Franklin Dean
Freeze-drying is a fast and effective method to preserve your wedding flowers and bouquet. Unlike air-dried flowers, where petals often change colour, or pressed flowers, where petals are flattened, freeze-dried flowers are preserved in perfect form. The process involves freezing flowers in full bloom and then gradually raising the temperature to stimulate sublimation, turning water vapour into ice in a condensation chamber. Over 12-15 days, all the water from the flowers will turn into ice crystals, which can be removed as they form in the condenser, leaving the flowers dry. Flowers can then be stored in airtight containers or displayed in a shadow box.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Expensive |
| Time | 12-15 days |
| Effectiveness | Fast and effective method for preserving flowers |
| Colour | Colour of flowers may not be guaranteed |
| Fragility | Freeze-dried flowers are fragile |
| Longevity | Flowers can last for years |
| Professional Service | Available in some locations |
| DIY | Requires the purchase of a freeze dryer |
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What You'll Learn
Why freeze-drying is a great preservation method
Freeze-drying is a popular method for preserving flowers from a wedding because it helps retain their natural beauty, colour, and shape, and even their aroma. This technique is particularly effective in maintaining the vibrancy of flowers, making them ideal for decorative purposes, crafts, or keepsakes.
Unlike traditional air-drying methods, which often result in faded colours and shrivelled petals, freeze-drying minimises shrinkage and colour changes. Flowers that are fully bloomed tend to freeze-dry more uniformly, and some colours, like yellow and purple, preserve particularly well. Freeze-drying is a delicate process that requires careful adjustments to factors like temperature and pressure to ensure optimal results.
The process involves freezing flowers and then gradually raising the temperature to stimulate sublimation, turning water vapour into ice crystals. This occurs in a very cold condensation chamber, typically at temperatures of -40° F or lower. Over 12 to 15 days, all the water from the flowers sublimates, resulting in a thorough and even drying process.
The freeze-drying method is advantageous because it can be tailored to specific preservation needs. Different types of flowers react uniquely to the process, with some requiring additional labour to secure petals in place. Overall, freeze-drying is a meticulous but effective way to preserve wedding flowers, ensuring they remain aesthetically pleasing and fragrant long after the big day.
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How to prepare flowers for freeze-drying
Preparing flowers for freeze-drying is a delicate process. Firstly, it is important to note that flowers should be mature and open before freeze-drying. This is because flowers will stay in the state they are frozen in, so it is best to avoid freezing closed buds. To encourage flowers to open, recut the stems and place them in a deep vase of warm water.
Next, you will need to disassemble your bouquet. This is because the flowers need to be laid out in a single layer on the dryer trays. Once you have done this, remove all the leaves from the stems and trim the stems to your desired length. The shorter the stems, the faster the freeze-drying process will be.
Before placing the flowers in the freeze dryer, ensure they are well-hydrated. To do this, place the flowers in a vase or container of room-temperature water and leave them for 12 hours. After this, you can put the flowers in the freeze dryer. Pre-cool the specimen chamber to -5°F (-21°C) and space out the flowers on the trays, ensuring they are lying flat.
It is worth noting that freeze-drying flowers can be costly and time-consuming, and the flowers may still discolour. If you only want to freeze-dry one bouquet, it may be more cost-effective to use a professional service.
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The freeze-drying process
Firstly, receiving the flowers in good condition is crucial to the process. Fresh flowers are best, and they should not be wrapped tightly. The flowers are then photographed and the arrangement is taken apart. The individual flowers are then treated to help retain their shape and colour. This can vary depending on the type of flower.
Next, the flowers are placed in trays and go through a deep freezing process. This involves placing the flowers in a freeze-dry chamber at a temperature of around minus 20 degrees. A vacuum pump is then started, which slowly pulls the moisture and ice crystals out of the flower cells. This process is known as sublimation, where ice crystals change directly into water vapour. The water vapour is then collected in a condenser, turning back into ice in a very cold condensation chamber. Over a period of 12 to 15 days, all the water from the flowers will turn into vapour and be removed from the freeze-drying system.
Once the flowers are officially freeze-dried, they are stored in airtight containers until they can be arranged into a design, such as a shadow box, to be displayed and enjoyed for years to come.
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Post-freeze-drying care
Freeze-dried flowers are delicate and require careful handling to maintain their structure. Here are some detailed tips for post-freeze-drying care:
Storing the Flowers
After the freeze-drying process, carefully remove the flowers from the freeze dryer. They will be fragile, so handle them with care. Place the flowers in airtight containers to protect them from moisture and external damage. If you plan to use the flowers for resin projects, ensure they are stored away from direct sunlight and moisture until you are ready to begin your project.
Sealing the Flowers
An optional step to enhance the preservation of your flowers is to apply a clear spray sealant. This extra layer of protection can help extend the life of the flowers, especially if you intend to embed them in resin. It acts as a barrier against moisture and external elements, ensuring the flowers retain their delicate structure and colour.
Displaying the Flowers
If you wish to display your freeze-dried flowers, consider placing them in a shadow box. This will allow you to enjoy their beauty while still protecting them from direct handling. You can also arrange them in a vase or create a wreath, but be aware that over time, their appearance may change, and they may become more fragile.
Colour Variations
It's important to note that the colour of the flowers may vary after freeze-drying due to the natural reactions of different pigments to the process. Yellow and purple flowers tend to preserve well, while orange and red flowers may be less tolerant of the freeze-drying procedure. This colour variation is a natural outcome of the process, and it adds a unique aspect to the preserved flowers.
Longevity
Freeze-dried flowers can last for months or even years, depending on the care and storage conditions. To ensure their longevity, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. With proper care, your wedding flowers will be beautifully preserved, allowing you to cherish the memories of your special day for a long time.
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Alternative preservation methods
There are several alternative preservation methods to choose from if you want to keep your wedding flowers forever. Some are simple DIY methods, while others require professional services. Here are some alternative preservation methods:
Air-drying
Hang the flowers upside down in a dry, temperate area, such as a hallway closet. Allow the blooms to air-dry for at least a week, or longer if it's cool. You can then arrange them in a vase or create a wreath with your dried flowers. This method is a traditional way of preserving wedding bouquets, helping the flowers retain their shape and colour.
Pressing
Pressing is an inexpensive and straightforward preservation method. It involves carefully flattening each flower between absorbent paper to remove moisture and preserve their shape. This method creates delicate pressed flowers that can be framed or used in various crafts as keepsakes. The pressing process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the thickness of the petals and humidity levels.
Glycerin
Using glycerin is a unique way to preserve your wedding flowers. The process replaces the water in the blooms, keeping them looking as they did on your wedding day. Fill your vase or container with two parts lukewarm water and one part glycerin. Place your flower stems into the container and wait two to three weeks for the absorption process to complete.
Epoxy Resin
First, dry the flowers using the method described above. Once the flowers are fully dried, find a suitable container and fill it halfway with epoxy resin liquid. Arrange the flowers in the fluid and fill the container to the top, leaving it to dry. Once complete, you will have a unique piece to display, such as a paperweight or a piece of jewellery.
Wax
Melt paraffin wax in a pot and, once liquified and slightly cooled, dip each flower into the wax, avoiding any wilting flowers. Hang the dipped flowers upside down to dry. Once dry, you will have preserved flowers to display for several months.
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Frequently asked questions
Freeze drying your wedding flowers yourself requires a freeze dryer, which can be expensive, so it's worth considering a professional service. If you plan to do lots of freeze drying, you can buy a freeze dryer that’s made for home use. The process involves placing flowers in trays and putting them through a deep freezing process before they can be freeze-dried. The flowers are then transferred to a freeze-dry chamber at a temperature of around minus 20 degrees. A vacuum pump slowly pulls the moisture and ice crystals out of the flower cells. Over a period of 12-15 days, all the water from the flowers will turn to vapour and be removed.
You can place your freeze-dried flowers in a shadow box or glass-covered frame for display. Make sure the shadow box is deep enough so that the flowers are not squashed under the glass. You can also hot glue the flowers into the box to keep them in place.
You can air-dry your flowers by hanging them upside down in a dry, temperate area for at least a week. You can also use glycerin to preserve your flowers. Fill your vase or container with two parts lukewarm water and one part glycerin, then place your flower stems into the container. Wait two to three weeks for the absorption process to complete.
