Preserving Wedding Flowers: Tips For A Lifelong Bouquet

Wedding flowers are a central and expensive aspect of many weddings, so it's important to make sure you're taking care of your blooms. There are several ways to preserve your wedding flowers, ranging from simple DIYs to professional services. One of the most common concerns of couples is how to keep their bouquets and arrangements looking fresh throughout the day. Here are some tips to make your wedding flowers last as long as possible.

Keep flowers in water as much as possible

Keeping flowers in water is one of the most important things you can do to make your wedding flowers last as long as possible. This is especially true for DIY wedding flowers, as they may be sourced the day before the wedding or even earlier.

Flowers are cut, and from that moment, they need help to keep that vibrant look. Some flowers, like hydrangeas, need more care than others. They have a lifespan of only three hours out of water, even in normal conditions. So, keeping them in water until the last possible minute is a huge help!

One tip is to set aside a cool, shaded place to keep the bouquets in a vase until you need them for photos or the wedding ceremony. This will keep them from looking wilted or droopy. If you have a moment between the first look and the ceremony, set them back in water—after you give them a fresh trim—until it's time for the ceremony. These short hydration breaks will refresh your blooms and help keep them as close to their original state as possible.

Another tip is to make sure you're changing the water every other day and adding crushed aspirin or "flower food" to the vase. You can also trim the stems at an angle under running water to allow for better water intake.

If you're using potted plants in lieu of certain arrangements, keep in mind that they still need to be watered!

Avoid heat and direct sunlight

Keeping flowers away from heat and direct sunlight is one of the best ways to preserve your wedding flower arrangements.

For summer weddings, in particular, keeping fresh flowers in the sun and heat is one of the most common mistakes that couples make. Controlling the temperature and avoiding direct sunlight is crucial to keeping your flowers looking their best.

It's best to store your flowers in a cool, shaded place until you need them. You can also store them in a floral cooler until you're ready to set up your arrangements.

If you're keeping your bouquets in vases, set them in a cool, shaded place and keep them in water until the last possible minute. If you have a moment between events, place them back in the water after giving the stems a fresh trim. These short hydration breaks will refresh your blooms and help keep them as close to their original state as possible.

Direct heat or air will cause flowers to wilt, so do not place your buckets or vases near any location that has a draft or a vent.

Trim stems and change the water regularly

Trimming stems and changing the water regularly is a great way to make your wedding flowers last longer. If you're getting your flowers well in advance of your wedding day, Michelle Norwood from Michelle Norwood Events recommends changing the water in the vase every other day. Each time you change the water, you should also trim the stems at an angle under running water. This will allow for better water intake as the stems won't sit flat against the bottom of the vase.

It's also important to keep your flowers in a cool, shaded place. While flowers may need light to grow, too much light in your storage area will cause your flowers to wither faster. Keep the water temperature warm, as cold water will shock the flowers and make them wither faster, while hot water will dehydrate them.

You can also add crushed aspirin or "flower food" to the water in the vase, which will help preserve the flowers.

Use potted plants for fragile flowers

If you're opting for fragile flowers, such as tulips or hydrangeas, consider using potted plants. This will ensure they stay fresh and vibrant throughout the day. Potted plants create an idyllic feel and add an extra dose of charm to an outdoor wedding ceremony. They also leave room for creativity and pops of colour.

Tulips and hydrangeas begin to wilt rapidly as soon as they are picked from the ground or removed from their water source. Potted plants are a great way to ensure these flowers stay fresh throughout your wedding day.

Potted plants not only look charming but are also a practical choice for fragile flowers. By keeping the flowers in their pots, you can avoid the hassle of constantly changing the water and trimming the stems. This is especially useful if you are having an outdoor wedding, as you don't have to worry about finding a cool, shaded place to store the flowers.

When choosing potted plants, opt for colourful and fragrant flowers that will enhance the ambiance of your wedding. You can even decorate the pots with ribbons or other decorative elements that match your wedding theme.

If you're concerned about the size or appearance of the pots, there are a few things you can do. First, consider the scale of your wedding venue. Choose pots that are proportionate to the size of the space. You don't want the pots to look dwarfed by their surroundings. Second, you can always decorate the pots to match your wedding aesthetic. Use ribbons, paint, or other creative elements to make the pots more visually appealing.

Another advantage of using potted plants is the flexibility they offer. You can arrange them in various ways to create a unique and personalised look for your wedding. Group them together to create a lush display, or space them out to add a touch of greenery to different areas of your venue.

If you're worried about the maintenance of potted plants, don't be. They require minimal care and can be easily transported to and from your wedding venue. Just ensure they are watered regularly, and they will stay fresh and vibrant throughout your special day.

By choosing potted plants for your fragile flowers, you can create a beautiful and memorable display that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

Store flowers in a cool, dark place

If you want to keep your wedding flowers looking fresh and vibrant, storing them in a cool, dark place is key. Flowers are often a huge part of weddings, from the bridesmaids' bouquets to the reception centrepieces, so you'll want to make sure they're picture-perfect.

Most flowers prefer low temperatures of around 5°C and don't like direct sunlight or cold drafts. So, it's best to store your flowers in a cool, shady place until you need to use them. A hallway closet is a great option for this. Keeping your flowers in a vase or bucket of water in this cool, dark place will help to keep them hydrated and fresh. Just remember to trim the stems at an angle under running water first to improve water intake, and make sure the water is warm, not cold or hot, as cold water will shock the flowers, and hot water will dehydrate them.

If you're keeping your flowers in water, it's also important to change the water regularly, at least every other day. You can also add crushed aspirin or "flower food" to the water to help preserve the flowers. Additionally, be sure to keep your flowers away from any direct heat or air, as this will cause them to wilt.

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