Junior Rasmussen
Wedding flowers are a big part of any wedding, and couples spend a lot of money on them. It is therefore important to know how to treat them so that they last throughout the wedding. There are several ways to do this, including asking your florist for suggestions on flowers that will last out of water, keeping them in a cool, dark place, misting them with water, and storing them in a vase of water between pictures and the ceremony. If you want to preserve your flowers after the wedding, there are several DIY methods, such as pressing them in a book or hanging them upside down to dry.
How to treat wedding flowers to last for a wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing of preservation | Soon after the wedding, as some preservation methods require fresh flowers |
| Preparation | Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to increase water absorption |
| Preservation methods | Pressing flowers in a book, hanging the bouquet upside down to dry, dipping flowers in wax, using anti-desiccant sprays, storing in a cool, dark place |
| Storage | Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and drafts; store in a vase of water or the refrigerator |
| Display | Framing dried flowers, displaying pressed flowers |
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What You'll Learn
Keep flowers in a cool, dark place
Keeping flowers in a cool, dark place is a simple yet effective way to ensure your wedding flowers stay fresh and vibrant for longer. This is especially useful if you are preparing flowers a day or two before the wedding.
Flowers are delicate and can easily wither when exposed to direct sunlight and heat. By storing them in a cool, dark location, you slow down the wilting process and extend their freshness. A room without windows or heavy shades over the windows can help block out light and heat. If possible, crank up the air conditioning to keep the space cool.
If you are storing flowers in a vase or bucket of water, ensure the container is thoroughly cleaned before filling it with fresh water. Bacteria from old water can contaminate the fresh water and shorten the lifespan of your flowers. When trimming the stems, cut them diagonally to expose their watering channels, and ensure the water level is approximately six inches up the stems.
If you are storing boutonnieres and corsages, keep them in a fridge, away from fruits. This will ensure they stay fresh until it's time to wear them. If a refrigerator is not available, store them in a cool room.
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Mist flowers daily
Misting flowers daily is a great way to keep them fresh and hydrated, especially during the summer months. It is best to use a mister or spray bottle with clean water, or a product like Crowning Glory, which helps seal in moisture. Apply the spray evenly to the petals and leaves, being careful not to waterlog the blooms. A fine mist will do the trick!
Misting is an important step in flower care, but it is not the only one. When your flowers arrive, it is important to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This will help the flowers absorb more water and stay hydrated. If you are using a vase, make sure it is clean and filled with room-temperature water and flower food. Keep the flowers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts.
If you are taking photos with your flowers, bring the vases along so that the flowers can stay hydrated. If you need to set the bouquet down, place it in its vase rather than laying it horizontally on a table or the ground. This will prevent damage to the flowers.
If you are using boutonnieres and corsages, store them in a fridge, away from fruits, before they need to be worn. This will keep them fresh. If refrigeration is not possible, store them in a cool room.
By following these steps and misting your flowers daily, you can help keep your wedding flowers looking their best throughout your special day.
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Store flowers in a vase of water
Flowers are a beautiful and classic way to decorate a wedding venue, but they require care to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant throughout the day. Here are some detailed tips to help you store flowers in a vase of water for your wedding:
Choosing Flowers
When selecting flowers for your wedding, consider choosing varieties that are known to last longer out of water. For example, roses or ranunculus can withstand periods without water better than hydrangeas, which can wilt within 45 minutes in hot conditions. Ask your florist for recommendations on flowers that will stay fresh throughout the day.
Preparing the Flowers
Before placing them in a vase, prepare the flowers by removing any leaves, thorns, flower buds, or damaged petals that may be carrying bacteria. Cut the stems according to the height of your vase, ensuring they are no more than twice its length. Cut the stems diagonally, as this increases the surface area and allows the flowers to absorb more water. Straight cuts can block water absorption, leading to wilting flowers.
Using the Right Water and Vase
Use fresh, cool water in your vase. Fill it to about three-quarters of its height. Regularly refresh the water every two to three days to keep the flowers hydrated and prevent bacterial growth. Recut the stems each time you change the water to promote better water absorption. Clean the vase thoroughly before refilling it to prevent bacteria from contaminating the fresh water.
Storage and Display
Keep the flowers in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Store them in a room without windows, and turn down the temperature to keep the environment cool. If you need to transport the flowers, use flower boxes or containers to secure them and prevent damage during the journey. Place old towels in the vases to prevent water from sloshing around, and transport them in a cool, shaded vehicle.
Additional Tips
- Mist the flowers daily with water or a product like Crowning Glory to keep them hydrated, especially if your wedding is outdoors or in a hot climate.
- If you're using floral foam, check its water level daily and add more as needed.
- Regularly inspect the arrangement for wilting or damaged flowers and remove them. Recut their stems and place them in water to rehydrate before returning them to the arrangement.
- If you have boutonnieres and corsages, store them in a fridge, away from fruits, to keep them fresh until they need to be worn.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your wedding flowers stay fresh and beautiful throughout your special day.
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Ask florists for long-lasting flower suggestions
When it comes to wedding flowers, florists are the experts. They can guide you in choosing flowers that will last throughout your wedding day and beyond. Ask your florist for suggestions on long-lasting flowers that align with your colour palette and theme. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
Ask for recommendations on flowers that can withstand varying conditions
Your wedding flowers may be exposed to different environments, including outdoor heat or air conditioning. Certain flowers, like anemones, are more sensitive to heat and may require special care, such as water-picking the stems. If you're having an outdoor wedding in a warm climate, consider asking your florist about hardy flowers that can tolerate higher temperatures.
Inquire about flowers with a longer vase life
If you plan to display your bouquets or centrepieces in vases during the wedding, ask your florist for flowers with a longer vase life. This will ensure that they remain fresh and vibrant throughout the event.
Discuss flower combinations for extended longevity
Some flowers can be combined to create long-lasting arrangements. For example, pairing carnations with alstroemeria results in a durable pairing. Carnations are extremely resilient and can last up to three weeks with routine watering, while alstroemerias, or Peruvian lilies, can withstand heat and sunshine, lasting up to two weeks.
Explore options beyond traditional blooms
Dried greenery, such as pampas grass, is a durable option that adds texture to your wedding décor. It is low-maintenance and can be used in various designs. If you're looking for something fragrant, rosemary is a popular choice that complements the dinner smells during your wedding reception.
Consider the season and availability of flowers
The availability of certain flowers may depend on the season. For example, tulips are a popular choice for spring weddings, while carnations are ideal for late spring or early summer due to their growing season and temperature preferences. If you're having a fall wedding, consider alstroemerias, which bloom from early summer to fall and come in a variety of rich colours.
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Press flowers in a book
Pressing flowers in a book is one of the oldest and most well-known methods of flower preservation. It is a simple technique that can help you preserve flowers from any occasion, including weddings. Here is a step-by-step guide to pressing flowers in a book:
Preparation:
First, select the flowers you would like to press. Choose flowers that are fresh and have thin petals and stems, as thicker flowers tend to retain more moisture, which can lead to mould or staining issues. Pick a spot where you have permission to pick flowers, and carefully select a few flowers, being mindful not to damage other blooms or take too many.
Setting up:
Line a heavy book with absorbent paper to help draw out moisture. You can use parchment paper, thin cardboard, newspaper, coffee filters, or blotting paper. Avoid paper with textures or embossing, as it may leave imprints on the flowers, and do not use paper towels. Before placing the flowers, separate any petals if needed and arrange them on the paper, leaving about 3/4-inch of space between each flower. Try to group flowers of similar varieties or thicknesses together.
Pressing:
Place a second sheet of paper on top of the flowers, ensuring that the petals are flattened in the desired shape. Close the book and weigh it down with additional heavy books or secure it tightly with ponytail holders. Store the book in a warm, dry place, checking on your flowers daily. The drying time can vary from a couple of days to a few weeks, depending on the flower type and drying conditions.
Final steps:
Once the flowers are completely dry, carefully remove them from the book. You can now display your pressed flowers in various ways. You can create artwork, decorate bookmarks, photo frames, or cards, or simply store them in a collection.
Pressing flowers in a book is a straightforward and cost-effective method to preserve your wedding flowers. With some time and patience, you can transform your wedding blooms into lifelong keepsakes that remind you of your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to help your wedding flowers stay fresh:
- Ask your florist for suggestions of flowers that will last out of water.
- Keep them in vases of water between photos and the ceremony.
- Store them in a refrigerator (away from fruit) or a cool place such as a basement to prolong their life.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can cause flowers to fade and wilt.
- Mist them daily with water or Crowning Glory to keep them hydrated and fresh.
Here are some steps to prepare your wedding flowers for preservation:
- Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to help the flowers absorb more water.
- Keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and drafts.
- If you plan to preserve them yourself, press a few blossoms into a book and let them dry.
You can preserve your wedding flowers by dipping them in wax, but this will not preserve them permanently. For a permanent preservation option, you can contact a professional preservation supplier.
