Junior Rasmussen
A wedding bouquet is a special memento from a memorable day, and many people choose to preserve their flowers as a reminder of the celebration. There are many ways to do this, from DIY methods such as pressing, air-drying, and hanging to more complex methods such as submerging flowers in epoxy resin molds, which may require the help of a professional. Pressing flowers is a popular method of preservation, but it is important to choose flowers that are fresh, flat, and dry, as not all flowers press well. This article will explore the different ways to press a wedding bouquet, including the use of books, microwaves, and professional services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of pressing a wedding bouquet | Adds a new piece of artwork to your home |
| Keeps memories alive | |
| Is a sustainable way of preserving flowers | |
| Is a fun DIY project | |
| Cons of pressing a wedding bouquet | Can be time-consuming |
| Can be highly priced | |
| Requires careful selection of flowers | |
| Requires careful preservation | |
| Methods of pressing a wedding bouquet | Using a microwave |
| Using a book | |
| Using epoxy resin molds | |
| Air-drying | |
| Using a professional service |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right flowers
Select flat flowers such as pansies or daisies. Flat flowers press better than spherical ones, like roses, which can be cut in half and dried, or have their petals individually pressed. If you have rounder blooms, you can hang them to dry.
If you are planning to press your flowers in a book, choose blooms that flatten easily. If you are using the microwave method, be aware that this can result in overly moist flowers that may mould, or dry out and become brittle.
If you are short on time, or your DIY skills are not up to the task, you can always send your bouquet to a professional. They will need to receive the flowers within a few days of your wedding to press them while they are still fresh.
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DIY vs. outsourcing
Wedding flowers can be expensive, and many people feel that the quotes they receive from florists are overpriced. The cost of a bridal bouquet can be anywhere from $80 to $250, and they are often priced higher than "normal" bouquets. The priciest aspect of a bouquet is usually the amount of time a florist spends crafting it, as well as the complexity of the design.
If you are on a tight budget, a DIY wedding bouquet can be a great way to save money. It is not as challenging as it seems and can be done with simple materials and a few steps. You can handpick blooms that complement the style of your wedding dress and colour palette, and create a custom arrangement that serves as the perfect accessory for your big day. The cost of a DIY bouquet will depend on factors such as whether your preferred flowers are in season, the size of your bouquet, and the type of flowers you choose.
However, creating your own bouquet can be time-consuming and may not always be cheaper. It also needs to be done very close to the wedding, as you will want fresh florals. If you are short on time or would like to avoid the stress of creating your own bouquet, outsourcing to a florist may be the best option.
Whether you decide to DIY or outsource your wedding bouquet, there are options available to preserve your flowers after the event. Pressing your flowers is a fun way to add a piece of artwork to your home and keep your wedding memories alive. You can send your flowers to a professional, or try a DIY pressing method such as book pressing or microwave pressing.
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Microwave pressing
To begin the process, you will need to start with fresh, high-quality flowers. Trim the stems and remove any excess foliage. Ensure the flowers are completely dry to prevent mould and mildew. Then, carefully take apart your bouquet. Place a sheet of parchment paper or blotting paper on the base of the flower press. Arrange your blooms on the paper, ensuring they are grouped similarly and do not overlap. Cover the flowers with another sheet of paper.
Close the flower press according to the manufacturer's instructions and ensure it is securely fastened. Place the flower press in the microwave and start with short, repeated rounds of 10-30 seconds each at different power settings. Check the flowers after each round to prevent over-drying and allow the press to cool between rounds to avoid overheating. If the paper becomes damp, replace it with dry sheets. Continue to microwave in short bursts until the flowers feel paper-thin.
Microwave-pressed flowers may not last as long as those preserved using other methods, but they are still likely to last a few years. This method is perfect for creating pressed flower frames and other keepsakes to commemorate your special day.
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Air-drying
First, dismantle the bouquet and remove any browning parts, torn petals, and extra leaves. You may want to take photos of the bouquet from all angles before you start to take it apart. Then, separate the flowers and stems into smaller bunches of the same kind. Next, tie a piece of string to each stem, staggering them when you tie and hang them so they are not sitting too close together. You can use coat hangers or rig up a clothesline to hang them from. Poke one end of a hook made from florist's wire gently through the stems, keeping in mind that the stems will contract as they dry.
Hang your flowers upside down to dry in a warm, dry, and dark area that is out of the way, like an infrequently used closet. Leave the flowers to air-dry for at least two weeks, although this may take longer depending on the temperature of the room. Check on them occasionally to see how they are doing, as some flowers will dry quicker than others.
Once your flowers are dried, you can use them in a variety of crafts. You could display them in a vase, create pressed artwork, hang them upside down, or use them to make candles or potpourri.
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Creative uses for pressed flowers
Pressing flowers from your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to preserve the memories of your special day. The process is simple and the result is a beautiful keepsake that can be displayed in your home or office, or even given as a gift. But what exactly can you do with these pressed flowers? Here are some creative uses for pressed flowers from your wedding bouquet:
Create Floral Art
Pressed flowers can be used to create stunning works of art. You can arrange and frame them to hang on walls, or place them on desks or side tables. Flat flowers, such as pansies or daisies, press better than spherical ones like roses. However, for roses, you can expand and spread out the petals to improve their pressability. Consider using a microwave to accelerate the drying process and help your flowers retain their colour.
Decorate Stationery and Journals
Pressed flowers can be used to decorate letters, journals, and gift cards. Get creative with the layout, and add a unique, personal touch to your correspondence. You can even use pressed flowers as a decorative element on gift wrapping. Attach dried flowers and foliage to twine or ribbon for a beautiful, natural accent.
Wearable Keepsakes
Transform your dried blooms into wearable keepsakes, such as jewellery. Create a pendant or a monogram with your pressed flowers, or opt for a birth flower ring or necklace, which can be crafted with blooms symbolizing your birth month. These pieces are not only beautiful but also carry sentimental value.
Ornamental Decor
Pressed flowers can be crafted into ornaments, adding a personal and memorable touch to your holiday decor. Custom ornaments can be made with a variety of frame colours and ribbon options, allowing you to collaborate with a designer to create a unique piece.
Candles
Dried petals can be used to decorate candles, creating a romantic and meaningful centrepiece for dinners or other special occasions. Use plain taper candles and a small paintbrush to adhere the petals with melted wax, pressing as needed until the flower stays flat.
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Frequently asked questions
Pressing your wedding bouquet is a fun way to add a new piece of artwork to your home and to keep the memories alive.
Not all flowers press well, so choosing the right flowers for your project is important. Opt for fresh, flat, and dry flowers. The fresher your petals are, the better. Pansies and daisies press better than spherical flowers, such as roses.
You can either do it yourself or send your flowers to a professional. If you want to do it yourself, you can press a few blossoms into a book, hang your bouquet upside down to air-dry, or use a microwave. If you use a microwave, lay your stems out on a paper towel, spacing them out evenly. Put the paper towel on a piece of cardboard and place a heavy plate on top before "cooking" at medium power for about one minute.
You can use your pressed flowers to make cards, candles, or artwork to display in your home.
If you are using a professional service, the turnaround time can range from 12 to 24 weeks. If you are doing it yourself, it will take a couple of hours to get started, but you will need to wait for the flowers to fully dry.
