on the method used, but it typically takes around two weeks. Some methods, such as air-drying, may take longer if the temperature is cool. It's important to keep your flowers hydrated during and after the wedding and to start the drying process as soon as possible. With the right care, you can preserve your wedding bouquet and enjoy it for years to come.
Characteristics and Values Table for Drying a Wedding Bouquet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Leave flowers to dry for at least a week, or longer if it's cool. For best results, dry flowers within a few days. |
| Hanging | Hang flowers upside down in a dry location away from direct sunlight to preserve colour and shape. |
| Pressing | Place flowers in a heavy book like a dictionary or textbook with wax paper for 7-10 days. |
| Silica Gel | Submerge flowers in silica gel in a large container for a few weeks. |
| Wax | Melt paraffin wax and dip flowers, turning slowly to remove excess wax. |
| Freeze Drying | A professional method that gives exceptionally good results but is not the cheapest option. |
| Flowers | Choose flowers that will dry well, such as sweet peas, cornflowers, poppies, and buttercups. |
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What You'll Learn
Hanging flowers to dry
Prepare the Flowers:
First, cut the flowers to fit into your chosen container. Remove any unwanted leaves and side buds from the stems. Leave some stems on the flowers if you wish to hang the bouquet after drying.
Choose a Hanging Method:
You can hang the flowers upside down using a string and a stick, hanger, driftwood, copper pole, or a hook. Ensure that the hanging mechanism is sturdy enough to hold the flowers for an extended period. Alternatively, you can use a silicone form and epoxy resin to create a mould for hanging.
Select a Location:
Choose a location that is out of the way, dark, and receives minimal light. Direct sunlight will cause the flowers to fade, so a closet or a room with minimal lighting is ideal.
Hang the Flowers:
Tie the flowers together using string or twine. Secure the other end of the string to your chosen hanging mechanism. Hang the flowers in the selected location, ensuring they are not disturbed.
Drying Time:
The flowers will take around three to four weeks to dry completely. The duration may vary depending on the density and type of flowers in your bouquet.
Protection and Display:
Once the flowers are dry, take them down and protect them with a light coat of unscented hairspray. You can now display your dried wedding bouquet in a location that does not receive direct sunlight to prevent fading. Enjoy your preserved bouquet!
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Using silica gel
To dry flowers with silica gel, start by keeping the flowers as fresh as possible. Keep them in fresh water and in a cool place such as a basement or garage. Avoid touching the flowers more than necessary and wear gloves while handling them to avoid bruises, which can become apparent once the flowers come into contact with resin.
Next, trim the stems of the flowers at the base so that you have just the heads of the flowers. Place the flowers face-up in a container and pour a thin layer of silica gel into the bottom of the container. Very slowly and carefully pour a small amount of silica gel evenly beside each flower to support the weight of the flower and maintain its shape while it dries. Once there is a little layer of silica gel holding the outside of the flower, slowly pour a small amount inside the flower, being careful not to squish any petals. Continue to alternate with this technique. This way, the level of silica gel will raise fairly evenly on the outside compared to the inside.
Completely cover the first layer of flowers in silica gel. Next, place another layer of flowers and repeat as many layers as will fit in your container. Ensure the lid is on and sealed. Then, leave the flowers to dry for at least 3 weeks. To remove the silica gel, tip the container to pour the silica gel into another container. As the flowers are uncovered, carefully scoop your hand underneath them, turn them upside down and gently shake to remove the excess silica gel. If any flowers are not quite dry, put them back in for another week.
It is recommended to wear a dust mask, gloves and, ideally, a respirator when working with silica gel.
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Wax dipping
Wax-dipping is a popular method for preserving wedding flowers and can be done at home as a DIY project. It is not a permanent preservation method, but it will extend the life of your flowers for up to six months, maintaining their original integrity and colour.
To begin the wax-dipping process, you will need to prepare your flowers. Choose flowers that are in good condition, preferably with sturdy petals and at their peak freshness and beauty. Remove any excess foliage, thorns, and damaged parts from the flowers, including any wilting petals and browning stems. You can also trim the stems to your desired length.
The next step is to melt your wax. You can use paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax, which is known for giving flowers a shiny, flexible appearance. Melt the wax in a heat-resistant container over low heat, either in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe container in short intervals. If you are using soy wax, buying it flaked will make it easier to melt.
Once your wax is liquified and smooth, allow it to cool slightly. You can then start dipping your flowers. Hold the flower by the stem and carefully dip and submerge the bloom into the wax. Keep the flower submerged for a few seconds, gently twisting the stem to ensure an even coating. Let any bubbles escape, then slowly remove the flower from the wax, allowing any excess to drip off. You can use a wooden skewer or floral pick to help with this process. For best results, dip each flower individually, and consider double-dipping for an even better coating.
After dipping, dry your flowers upright in a vase so that they are preserved with the petals open. You can also hang them upside down to dry, but be aware that exposure to direct sunlight may cause the flowers to fade. Wax-preserved flowers are relatively fragile, so handle them gently to avoid damage.
Your wax-dipped flowers will maintain their appearance for a few months, providing a beautiful reminder of your special day.
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Pressing flowers in a book
Preserving a wedding bouquet is a fun DIY activity to do with your partner. One of the easiest and cheapest methods is to press the flowers in a book. This method lets you get creative with the arrangement and make a piece of art you can hold onto forever.
To press flowers in a book, start by selecting flowers from your bouquet and arranging them however you desire on a sheet of parchment paper, wax paper, or clean coffee filters. Avoid using paper towels since their texture can transfer onto your flowers when pressed. Place the flowers on a sheet of paper, then put another sheet of paper on top to create a sandwich of flowers and paper. Then, place the arrangement in the middle of a heavy book like a dictionary or an encyclopedia, ensuring that the weight of the book is pressing the flowers completely flat. Put another heavy book or a weight on top to add more pressure. Leave the flowers to dry for about two weeks, and if necessary, repeat these steps if they still aren't fully dry.
The drying time will depend on the thickness of the petals and the environment. For thicker flowers, you may need to wait up to four weeks. Drying flowers quickly can help preserve their colour, so consider placing the book in a warm, dry place. You can also use a microwave or an oven to speed up the drying process, but be cautious as too much heat can cook or scorch the flowers.
Once the flowers are fully dried, you can remove them from the book and create a unique piece of art. You can arrange the flowers within a glass frame or create a paperweight with epoxy resin.
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Using a professional service
Choosing a Professional Service
Firstly, you'll need to decide which professional service to use. You can either opt for a florist who offers preservation services or a dedicated flower preservation company. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable company with experience in wedding bouquet preservation. You can read online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family members, or even consult your wedding planner or florist for suggestions.
Types of Preservation Services
There are several methods that professionals may use to preserve your wedding bouquet. Here are some of the most common techniques:
- Air-drying: This method involves hanging the bouquet upside down in a dry, dark spot. Professionals can ensure optimal conditions for air-drying, minimising the risk of mould or discolouration.
- Pressing: Pressing involves flattening the flowers and preserving them between sheets of wax paper. Professionals can artfully arrange the flowers to create a visually appealing composition before pressing. This method is often used to create framed artwork or paperweights.
- Submerging in silica gel or crystals: This technique involves submerging the bouquet in silica gel or crystals, which rapidly absorbs moisture, resulting in delicate, paper-like flowers that retain their colour and shape. This method requires expertise and specialised materials.
- Wax preservation: Professionals can dip your flowers in melted paraffin wax, creating a protective coating that preserves their appearance for months.
- Glycerin preservation: This process replaces the water in the blooms with glycerin, keeping them looking fresh and vibrant. Professionals can carefully prepare the glycerin solution and ensure optimal conditions for preservation.
Timing and Preparation
When using a professional service, it's important to plan ahead. Communicate your intentions to your florist or wedding planner, as they may be able to guide you towards flower choices that dry well or offer specific preservation services. It's also crucial to act quickly after the wedding, as flowers should be preserved as soon as possible to capture them in their prime.
Customisation and Keepsakes
Professional services can often provide customisation options to create unique keepsakes. For example, they may offer framing services for pressed flowers or 3D-preserved flowers suspended in resin. You can also discuss your preferences for displaying the bouquet, such as hanging it in your home, placing it in a vase, or incorporating it into artwork or other crafts.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around two days for the resin to cure.
It takes a couple of weeks for the flowers to dry in silica gel.
It takes at least a week or longer if it's cool.
It can take seven to ten days or up to four weeks for the flowers to be fully pressed.
