Creating Wedding Flower Petals: A Diy Guide

Flowers are an important part of wedding decor, but elaborate floral displays can be costly and time-consuming. Using flower petals is a great alternative to make a statement while saving time and money. They can be used in a variety of ways, from scattering them down the aisle to decorating tables and even embellishing the wedding dress. Whether you're looking for a romantic and elegant atmosphere or a fun and colourful celebration, flower petals can be customised to fit your wedding theme and style. In addition, the colour of the petals can carry special meanings, allowing you to incorporate symbolism into your special day.

Drying techniques for petals

There are several methods for drying flower petals, each with its own advantages and suited to different needs. Here is a detailed look at some of the most popular techniques:

Air drying:

This is a traditional and hassle-free method that preserves the delicate beauty and fragrance of petals. It relies on natural air circulation and the passage of time to remove moisture from the petals. To air-dry petals, start by gently plucking fresh, insect-free, and undamaged petals. Create small bundles of 15-20 petals, securing them at the base with a rubber band. Find a dark and well-ventilated area, such as a closet, and hang the bundles upside down, allowing moisture to drip away. Check the petals weekly for dryness and the formation of mould. The drying time can vary from two to four weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature. Once dry, store the petals in a paper bag or airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Silica gel drying:

This method is meticulous but highly effective in preserving the colour and shape of petals. It involves using silica gel, a powerful desiccant, to rapidly remove moisture. Prepare an airtight container with a layer of silica gel, then place the petals on top, ensuring they don't touch. Cover the petals with more silica gel, being careful not to crush them. Seal the container and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After a few days, check if the petals are dry by gently brushing away the silica gel. Once dehydrated, store the petals in a dry, airtight container.

Oven drying:

Oven drying is a quick technique that uses controlled low heat to preserve petals. Preheat your oven to between 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit (80-90 degrees Celsius). Choose fresh, blemish-free petals, and gently wash and dry them to remove any residual moisture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the petals in a single layer. Place the sheet in the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Check the petals every 10 minutes and flip them for even drying. The total drying time will vary depending on the type of petals. Once crisp and brittle, remove the petals from the oven and allow them to cool before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Microwave drying:

This method combines speed and convenience by using controlled bursts of microwave energy to dehydrate petals. Place the petals in a single layer between microwave-safe paper towels or plates, with a cup of water to moderate the temperature. Set the microwave to a low power setting and heat the petals in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, checking after each interval. Continue until the petals are dry and visibly crisp. Remove the petals from the microwave and allow them to cool before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Sun drying:

If your flowers are already a little tired and some petals are falling, sun drying is a simple method. Pick off the petals and place them on a dish or tray on a sunny windowsill until they are dry.

Upside-down drying:

Gather your flowers into a bunch and secure them with an elastic band. Hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dry place, allowing air to flow around them.

Flower petal colours and their meanings

Flowers are one of the most important wedding décor details. They can instantly transform your big day into a magical fairy tale. While flowers will always be in style, arranging elaborate floral displays can be costly and time-consuming. A great alternative is to use flower petals. They can be scattered down the aisle, on tables, or used as confetti. You can even press them into a placemat or use them to decorate a wedding cake.

But what do different flower petal colours symbolise?

Red rose petals are a traditional symbol of love and romance, but they also reflect beauty and perfection. The darker the rose, the more unconscious the beauty.

Pink rose petals represent admiration, joy, and gentleness.

White rose petals are the purest of colours and represent innocence and purity. They are traditionally used in weddings, signifying new beginnings.

Black rose petals can stand for the beginning of new things and major change. They often inspire confidence by signalling the birth of a new era, bringing hope and courage.

Yellow rose petals signify happiness and warmth and are perfect for a summer wedding or to represent joy and friendship.

There are many ways to dry your own flower petals for a wedding. One method is to remove the petals from the flowers and spread them out on a paper towel. Place another paper towel on top and microwave for 30-second intervals until the petals are flat and dry. Store them in a sealed plastic bag in a dry place.

You can also dry petals by picking them and leaving them in the sun, or by placing them on a baking tray in an oven at 95 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes.

Using petals for table decorations

Sprinkle petals on the tables

Sprinkling petals around each place setting or down the centre of the table creates a natural table runner. Combine petals with vibrant bouquets and colourful taper candles to make your guests feel like they're dining in a blossoming garden. This is a great way to unify all your wedding colours.

Petals and candles

Gather greenery around candles is a popular choice for table decorations, but flower petal candle gardens are also beautiful and romantic. Whether you're using taper candles, pillar candles, or even floating candles, rose petals help make your tables feel full and inviting. For a super easy DIY tablescape that makes a big impact, try using rose petal runners with candles on long banquet tables.

Floating petals and candles

Adding rose petals to cylinder vases with floating candles is a cost-effective and colourful centrepiece. It also adds the lovely glow of candlelight to your reception room, which is great for photos.

Petals at cocktail hour

Rose petals are a great addition to cocktail tables when used with votive candles, pillar candles, or bud vases. You can also sprinkle petals around your champagne glass display to welcome guests or add them to your escort card display.

Press petals into a placemat

For a unique décor idea, opt for acrylic placemats that showcase pressed petals. This is also a great way to preserve your flowers.

Flower girl baskets

Flower girls are an adorable addition to any wedding, especially when they walk in front of the bride, scattering petals down the aisle. A decorated basket is the perfect accessory for them to carry. Here are some ideas for DIY flower girl baskets that you can make without spending a fortune.

Shabby Chic Basket

Learn how to make a gorgeous shabby chic basket from an upcycled plastic container. You can find a tutorial for this basket online.

Rustic Basket

Dress up a plain wicker basket with rosette flowers and a monogrammed wooden heart. This tutorial will show you how to make your own rustic-style basket.

Pumpkin Basket

Take an orange pumpkin basket and paint it a different colour. Add some greenery or florals to match your wedding theme.

Up-cycled Metal Bucket

Cover a metal bucket with ribbons or flowers, or paint and distress it for a rustic look.

Ballerina Style

If your flower girl loves to dance, you can make her basket look like a tutu. This wire basket can be embellished with paint, ribbon, and jewels.

Personalised Wooden Basket

This basket can be easily personalised with your wedding date, names, or phrases. Choose your flowers to match your wedding colours and theme.

Easter Basket

Turn an Easter basket into a gorgeous flower girl basket by adding tulle and lace.

How to create a petal aisle

A petal-covered aisle is a romantic addition to any wedding ceremony, whether it's indoors or outdoors, traditional or modern. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a petal aisle:

Choose Your Flowers and Colours:

Select flowers and colours that match your wedding theme or venue. Consider the meaning of different flower petals: red and pink for love, orange and peach for warmth, violet and purple for deep emotions, green for youth and happiness, and blue for hope and confidence.

Decide on the Effect:

Do you want a thick carpet of petals or a light scattering? Perhaps you want to create patterns, lines, or swirls, or outline shapes and initials. This decision will impact the quantity of petals needed.

Measure Your Aisle:

Take measurements of the length and width of your aisle or pathway. This will help you estimate the amount of petals required.

Estimate the Quantity of Petals:

The quantity will depend on the desired effect and the type of petals used. For example, creating a heavy covering with smaller petals like delphiniums will require 40-70+ handfuls per square metre, while using larger petals like hydrangeas will need 50-70+ handfuls. For a light covering, adjust the amount to 20-30 handfuls (delphiniums) or 20-40 handfuls (hydrangeas).

Drying the Petals:

You can dry your own flower petals or purchase dried petals. To dry them yourself, pick petals that are starting to fall off naturally. Spread them on a paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until flat and dry. Store them in sealed bags in a dry, dark place.

Create the Petal Aisle:

Use tools like a tape measure, yardstick, and thick string to help you create a neat and even petal pathway. Draw the desired shape or line with the string, then sprinkle the petals along its length.

Delegate:

Assign the task of creating the petal aisle to your planner, venue coordinator, or friends and family. It's one less thing to worry about on your wedding day!

Remember, flower petals are a traditional and meaningful part of wedding decor, symbolising fertility and eternal love. Enjoy crafting your dream wedding aisle!

Frequently asked questions