Creating A Dried Flower Wedding Bouquet: A Step-By-Step Guide

Dried flowers are a great way to preserve your wedding bouquet and there are several ways to do it yourself. The whole point of drying flowers is to remove all moisture from their stems while retaining the shape and beauty of the flowers. The first step is to choose the right flowers for your bouquet. Although most flowers can be dried, some are easier to dry than others. Flowers with low moisture content, such as baby's breath, hydrangeas, and sunflowers, are usually easier to dry. The next step is to remove excess foliage and greenery, and then gather the flowers into small bunches. You can then choose your preferred method of drying: air-drying, using silica gel, or a microwave. Once the flowers are dry, you can use hairspray to preserve them and then arrange them into a bouquet.

Choosing the right flowers

When choosing your flowers, it is best to avoid those that have matured past their prime, as their petals may fall off. It is also important to remove any excess foliage and greenery from the flowers before beginning the drying process. This will help ensure that your bouquet has a balanced look. You can always add in some dried grass or other foliage to your arrangement later on if you want to include some greenery.

Once you've selected your flowers, gather them into small bunches, as larger bunches will take longer to dry. Each type of flower dries differently, so it's best to dry each type separately.

Removing excess foliage

Try to trim all the leaves and thorns, but be careful not to touch the flower petals. If you want to keep the flowers for the same bouquet, now is a good time to gently cut the stems to approximately the same length. This will ensure that your dried flower bouquet is well-balanced. However, if you want to include foliage in your dried flower bouquet, you can make dry grass.

If you are planning to hang your flowers upside down to air-dry, it is recommended that you hang the stems one by one so that each has the best possible form.

Gathering flowers into small bunches

When gathering the flowers into small bunches, it is important to use rubber bands or twine to secure the stems. This will help keep the flowers together during the drying process. Try to avoid using string or wire, as it may damage the stems. It is also important to leave enough space between the flowers to allow for proper ventilation.

The size of the bunches will depend on the type of flower and the drying method being used. For air-drying, it is recommended to keep the bunches small to promote proper ventilation. For other methods, such as silica gel or microwave drying, the size of the bunches can be larger as these methods dry the flowers more quickly and efficiently.

When gathering flowers into small bunches, it is also important to consider the length of the stems. Try to cut the stems to a similar length, especially if you are using the flowers for a vintage flower bouquet. This will create a more balanced and cohesive look for your bouquet.

Drying methods

There are several ways to dry flowers for a wedding bouquet. The most suitable method depends on the type of flowers being used, the desired end result, and the level of expertise and equipment available. Here are some of the most common drying methods:

Air-drying: This is a simple method that involves hanging flowers upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place. It is important to avoid direct sunlight as it may cause the petals' colour to fade. Flowers are typically tied in small bunches with rubber bands or twine and allowed to dry for two to three weeks. This method is suitable for flowers with long, straight stems, such as baby's breath, hydrangeas, and sunflowers.

Silica gel: Silica gel is a porous sand that absorbs moisture from flowers, helping them retain their shape and colour. It is available in gel or crystal form and can be reused multiple times. Flowers are placed in an airtight container with silica gel, ensuring the gel surrounds the petals without compromising their shape. The container is then sealed and stored in a cool, dry place for one to seven days. After drying, the flowers can be sprayed with fixative spray or hairspray to preserve them further.

Microwave drying: This method involves using silica gel and a microwave oven to speed up the drying process. Flowers are placed in a microwave-safe container with silica gel and microwaved on the "defrost" setting for two to five minutes, depending on the type of flower. After drying, the flowers are brushed to remove excess silica gel and allowed to rest for 24 hours.

Pressing: This method involves placing flowers between two sheets of parchment paper and pressing them in a heavy book or flower press for seven to ten days. It is important to avoid using ink-heavy books to prevent ink transfer onto the flowers. Pressed flowers can then be framed or used in other crafts.

Wax dipping: This process involves melting paraffin wax and dipping flower heads into the warm wax. The flowers are then immediately pulled out and hung upside down to dry. This method extends the life of the flowers by up to six months and preserves their colour and shape.

Glycerin preservation: This technique replaces the water in the flowers with glycerin, keeping them looking fresh. Flowers are placed in a vase or container with a solution of two parts lukewarm water and one part glycerin. The flowers are left in the solution for two to three weeks, after which they are fully preserved.

Arranging the bouquet

Now that your flowers are dried, it's time to arrange them into a beautiful bouquet. Here are some tips to help you create a stunning dried flower bouquet for your wedding:

Choose the right flowers:

Select flowers that are almost at full bloom, with buds that are just shy of opening completely. Avoid flowers that have matured past their prime, as their petals may fall. Flowers with long, straight stems are ideal, and those with low moisture content, such as baby's breath, hydrangeas, and sunflowers, tend to be easier to dry.

Remove excess foliage:

Trim away any leaves and thorns, being careful not to touch the petals. Cut the stems to approximately the same length to ensure a balanced look.

Gather flowers into small bunches:

Group the flowers by type, as each type dries differently and will take varying amounts of time. This will make it easier to manage the drying process.

Choose a drying method:

You can air-dry your flowers by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place. Alternatively, you can use silica gel to absorb moisture from the flowers and preserve them. Silica gel is available in crystal or gel form and can be found at most craft stores.

Use hairspray:

Once your flowers are dry, use hairspray to help keep the petals intact. You can also use spray varnish or a special flower fixative.

Start with larger flowers:

Choose the largest flowers first, such as preserved roses, hydrangeas, or sunflowers. These will be the focal point of your bouquet. Then, add smaller flowers and sprigs of foliage to complement the larger blooms.

Tie the stems together:

Once you're happy with your arrangement, use twine or ribbon to secure the stems of your bouquet. You can then hang the bouquet on a wall or place it in a vase for display.

Scent the bouquet:

As an optional final touch, add a few drops of floral essential oil, such as jasmine or rose, to the dried flowers and stems. This will give your bouquet a wonderful scent.

Frequently asked questions