Preserving Your Wedding Bouquet: A Forever Keepsake

Preserving your wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to hold on to those special memories and emotions from your big day. There are several ways to make your wedding bouquet last forever, from simple DIY methods to professional services. Here are some options to turn your bouquet into a cherished keepsake:

Hang your bouquet upside down to air-dry

Hanging your wedding bouquet upside down to air-dry is a popular and simple preservation method that allows the flowers to retain their shape while gradually drying. Here is a detailed guide on how to preserve your bouquet using this technique:

Timing is Crucial:

Begin the preservation process as soon as possible after your wedding, preferably within a day or two. Fresh flowers tend to dry more successfully than those that have started to wilt.

Prepare the Bouquet:

Remove any excess foliage, thorns, or damaged petals from the stems of your bouquet. If you want to keep as much shape as possible, hang the flowers to dry individually. Otherwise, gently tie the stems together with string or a rubber band, ensuring they are secure and won't slip out.

Find an Ideal Location:

Select a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for hanging your bouquet. This could be a closet, an unused room, or a covered porch. Ensure the area is free from direct sunlight, as it can cause the colours to fade.

Hang the Bouquet Upside Down:

Attach the tied end of the bouquet to a hanger or a sturdy hook using string or twine. Hang the bouquet upside down so that the flowers are facing downward. Make sure the bouquet is secure and won't slip off the hook or hanger.

Allow for Sufficient Drying Time:

Leave the bouquet hanging upside down for approximately two to three weeks, or until the flowers are completely dry. The drying time may vary depending on the size and type of flowers in your bouquet.

Check for Dryness:

After a few weeks, carefully touch the petals to check if they are crisp and dry. If they still feel slightly damp or pliable, allow them more time to dry. Patience is key to successful preservation.

Finishing Touches:

Once the flowers are fully dried, gently remove them from the hanging position. You can carefully cut the stems shorter if desired, leaving enough length to work with. Your preserved flowers can be arranged in a vase or display case, using floral foam or other stabilizers to keep them in place.

Display and Protect:

Place the arrangement in a location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, or humidity to prevent any damage. Your wedding bouquet will gradually fade over time, but it will still look nice in a vase or hanging on a wall in your home.

Press your flowers

Pressing your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to capture the beauty and sentimental value of your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to press your wedding bouquet:

Timing is crucial:

Begin the preservation process as soon as possible after your wedding. Fresh flowers tend to press more successfully than wilted ones.

Gather your materials:

You will need a flower press or heavy books, absorbent paper (such as blotting paper or parchment paper), scissors, tweezers, and a frame with a glass front.

Preparing the bouquet:

Carefully remove any excess foliage, thorns, or damaged petals from your bouquet. If the stems are too long, you can trim them to fit your desired frame size.

Pressing the flowers:

Take a piece of absorbent paper and place it on the bottom of the flower press or between the pages of a heavy book. Arrange your flowers on top of the paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping. Place another sheet of absorbent paper over the flowers, and continue layering flowers and paper until your entire bouquet is arranged.

Applying pressure:

If using a flower press, follow the instructions provided to tighten the press and apply pressure evenly. If using books, close the book and place additional weight on top, such as other heavy books or weights. Leave the flowers pressed for about 2-4 weeks to allow them to dry completely.

Preparing the frame:

Once your pressed flowers are fully dried, carefully remove them from the press or book. Gently handle them with tweezers to avoid damaging their delicate petals. Arrange the flowers on a clean sheet of paper within the frame, creating a visually pleasing composition. You can experiment with different layouts and orientations until you find the desired arrangement.

Framing:

Once you're satisfied with the arrangement, secure the flowers in place using acid-free adhesive or glue dots. Make sure to keep the adhesive minimal to avoid obscuring the intricate details of the flowers. Place the glass front over the flowers and seal the frame.

Display and protect:

Hang or place your framed bouquet in a location where it can be admired. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, excessive heat, or humidity, as these can cause the colours to fade over time. Regularly dust the frame and ensure its preservation by keeping it away from potential damage.

By following these steps, you can create a stunning framed piece that encapsulates the beauty and memories of your wedding bouquet, allowing you to cherish them for years to come.

Use silica gel to preserve your bouquet

Preserving your wedding bouquet using silica gel is a great way to retain the shape, colour, and texture of the flowers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Purchase silica gel from a craft store or online supplier. You will need enough gel to cover your entire bouquet. You will also need an airtight container large enough to accommodate your bouquet without crushing or bending the flowers. A plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well. Ensure the container is clean and dry.

Disassemble the bouquet

Carefully remove any excess foliage, thorns, or damaged petals from your bouquet. If the stems are too long, trim them to fit your chosen container. Consider separating individual flowers or smaller clusters to make the process easier.

Layer the silica gel

Spread a layer of silica gel at the bottom of the container, ensuring it covers the entire surface. The layer should be around one inch thick.

Place the flowers in the container

Arrange the flowers on top of the first layer of silica gel, ensuring they are spaced out and not touching each other or the sides of the container. Place the flowers face-up for the best results.

Cover the flowers with silica gel

Gently pour or spoon silica gel over the arranged flowers, making sure to completely cover them. Use a soft brush or your hands to carefully work the gel in between the petals, preserving their shape and preventing any air pockets. Be careful not to squish any petals.

Seal the container

Close the container tightly, ensuring it is airtight to prevent moisture from entering. You can use tape or cling film to secure the lid further.

Allow for drying time

Place the sealed container in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Let the bouquet dry for approximately one to three weeks, or until the flowers are completely dry and crisp. The drying time may vary depending on the type and size of flowers in your bouquet.

Remove the flowers

Carefully open the container and gently remove the flowers from the silica gel. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any excess gel from the petals.

Display and protect

Arrange the preserved flowers in a vase, display case, or shadow box. Handle them with care to prevent any damage, and place them in an area where they won't be exposed to direct sunlight, excessive heat, or humidity.

Additional tips

• It is recommended to wear a mask and gloves when handling silica gel to avoid inhaling the fine dust it creates and to protect your skin from irritation.
• For optimal results, dry flowers of the same type together. If drying different flowers together, check the container regularly to remove any flowers that have already dried.
• Silica gel can be reused until the blue crystals turn pink, indicating that the gel has reached maximum absorption. To reuse, spread the crystals in an oven-safe pan and heat at 250°F for at least 5 hours or until the pink crystals turn blue again.

Dip your flowers in wax

Wax-dipping is a great way to preserve your wedding bouquet, although it is not a permanent method and will only last for up to six months. Wax-preserved flowers will look almost identical to how they did on your wedding day, retaining their shape and colour. Here is a step-by-step guide to dipping your flowers in wax:

Step 1: Prepare the Wax

First, cut the paraffin wax into small pieces of around 1 inch by 1 inch. You can also use soy wax, which is natural, renewable, and easy to clean, although paraffin wax is the more common option.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

Place the wax in a double boiler or a small pot inside a larger saucepan of boiling water. If you are using a double boiler, fill it around a quarter of the way with water. Turn the heat down to low once the wax is fully melted, stirring throughout to prevent lumps.

Step 3: Prepare the Flowers

Strip away any dead or wilting petals or leaves from the flowers, as these will not survive the waxing process. Cut the stems to around 8-10 inches in length, leaving enough room to easily dip the flower heads into the wax. Tie a piece of string (around 3 inches long) to each stem.

Step 4: Dip the Flowers

Holding the flower by its stem, dip the flower head into the melted wax until it is completely and evenly coated. You can place a sheet of wax paper or newspaper underneath the flowers to catch any drips. Repeat this process for all of the flowers.

Step 5: Dip the Stems

Once the flower heads are dry, carefully remove one from where it is hanging and untie the string from the stem. Dip the stem into the wax, swirling it around until it is completely covered. Lay the flower on a piece of wax paper on a baking sheet to dry. Repeat this process for all of the flowers.

Step 6: Display and Care

Waxed flowers can be displayed in a vase, or even used to create a modern centerpiece. However, beware of high temperatures as the wax will melt. Waxed flowers will also discolour after around 4-6 months. To preserve them for longer, keep them in a dark, dry, and cool place, where they can last for over 50 years.

Display your flowers in a vase or hanging on a wall

Displaying your wedding bouquet in a vase or hanging it on a wall is a simple yet effective way to showcase your preserved blooms. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you achieve this:

Hanging your bouquet:

• Timing is crucial: Start the preservation process as soon as possible after your wedding. Fresh flowers tend to dry more successfully than wilted ones.
• Prepare the bouquet: Remove any excess foliage, thorns, or damaged petals from the stems. You can gently tie the stems together with string or a rubber band to hang them as a bunch, or hang them individually to retain as much shape as possible.
• Find an ideal location: Select a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a closet, an unused room, or a covered porch. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the colours to fade.
• Hanging process: Attach the bouquet to a hanger or a sturdy hook, ensuring it is secure and won't slip. Hang the bouquet upside down so that the flowers are facing downward.
• Drying time: Allow the bouquet to hang for approximately two to three weeks, or until the flowers are completely dry. The drying time may vary depending on the size and type of flowers in your bouquet.
• Finishing touches: Once the flowers are fully dried, gently remove them from the hanging position. You can cut the stems shorter if desired, leaving enough length for your display.

Displaying in a vase:

• Choose a vase: Select a vase that complements your dried flowers and fits the style of your home. Consider the height and width of the vase to ensure it will accommodate your bouquet.
• Arrange the flowers: Place the preserved flowers in the vase, using floral foam or other stabilizers to keep them in place and arranged attractively.
• Display and protect: Place the vase in a location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, or humidity to prevent any damage to the flowers. Regularly dust the vase and its surroundings to maintain a pristine display.

By following these steps, you can either hang your preserved wedding bouquet on a wall or display it in a vase, creating a lasting memento that captures the essence of your special day.

Frequently asked questions