Junior Rasmussen
Wedding flowers are often preserved as a special memento of a couple's big day. There are many ways to do this, ranging from simple DIY methods to professional services. One popular method is to press the flowers and display them in a frame. This can be done by placing the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as parchment paper, and putting them inside a heavy book or flower press. Another option is to use the ironing method, where you layer the flowers with wax paper and iron them on a low setting. Once the flowers are dried, they can be glued into a frame to create a beautiful keepsake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation techniques | Pressing, air-drying, silica gel, freeze-drying, wax preservation, resin |
| Timing | Flowers should be pressed within a few days of the wedding. The drying process takes 2-3 weeks, while freeze-drying takes 7 days. The professional framing process can take 18-20 weeks. |
| Cost | Basic preservation services cost $150-$250, while framed flowers cost $300-$500. Customised items like shadow boxes can cost $700-$1000. |
| Display options | Flowers can be framed, displayed in a glass case, or incorporated into items like coasters, earrings, keychains, phone cases, or bath salts. |
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What You'll Learn
Pressing flowers between parchment paper and book pages
To begin, separate any petals if needed. Then, arrange your flowers on a sheet of parchment paper, leaving at least 3/4-inch of space between each flower. Try to press flowers of similar varieties or thicknesses together. Place a second piece of parchment paper on top of the arranged flowers, taking care to flatten the flower face in the shape you'd like to achieve when pressed. Folding the parchment paper in half can help with this step.
Next, open a large, heavy book and line a single page with the parchment paper and flowers. Carefully close the book, ensuring that the flower is not crushed or disturbed, and then place more books on top to weigh it down. It is important to avoid packing too much into one book, as this will make it harder to weigh down. For optimal results, let the flowers rest for at least a week to ensure they are fully dry before removing them from the book.
Some people suggest replacing the absorbent paper every three days or so, but this may not be necessary with parchment paper. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the petals, with thicker flowers taking longer to dry. Once your flowers are fully dry, use nylon tweezers to handle them as book-pressed flowers can be very delicate.
Overall, pressing flowers between parchment paper and book pages is a simple and cost-effective way to preserve your wedding flowers and create a special keepsake of your special day.
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Using silica gel to preserve flowers
Silica gel is a great way to preserve flowers for framing, as it helps to maintain their colour and shape. The gel consists of blue and white crystals (or sometimes orange and white crystals) that absorb moisture. The blue crystals turn pink when the mixture has reached maximum absorption and can be "recharged" in an oven.
To use silica gel to preserve flowers, first trim the stems so that you just have the heads of the flowers. Then, place the flowers face up in an airtight container. Next, slowly pour a small amount of silica gel evenly beside each flower, allowing it to fall into place beneath the petals and support the weight of the flower. Once a small layer of silica gel is holding the outside of the flower, slowly pour a small amount inside, being careful not to squish any petals. Repeat this process, creating layers of flowers and silica gel, until you have filled your container. Seal the container and place it in a cool, dry place for 2-4 days, or longer if the flowers are thick.
Once the flowers are completely dry, remove them from the silica gel and brush off any excess crystals with a soft-bristled paintbrush. You can also use a microwave to speed up the process. Place the flowers in the microwave without a lid, along with a glass of water, and heat in one-minute increments until dry.
It is important to note that silica gel may absorb pesticides from flowers, so it is recommended not to reuse the container for food preparation. Additionally, always wear a dust mask when handling silica gel, as it creates a fine dust when poured.
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Air-drying flowers
Picking the right flowers
Select sturdy flowers that will keep their petals during the air-drying process. Flowers with multiple layers, such as roses, tulips, zinnias, and chrysanthemums, are good options. Small and sturdy blossoms like hydrangeas, amaranth, lavender, baby's breath, celosia, and strawflower are also suitable due to their lower water content.
Preparing the flowers
Strip and bunch your flowers by type, keeping the same species together. Larger flowers should be individually dried. Remove all leaves and foliage from the stems, and trim them to the desired length. Limit your bundles to about three stems.
Binding the flowers
Use a rubber band, string, or twine to firmly hold the stems together without denting or creasing them. You can also use a hanger for this step.
Hanging the flowers
Hang the bound flowers upside down in a dark, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the flowers to fade. A cool, dry area away from windows is ideal.
Drying time
The air-drying process usually takes two to four weeks. It is important to be patient and allow the flowers to dry thoroughly.
Optional: Using silica gel
While air-drying is effective on its own, you can also use silica gel in combination with this method to better preserve the shape and colour of the flowers. Prepare a container with silica gel and place the flowers blossom-up in the gel, ensuring they are completely covered. This will take longer than using a microwave but is a good option if you do not want to risk damaging your flowers with heat.
Once your flowers are dried, you can use them for various crafts or display them in a frame or vase. You can also spritz them with hairspray or acrylic spray to help hold their shape and prevent petal loss.
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Using hot glue to secure flowers in the frame
Preserving wedding flowers in a frame is a great way to keep your special day alive in your mind forever. Once you have pressed and dried your flowers, you can use hot glue to secure them in a frame. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the flowers:
First, carefully remove any excess foliage, thorns, or damaged petals from your bouquet. If the stems are too long, trim them to fit your desired frame size. You can also tie the stems together with string or a rubber band to keep them secure.
Press and dry the flowers:
Place a piece of absorbent paper on the bottom of a flower press or between the pages of a heavy book. Arrange your flowers on the paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping. Then, place another sheet of absorbent paper over the flowers, and continue layering flowers and paper until your entire bouquet is arranged. Leave the flowers to dry for about two to three weeks.
Use hot glue to secure the flowers:
Once your flowers are dry, gently remove them from the absorbent paper and plan how you will arrange them in your frame. Hot glue can be used to secure the flowers in place. Be careful to use only a small amount of glue to avoid obscuring the intricate details of the flowers. You can also use acid-free adhesive or glue dots.
Assemble the frame:
Place your flowers between two pieces of glass and carefully flip them over so you can close the frame. If your flowers are too thick, you may not be able to close all the clasps. In this case, you can use a piece of acrylic instead of glass, as it has some flexibility and will not crack.
Display your framed flowers:
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 to keep it looking its best.
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.
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Displaying flowers in a glass frame
Picking the Flowers
Choose flowers with thicker and almost leathery petals as they have less water content and are more conducive to drying. Flowers like hydrangeas, amaranth, lavender, baby's breath, celosia, and strawflower are good options. You can either pick flowers from your garden or use the ones from your wedding bouquet.
Drying the Flowers
To dry the flowers, place them between two pieces of wax or parchment paper. Then, put a heavy book on top to flatten them. You can also use a microwave to speed up the drying process. Place the flowers between a paper towel and wax paper, and microwave for a few seconds.
Arranging the Flowers
Once the flowers are dry, arrange them in the glass frame. You can make a pattern or randomly display them. If you are using a bouquet, you may need to trim the stems to fit the frame.
Securing the Flowers
To secure the flowers in place, you can use a thin layer of glue or mod podge. Carefully apply the adhesive to the back of each flower, ensuring they adhere to the glass. Alternatively, you can sandwich the flowers between two pieces of glass and carefully flip them over to close the frame.
Displaying the Frame
Hang your beautiful flower frame on a wall or display it on a table. You can also create a little display of multiple frames to showcase different flowers or create a pattern. This will bring a touch of nature and colour to your home décor.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to preserve wedding flowers in a frame. One way is to press the flowers in a book or flower press. Another way is to use silica gel, ensuring the flowers are completely submerged and left in an airtight container for at least 24 hours. You can also try freeze-drying your flowers, which can be done at home or via a professional.
Pressing flowers in a book can take a few days to a few weeks. The drying process for silica gel preservation takes up to seven days. Freeze-drying flowers usually takes around seven days.
Flowers with thin petals, such as cosmos, coreopsis, pansies, geraniums, daisies, violets, and poppies, are easier to press since the moisture is absorbed more rapidly.
