Deborah Chan
Wedding flowers are a beautiful but fleeting part of the big day. Luckily, there are many ways to press and preserve them, so you can enjoy them for years to come. From DIY methods like pressing them in a book or drying them in the microwave, to professional services that offer framing, resin, and 3D preservation options, there are plenty of ways to keep your flowers looking their best. With a little creativity and planning, you can transform your wedding bouquet into a lasting part of your home decor or a beautiful memento that evokes the emotions of your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | The preservation process should be started as soon as possible after the wedding. Fresh flowers tend to press more successfully than wilted ones. |
| Storage | Flowers should be kept in a cool, dry place before preservation. |
| Pressing | Flowers can be pressed between the pages of a heavy book, with wax or parchment paper to protect them from ink. Alternatively, they can be dried in a microwave or using silica gel. |
| Framing | Flowers can be arranged and framed once they are dry. |
| Display | Wedding flowers can be displayed as artwork, or used to create homemade potpourri, candles, or bath soak. |
| Professional services | Floral preservation services are available, as well as artists who can paint or draw the flowers. |
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What You'll Learn
How to press wedding flowers using a book
Pressing flowers in a book is one of the oldest and most effective ways to preserve your wedding flowers. The process is simple but requires time and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to press wedding flowers using a book:
Selecting the Flowers:
Firstly, pick the flowers you want to preserve. It is best to select flowers in their prime, avoiding wilting or budding blooms. Go for flowers with thin petals and stems, as thicker flowers may be prone to mould or discolouration. Pick flowers in the late morning after the early morning dew has dried off.
Preparing the Book:
Open a heavy book, such as a textbook or phone book, and line its pages with absorbent paper. You can use parchment paper, wax paper, or plain printer paper. Avoid using paper towels or paper with textures as these can leave imprints on the flowers. Place the paper inside the book, creating a base for the flowers.
Arranging the Flowers:
Arrange the flowers on the paper, placing them face down and at least 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) apart. Try to avoid overlapping the flowers and leave a margin of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) on all sides. You can cut or split thicker flowers, like roses, in half before placing them on the paper.
Pressing the Flowers:
Once you are happy with the arrangement, carefully close the book. Place additional heavy books or weights on top to apply even pressure across the flowers. Store the book in a warm, dry place. Check on your flowers after about a week, and replace the absorbent paper if needed.
Drying Time:
The drying time can vary from seven to ten days or even up to three weeks, depending on the thickness of the flowers. Once the flowers are fully dried and flattened, carefully remove them from the book. You can then frame your pressed wedding flowers or use them for various craft projects.
Remember, drying flowers will cause them to lose some colour, so it is best to start the pressing process when the petals are still vibrant and fresh. Additionally, avoid using flowers with high moisture content, as this can lead to mould or staining issues.
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How to press wedding flowers using a microwave
Preserving your wedding flowers is a beautiful way to remember your special day for longer. The microwave method is a quick and easy way to dry and press flowers, preserving their beauty and colour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to press wedding flowers using a microwave:
Firstly, you will need some brightly coloured, fresh flowers. Lower-moisture plants and fresh flowers press best, and white flowers are more challenging as they tend to discolour when heated. So, opt for bright, colourful flowers if possible. You will also need paper towels, scissors, a microwave, and a microwave-safe dish.
Cut the flowers and leaves to the desired size. You can cut them off right below the bloom or leave them on the stem. Place the blooms on a paper towel, ensuring the petals are flat and smoothed out. Cover with another paper towel and place the arrangement in the microwave.
Now, place a heavy, microwave-safe dish on top of the paper towels. You don't need to press this down, the weight will help flatten the flowers as they dry. Microwave in small intervals of 10-30 seconds, checking the flowers between each interval to ensure they do not scorch. The cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave and the type of flowers, so keep an eye on them.
Once the flowers are dry and appear flat, remove them from the microwave and let them cool. They will get stiffer as they cool and will fully dry. Now, your pressed flowers are ready to be used in a variety of projects. You can arrange them in a frame, alongside a photo or card, to preserve the memory of your wedding day.
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How to preserve pressed flowers in a frame
Pressing and preserving your wedding flowers is a great way to add a new piece of artwork to your home and keep the memories alive. You can either send your flowers to a professional or do it yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to preserve pressed flowers in a frame:
Preparation
Before you start pressing your flowers, it is important to prepare them properly. The fresher the blooms are, the better they are for preserving. Keep the flowers in a cool, dry place and cut the stems at an angle to allow the greatest water absorption. Plunge the stems into water immediately after cutting and place them in a vase filled with water and floral food. If you are planning to press your entire bouquet, select as many flowers as you'd like and spread them out on clean wax paper so they will lift easily after pressing. Arrange them in a way you are happy with, as once they're dried and pressed, you won't be able to manipulate them.
Pressing
There are several methods you can use to press your flowers. One of the most popular methods is the book method, which involves laying the wax paper with the flowers inside the pages of a heavy book, adding another piece of wax paper on top, and shutting the book. Weigh it down with something heavy, like a vase or more books. This process usually takes about two to three weeks. Another method is the microwave method, which is quicker but may not produce the same quality results. Lay your stems out on a paper towel and put the paper towel on cardboard.
Framing
Once your flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the paper and place them in your desired frame. Arrange the flowers to fit your aesthetic preference and be careful not to jostle too much to avoid breaking off the petals. You can use a dab of glue, hot glue, or double-sided tape to hold them in place.
Tips
- It is important to maintain consistent pressure during the pressing process to achieve the best results.
- Flowers with thinner petals, such as cosmos, coreopsis, and daisies, are easier to press as the moisture is absorbed more rapidly, reducing the possibility of mould.
- If you are pressing flowers with obvious stamens, such as lilies, remove the stamens so the pollen won't stain.
- For best results and the most vibrant colours, condition your blooms by plunging the stems into water immediately after cutting.
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How to preserve wedding flowers using silica gel
Preserving wedding flowers using silica gel is an effective method to maintain their shape and colour. Silica gel absorbs moisture from the flowers, leaving them beautifully preserved. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to preserve wedding flowers using silica gel:
Step 1: Prepare the Flowers
Keep the flowers as fresh as possible before placing them in silica gel. The fresher the flowers are before preservation, the fresher they will appear once dried. To maintain freshness, keep the flowers in water and store them in a cool place, such as a basement or garage. Avoid touching the flowers more than necessary, and wear gloves while handling them to prevent bruises, which can become visible once the flowers are preserved.
Step 2: Prepare the Silica Gel
Use new or recharged silica gel. To recharge silica gel, place it on a baking tray and put it in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for at least five hours. Check the instructions on your silica gel packaging for specific recommendations. When handling silica gel, wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the fine dust created when it is poured.
Step 3: Arrange the Flowers
Start by carefully deconstructing your bouquet and taking a picture of the arrangement for reference. Trim the stems of the flowers at the very base, leaving just the flower heads. Place a thin layer of silica gel at the bottom of an airtight container. Then, carefully arrange the flowers on the silica gel, ensuring they do not overlap.
Step 4: Cover the Flowers
Gently pour more silica gel over the flowers, making sure to cover them completely. Use a spoon or scoop to distribute the gel evenly without damaging the petals. Slowly pour a small amount of silica gel inside the flower, being careful not to squish any petals. Continue alternating between pouring gel around and inside the flower to maintain its shape.
Step 5: Seal and Store
Seal the container and place it in a cool, dry place. The drying time can vary from two to four days, or longer if the buds are thick.
Step 6: Remove and Display
After the drying period, carefully remove the flowers from the silica gel. Ensure the flowers are completely dry before removal; the petals should feel stiff and almost crunchy, like paper. Brush off any excess gel with a soft brush or gently blow it off. Display your preserved flowers in a glass cloche, frame, shadow box, or vase.
By following these steps, you can effectively preserve your wedding flowers using silica gel, capturing their beauty and colour for years to come.
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How to dry wedding flowers
Drying your wedding flowers is a great way to preserve your wedding memories. There are several methods to dry your wedding flowers, and you can choose to do it yourself or opt for a professional service. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry your wedding flowers:
Preparation:
Before the wedding, it is good to have a plan for preserving your flowers. Discuss with your florist about your intention to preserve your bouquet, as certain flowers perform differently depending on the preservation method. Some flowers are easier to dry or press, while others may not respond well to preservation. Thick, marshmallowy blooms like peonies and garden roses are prone to browning or moulding, so it is better to choose daintier florals.
During the wedding:
After the wedding ceremony and photos, place your bouquet in water as soon as possible to keep them hydrated. Ask your florist to provide a vase, and display your flowers on a table. Keep the blooms in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prepare for preservation.
DIY Drying Methods:
There are several DIY methods to dry your wedding flowers. The easiest and quickest way is to air-dry your bouquet upside down. First, remove any ribbons, pins, or ties from the bouquet. Carefully separate the stems and strip any unwanted foliage, especially those sitting below the waterline. Leave some top foliage for a natural appearance. You can hang your bouquet as a whole, or you can take it apart and group it into smaller bunches, depending on the size. Hang the flowers in a dry, dark spot, such as a dark cupboard, garage, or garden shed.
Another method is dry evaporation. Put the flowers in a vase with approximately two inches of water, ensuring the ends of the stalks are submerged. This method works well with hydrangeas, gypsophila, and spray roses. Avoid big, blousy flower heads like tulips or protea. You can also try the microwave method, which takes a couple of hours. Lay the stems on a paper towel, spacing them evenly. Put the paper towel on cardboard, and let it sit.
Professional Services:
If you want the best results, you can opt for professional flower preservation services. These services use techniques like freeze-drying to create 3D pictures, paperweights, or floral blocks featuring your wedding flowers. You can also commission an artist to paint your flowers or interpret your wedding day, creating a unique piece of art.
No matter which method you choose, acting quickly is key to capturing your flowers in their prime. Preserving your wedding flowers will create a wonderful reminder of your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Pressing flowers is a simple way to preserve your wedding bouquet and create a piece of artwork for your home. You can use a flower pressing kit, or try the traditional method of placing flowers between the pages of a heavy book. If you're short on time, you can also try the microwave method.
Basic preservation services like pressing or simple drying typically cost between $150 and $250. More ornamental framed or resinized keepsakes can range from $300 to $500 or more.
DIY flower preservation can be a fun post-wedding project, but there are a few reasons you might want to hire a professional. Certain preservation methods require quick action, which may not be feasible if you're going on your honeymoon immediately after your wedding. Additionally, some preservation techniques, like submerging flowers in epoxy resin, require craft expertise.
