George Boyle
Preserving a wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to immortalise your special day and can serve as a wonderful memento. There are many ways to dry your wedding bouquet, from the simple and low-maintenance method of air-drying to the more complex process of using silica gel or resin. You can also press your flowers in a book or opt for a hand-drawn display. If you're feeling creative, you could even make crafts or jewellery from your dried flowers. The method you choose will depend on your personal preference, level of craftiness, and how much you're willing to spend.
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What You'll Learn
Air-drying
Firstly, decide what you will do with your bouquet once it is dried. For example, you may want to dry the whole bouquet and display it in a vase, or use the petals in a candle. Telling your florist about your intentions to dry your bouquet will allow them to guide you on flower choice and ensure they choose flowers that will dry well.
Before you begin the drying process, keep your flowers hydrated and make sure they are properly hydrated so they can be preserved at their best. It is also important to note that you should not wait too long to start the drying process after the wedding.
To air-dry your bouquet, start by getting rid of any browning parts of the flowers, torn petals, and extra leaves. Then, separate the flowers and stems into smaller bunches of the same kind. Next, tie a piece of string to each stem and hang them individually to keep the flowers in the best shape. Stagger the stems when you tie and hang them so they are not sitting too closely together. For larger-headed blooms, you can use a chicken wire grid on top of a clean, dry vase and allow the heads of the blooms to sit flush on the wire.
Hang your flowers upside down to dry in a dark, dry, and temperate area that is out of the way, such as an infrequently used closet or an airing cupboard. Exposure to the sun can cause the flowers to fade, so it is best to avoid direct sunlight. The drying process will take at least two weeks, or longer, depending on the temperature of the drying location. Check on them occasionally to see how they are doing, as some flowers will dry quicker than others.
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Pressing
To press your wedding flowers, start by selecting the blooms you would like to preserve. Arrange them on a sheet of clean wax, parchment paper, or a coffee filter. Avoid using paper towels, as the texture can transfer to the flowers. You can also place the flowers directly between the pages of a heavy book, like a dictionary or textbook, without any paper. Once you are happy with the arrangement, close the book and weigh it down with something heavy, like a vase or skillet. Leave the flowers to dry for about two weeks.
If you want to add a personal touch, you can include other mementos from your wedding, such as ribbons, pins, or even a special photo. Get creative and feel free to experiment with different arrangements and displays. Once the flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the paper and place them in a frame. You can also use hot glue to adhere the flowers to a shadow box for a three-dimensional display.
Pressed flowers can be a beautiful addition to your home decor and a meaningful way to relive your wedding memories. They can also make great gifts for your wedding party or family members.
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Silica gel
To dry your wedding bouquet with silica gel, you will need a large, airtight container, such as a Tupperware bin, and enough silica gel to fill it. It is important to ensure that the silica gel you are using is new or recharged (i.e. not saturated). You can recharge silica by putting it on a baking tray and in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 hours. Check the instructions of your particular silica gel to double-check the recommendations are the same.
Before placing the flowers in the silica gel, it is important to keep them 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.
To begin, pour a thin layer of silica gel into the bottom of your container. Next, trim the stems of the flowers at the very base so that you just have the heads of the flowers. Place the flowers face-up on the silica gel, and then slowly pour a small amount of silica gel evenly beside each flower. This will allow the silica gel to fall into place beneath the petals and support the weight of the flower, helping to maintain its shape while it dries. Continue to layer silica gel and flowers until your container is full, ensuring that the flowers are completely covered. Seal the container and leave the flowers to dry for at least 3 weeks.
Once the flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the silica gel by tipping the container and scooping them out. You can then use floral wire and floral tape to recreate your bouquet, or place the flowers in a vase or shadow box.
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Wax dipping
Wax-dipping is a great way to preserve your wedding bouquet and can be done at home with the right equipment. It is a traditional Southern method of preserving flowers, and the process is relatively simple. Firstly, you will need to prepare your flowers. Choose flowers that are in good condition, preferably with sturdy petals and no wilting or browning. Remove any excess foliage, thorns, and damaged parts from the flowers, and trim the stems to your desired length.
Next, melt your wax. You can use paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax, and melt it in a double boiler over low heat, a microwave-safe container in short intervals, or a heat-resistant container. If using soy wax, buy it flaked as it melts much faster. Once melted, allow the wax to cool slightly, as hot wax will wilt your flowers. Test the temperature with a spare flower.
Now you are ready to dip your flowers. Hold the flower by the stem and carefully submerge the bloom in the wax, turning it to ensure an even coating. Allow any bubbles to escape, then remove the flower and hold it over the container to let any excess wax drip off. Place the dipped flower in a vase to dry, then move on to the next one. You can double-dip for an even better result, and don't forget to dip the stems too to fully preserve the flower.
Wax-preserved flowers will last for several months, maintaining their colour and shape while adding a light sheen. They are relatively fragile, so handle them gently, and be cautious when working with hot wax to avoid burns.
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Resin
Preserving your wedding bouquet in resin is a great way to keep your flowers in their original shape and colour. It's a relatively easy process that can transform your bouquet into a charming dried floral arrangement, a piece of art for your wall, or even a unique paperweight. Here are the steps to preserve your wedding bouquet in resin:
Prepare the Flowers:
Before beginning, trim the stems of your bouquet, leaving about 1/4" below the flower. This small stem will be helpful when you go to pull them out of the crystal or resin. Assess the flowers and pull out the ones that are in full bloom or won't remain in bloom for long. Allow the others to continue to open up and reach their peak bloom. Check daily and pull them once they are at their best. You can also separate the flowers into groups of similar sizes so they dry at the same rate.
Dry the Flowers:
The silica gel method is the best way to dry your flowers before preserving them in resin. Place the flowers in a sealed container with silica gel desiccant for several days or up to a couple of weeks. The gel absorbs moisture from the flowers while holding them in their fixed state. You can also use air drying, allowing the flowers to dry naturally in a vase or box. However, this method may not preserve the original shape and colour of the flowers as effectively.
Prepare the Resin and Mould:
Purchase resin and moulds from a craft shop or online. Choose and measure your floral preservation mould, ensuring it is slightly larger than your bouquet to avoid overcrowding. Prepare the epoxy resin mould by mixing and pouring a thin base layer of resin into it.
Arrange the Flowers:
Place the flowers face-up into the resin, being mindful to get resin into every nook of the flower to avoid air bubbles, which can cause the flower to brown. If air bubbles form, use a small toothpick to pop them and fill them with resin. Arrange the flowers to your liking, as you won't be able to change them once the resin dries.
Fill the Mould and Let it Harden:
Once you are satisfied with your arrangement, continue pouring resin until it reaches the top of the mould. Let the resin harden for about 24 hours before removing it from the mould.
Your resin wedding bouquet keepsake is now ready! You can use it as a paperweight, jewellery holder, or centerpiece for your coffee table.
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Frequently asked questions
Separate the flowers and cut the stems short. Place the flowers in a box of silica gel, cover them completely, and seal the box. After a few days, your flowers should be dry. You can then place them in a frame or a box.
Place your selected flowers on a piece of wax paper and arrange them as you'd like them to be pressed. Put the wax paper with the flowers inside a heavy book, such as a textbook, and weigh it down with something heavy. Leave the flowers to dry for 7-10 days. Once dry, you can frame the flowers.
Untie the bouquet and cut away any tape or ties. Hang the flowers upside down in a dry, warm, and dark area, such as a closet, for at least two weeks. You can then arrange the flowers in a vase or create a wreath.
Dry your flowers using the silica gel method. Pour a thin layer of resin into your mold and place the flowers face-up into the resin. Slowly pour resin into each flower, being careful to avoid air bubbles. Once the mold is filled, let it harden for about 24 hours.
