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

There are many ways to preserve your wedding bouquet and with it, the memories of your special day. Dried flowers are different from dead flowers or wilted flowers. They are preserved bouquets that retain their shape and beauty. There are several methods to dry flowers, from air-drying to using silica gel or even a microwave. You can also use hairspray to preserve dried flowers. The whole process is quite simple and easy to do at home, although it requires some preparation and craft acumen.

Choosing the right flowers

Flower Type

When selecting flowers for your dried bouquet, it's important to choose varieties that dry well. Some flowers, such as baby's breath, hydrangeas, celosia, chrysanthemums, rose buds, gomphrena, statice, and sunflowers, have low moisture content and are easier to dry. These flowers will retain their shape and beauty even after the drying process.

However, if you have your heart set on flowers with high moisture content, such as peonies or carnations, it is possible to dry them, but they will require extra care and attention due to their fragility.

Flower Stage

Florists typically choose fresh flowers that are almost at full bloom when creating dried flower arrangements. It is best to avoid flowers that have matured past their prime, as their petals may fall off during the drying process. Look for flowers with buds that are just shy of opening completely, as they will continue to develop and open up slightly during the drying process.

Stem Length

Flowers with long, straight stems are ideal for dried bouquets. These stems are easier to work with and can be tied together more conveniently. If you're drying the flowers yourself, you may want to cut the stems to approximately the same length to ensure a balanced look in your bouquet.

Colour Considerations

When selecting flowers for your bouquet, consider the colours and how they will work together. Choose flowers with complementary colours or go for a monochromatic look. Also, keep in mind that some flowers may darken or mute during the drying process, so choose your varieties accordingly if you want to maintain a certain colour palette.

Scented Flowers

If you want your bouquet to have a pleasant fragrance, consider including scented flowers or adding a few drops of essential oil to the dried arrangement. Fragrances like jasmine and rose can enhance the overall experience and create a soothing atmosphere.

Drying Method

Before choosing your flowers, consider the drying method you plan to use. Some flowers may be more suitable for air-drying, while others may respond better to silica gel or microwave drying. Each method has its own set of guidelines and requirements, so be sure to research the process before making your final flower selections.

In summary, creating a dried flower wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to preserve your special day. By choosing the right flowers and following the drying process carefully, you can create a long-lasting memento that captures the beauty and essence of your wedding.

Removing excess foliage

When removing excess foliage, it is also a good time to gently cut the stems to approximately the same length. This will make it easier to create a cohesive bouquet with a uniform look. However, if you want to include foliage in your bouquet, you can make dry grass by drying the leaves separately.

By removing the excess foliage, you not only improve the appearance of your bouquet but also reduce the amount of moisture in the flowers, which is crucial for effective drying. This step sets the foundation for a beautiful and long-lasting dried flower arrangement.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that flowers with low moisture content, such as baby's breath, hydrangeas, and sunflowers, are generally easier to dry and are ideal for creating dried flower bouquets.

Gathering flowers into small bunches

When gathering flowers into small bunches, it is also important to consider the size of the bouquet you want to create. For a classic dried flower bouquet, you may want to include taller stems to add height to the arrangement. If you want to include a variety of flowers, it is best to start with the larger flowers, such as roses, hydrangeas, or sunflowers, and then add smaller flowers like baby's breath and sprigs of foliage to complement the larger blooms.

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of flowers you are using. Flowers with long, straight stems are ideal for making dried bouquets as they are easier to dry and tie together. Additionally, flowers with low moisture content, such as baby's breath, hydrangeas, and sunflowers, are easier to dry than flowers with high moisture content, such as peonies or carnations, which require more careful handling.

Once you have gathered your flowers into small bunches, you can move on to the drying process. This can be done through air-drying, using silica gel, or microwaving. After the flowers are dried, you can arrange them into your desired bouquet and secure them with twine or ribbon.

Selecting a drying method

Air-Drying

This is a traditional and simple way to dry your wedding flowers. Gather the flowers by type into small bunches, as larger bunches will take longer to dry, and each type of flower dries differently. Tie the flowers into small bunches with rubber bands or twine and hang them upside down in a dry, warm, dark place with good ventilation. Let them air-dry for at least a week or two until their petals become crisp.

Silica Gel

Silica gel is a popular method to preserve the shape and colour of your flowers. It absorbs moisture from the flowers, and they can be stored in airtight containers for repeated use. Cover your flowers with the gel, ensuring it gets among the petals without compromising their shape. Leave them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for one to seven days. After removing them from the container, use a fine brush to gently remove any excess silica gel.

Microwave with Silica Gel

This method combines the use of a microwave and silica gel to dry your flowers quickly and effectively. Place the flowers and silica gel in a microwave-safe container and experiment with the timer, as different flowers have varying drying times. Hardier flowers with thicker petals like roses will take longer to dry than delicate ones. After drying, let the flowers rest for 24 hours away from direct sunlight.

Pressing

Pressing is a great way to preserve your flowers, but they will be flattened in the process. Place your flowers between two sheets of parchment paper and put them inside a heavy book or a flower press. Weigh the book down with vases or more books and leave for at least seven to ten days. Once dried, there are many ways to display your pressed flowers, such as framing them or gluing them into a guest book.

Wax-Dipping

Wax-dipping is a tricky process that will extend the life of your flowers by up to six months. It involves melting paraffin wax in a saucepan, dipping the flower heads into the wax, and then immediately pulling them out and hanging them upside down to dry. This method preserves the colour and shape of your flowers but will leave them feeling waxy.

Arranging the bouquet

Once you've gathered your flowers and supplies, it's time to start arranging your bouquet.

First, you'll want to choose the right flowers for your bouquet. Look for flowers that are almost at full bloom, with buds that are just shy of opening completely. Avoid flowers that have passed their prime, as their petals may fall. Flowers with long, straight stems are ideal, as they will be easier to work with and tie together.

Next, remove any excess foliage and greenery from the flowers. Try to trim the leaves and thorns as much as possible, without touching the petals. Cut the stems to approximately the same length, to ensure your bouquet has a balanced look.

Now, you're ready to start assembling your bouquet. Begin with the larger flowers, which will form the base of your arrangement. These might be preserved roses, dried hydrangeas, or sunflowers. Then, add smaller flowers like baby's breath and sprigs of foliage to complement the larger blooms.

As you work, try to visualise the final bouquet. You might want to build around a theme, or create a design that you already have in mind. Remember, flower arrangement is an art, so feel free to experiment with different styles until you find one that you love.

Finally, tie the stems of your bouquet together with twine or ribbon. You can now hang your bouquet as a decoration or place it in a vase to display.

If you want to add a touch of fragrance to your bouquet, you can gently add a few drops of floral essential oil, such as jasmine or rose, to the dried flowers and stems.

Frequently asked questions