Lyla Dejesus
The wedding bouquet is an important accessory, adding colour and personality to the wedding attire. There are several ways to preserve your wedding bouquet and here are some of the most popular methods: drying the flowers and placing them in a shadow box, using them as bookmarks, wearing them as accent pieces on clothing, turning them into candles, or displaying them in a vase.
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What You'll Learn
Press flowers in a book
Wedding bouquets are often preserved as they serve as a reminder of the special day. One way to do this is by pressing the flowers in a book. This is a simple and cost-effective method to preserve your wedding flowers.
To press flowers in a book, start by selecting the flowers or the entire bouquet. Spread the flowers out on a clean sheet of wax paper. Arrange them in a way that you like as once they are dried and pressed, you won't be able to change their position. Place the wax paper with the flowers inside a heavy book, such as a textbook or a phone book. You can also use a large book with cartridge paper. Add another sheet of wax paper or cartridge paper on top of the flowers to protect them from the ink in the book. Close the book and weigh it down with something heavy, like a vase or more books.
Leave the flowers to dry for about seven to ten days. You can also leave them for a month or longer, depending on how dry you want them to be. Check the flowers after a month to see if moisture has seeped into the paper and produced mould. If you are satisfied with the dryness of the flowers, you can then frame them or display them in a shadow box.
If you are looking for other ways to preserve your wedding bouquet, you can hang the bouquet upside down to let it air dry. You can also use silica gel, which is a substance that absorbs moisture from the flowers. Another option is to encase the flowers in clear resin, which can be poured into a mold to create a unique keepsake.
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Preserve in resin
Preserving your wedding bouquet in resin is a great way to keep your flowers looking similar to how they did on your wedding day. This method involves drying your flowers and then encasing them in epoxy resin.
Firstly, trim the stems of your bouquet and ensure your flowers are completely dry. There are several methods for drying flowers, including using silica gel or air-drying. Silica gel is the preferred method for colour and shape retention, but silica beads can cause indents on the petals, so silica crystals are recommended. To use silica gel, place your flowers in a sealed container with silica gel desiccant for several days or weeks. Alternatively, you can air-dry your flowers by allowing them to dry naturally in a vase or box.
Once your flowers are dry, you can prepare your mould. Select a silicone or HDPE mould that showcases your flowers effectively. Clean the mould with water or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or residue, and ensure it is completely dry before use. Measure the mould to determine the amount of Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin required.
Next, it's time to mix your resin. Combine one part Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin with one part hardener, ensuring a thorough mix. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container while mixing to prevent any unmixed epoxy resin.
Now, you can begin the process of encasing your flowers in resin. Mist the mould with a light layer of resin mould release to make demoulding easier and protect against micro-tears. Arrange the flowers in your mould, being mindful of the direction of the blooms to minimise air bubbles. Pour the first layer of resin into the mould and allow it to harden. Then, arrange your flowers and pour another layer, continuing to add additional layers until your flowers are fully encased.
Finally, allow the resin to cure completely before demoulding your floral preservation cast. You can apply a doming layer of epoxy resin for an optional finishing touch. Now you have a beautiful way to preserve your wedding bouquet and showcase it in your home.
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Frame and display
There are many ways to frame and display your wedding bouquet. You can purchase a larger picture frame and spread out the contents of your bouquet inside, perhaps with a picture of you and your partner in the middle. You could also create a gallery wall effect by using double glass frames of varying sizes. If you want to get creative, you could use a display case such as a birdcage to add an interesting twist.
If you want to preserve your bouquet before framing it, there are several options. One option is to use silica gel, which helps flowers retain their shape and colour. You can buy silica drying gel at most craft stores. Use a paintbrush to cover the flowers with silica powder, then place them in an airtight container with more powder and seal the lid. After about a week, remove the bouquet and gently dust off any remaining powder. You can then finish it with a protective sealant spray and display it in a frame.
Another option is to press your flowers. Choose a thick, heavy book and place the flowers in between two blank sheets of paper, then put them towards the centre of the book. After about two weeks, check on them and re-press them if they are not completely dry. Once dried, you can arrange and frame them however you like.
If you want to keep your bouquet intact, displaying it in a shadow box is a great option. You can arrange your dried flowers in the shadow box and use hot glue as an adhesive. You can also add other mementos from your wedding, such as a groom's boutonnière or a special piece of jewellery.
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Donate to a charitable cause
Donating your wedding bouquet to a charitable cause is a great way to extend the joy of your special day and give back to your community. Here are some ideas on how to do this:
Hospitals, Hospice Care and Treatment Centres:
Donating your wedding flowers to a community hospital or hospice care facility is a wonderful option. Flowers have been shown to improve mental and emotional health, and your donation will brighten the days of patients and staff alike. Organisations like Petals With Purpose in Florida will pick up your bouquet donation and deliver it to sick children, the elderly, and the disabled. They will even repurpose the blooms into new arrangements and later compost them, benefiting both people and the planet.
Nursing Homes:
Your wedding bouquet donation can bring joy to residents in nursing homes. Organisations like Bouquets of Kindness in Jacksonville, Florida, encourage older adults to craft their own arrangements from donated flowers, restoring a sense of independence and decreasing feelings of depression. Petals for Hope is another organisation that accepts flower donations and creates new arrangements for nursing homes and other care facilities.
Women's Shelters:
Women's shelters are another great option for donating your wedding bouquet. These organisations support women and children who have experienced domestic violence or homelessness, and flowers can bring a sense of comfort and beauty during challenging times.
Charitable Events:
Donating your wedding bouquet to a charitable event is another way to give back. Charities rely on donations and fundraising, and your flower arrangements can help impress guests and leave a favourable impression. By donating your flowers, you save the charity money and help them generate long-term profits while also supporting a worthy cause.
Remember, your wedding flower donation might even be tax-deductible, so be sure to explore local organisations and reach out to see how you can spread the love and joy from your special day!
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Send to a professional preservation service
Sending your wedding bouquet to a professional preservation service is a great way to ensure your flowers are properly preserved. This option is ideal if you don't have the time or inclination for DIY preservation methods, or if you want to guarantee the best possible results.
There are several companies that specialise in this service, such as dbandrea, Ever After Bouquet, and Keepsake Floral Inc. These companies use various techniques to preserve your flowers, including pressing, drying, and wax preservation. They can also incorporate your flowers into a display, such as a shadow box or frame, so you can easily hang and admire them.
To use a professional service, it's important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. Costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of the final piece. Additionally, professionals will need to receive the flowers as soon as possible after the wedding to ensure they can work with fresh blooms.
If you're interested in this option, a quick Google or Instagram search will help you find a range of professionals to choose from. You can also read reviews and compare different companies' techniques, prices, and turnaround times to find the best fit for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
You can display your wedding bouquet in a shadow box or frame. You can also place the bouquet in a vase or hang it on a wall.
You can air-dry your bouquet by hanging it upside down in a well-ventilated, dark, and dry spot. You can also use silica gel to dry your flowers by placing them in an airtight container and pouring silica over them.
You can use the flowers from your bouquet to create a wreath, candles, or jewellery. You can also use the blooms as accent pieces on a handbag or backpack. Alternatively, you can dry and laminate the flowers into bookmarks.
