Lyla Dejesus
Wedding flowers are an integral part of wedding decor and attire, adding colour and personality to the celebrations. They are often considered a special memento of the day, with many couples choosing to preserve their wedding bouquets. There are several methods to store a wedding bouquet, from simple DIYs to professional services, and even options for artificial flower bouquets. The preservation method depends on the type of flowers used, the desired level of involvement, and the desired display method.
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What You'll Learn
Pressing flowers in a book
Selecting the Flowers
Choose the flowers you want to press. This method is best for smaller flowers such as wildflowers, daisies, and baby's breath. If you are pressing your entire bouquet, separate the flowers and remove any stems and leaves as they tend to hold a lot of moisture.
Preparing the Flowers
Arrange the flowers on a sheet of wax, parchment, or coffee filter paper. Leave about 3/4 inch of space between each flower, and try to press flowers of similar varieties and thicknesses together. You can also separate any petals and arrange them as you desire. Once you are happy with the arrangement, place another sheet of paper on top.
Choosing the Book
Select a heavy book such as a dictionary, textbook, or phone book. The book should have a more paper-like feel to the pages, as waxier, magazine-style pages do not allow for as much breathability.
Pressing the Flowers
Place the sheet of paper with the flowers arranged on it inside the book. Put the book on a flat surface and close it. Add weights on top, such as a vase, skillet, or more books, to help with the pressing process.
Drying Time
The drying time will depend on the thickness of the petals and flowers. For thinner flowers, about two weeks should be sufficient. For thicker flowers, you may need to wait up to four weeks or more. Check on the flowers periodically, and if necessary, replace the absorbent paper every few days to absorb any moisture.
Once the flowers are completely dry, you can carefully remove them from the book and display them however you like. You can frame them or even use them in craft projects. Pressing flowers in a book is a simple and rewarding way to preserve your wedding bouquet and create a lasting memento of your special day.
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Dipping flowers in wax
Next, you will need to melt your wax. You can use paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax. If you are using paraffin wax, melt it in a double boiler over low heat or in a saucepan of boiling water. Beeswax can be melted using the same process. Alternatively, soy wax can be melted in the microwave in short intervals. The wax should be melted to a temperature of between 100°F and 130°F.
Once your wax is melted, you can start dipping your flowers. Hold the flowers by their stems and carefully dip them into the wax. Make sure to cover the entire flower with wax to prevent air from reaching the blooms. You may need to re-dip the flowers to get complete coverage. After dipping, allow the flowers to dry upside down.
Wax-preserved flowers will last for up to six months and will retain their original colour and integrity. They are relatively fragile, so handle them gently to avoid damage. This method of preservation adds a lovely shine to the petals, making them a beautiful memento of your special day.
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Hanging flowers to dry
Firstly, it is important to choose a suitable location to hang the flowers. Pick a dark environment or a place with minimal light, as direct light will cause the flowers' colours to fade. If you live in a humid environment, dry the flowers under sunlight first, and then move them to a closed room.
Next, prepare the flowers. Remove any unwanted leaves and cut the stems to fit the hanging container. You can also remove the pollen to prevent discolouration.
Now, you need to tie the flowers together. Use a string to bind the stems of the flowers together, leaving enough length at the other end to hang them. You can also use wire or twine for this step. Once the flowers are securely tied, attach the other end of the string to a sturdy stick, hanger, or hook. Ensure that whatever you use can bear the weight of the flowers for a long period.
Finally, hang the flowers upside down in the chosen location. The flowers will take around two to four weeks to completely dry. Once dry, you can take them down and spray them with unscented hairspray for added protection and to maintain their colour.
You can also dip the flowers in wax to help preserve their shape and colour. Melt paraffin wax in a pot and pour it into a heat-resistant container. Dip each flower into the wax twice, allowing any excess to drip back into the container. Hang the waxed flowers upside down to dry. This method will give you flowers that look almost identical to how they did on your wedding day, but they will only last for around six months.
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Storing fake flowers
Fake flowers are a great alternative to real flowers at weddings. They are durable and versatile, and can be prepared in advance. They are also a more cost-effective option, as they can be used multiple times. Additionally, they are a good option for people with allergies.
If you are using fake flowers for your wedding, here are some tips for storing them before and after the big day:
Before the Wedding
Select a container that is large enough to accommodate your artificial flower bouquet without bending or squishing it. Large boxes or plastic containers with lids are ideal for storing fake flower bouquets. Make sure the container is clean and free of dust or debris. If there is any dust on the bouquet, gently wipe it with a soft cloth.
After the Wedding
Fake flowers can be kept as a memento of your wedding day and displayed at home. To maintain their freshness and vibrancy, use a silk flower spray or a gentle mist of water on the bouquet. If any flowers or foliage have moved or flattened, gently fluff them to restore their shape.
Additionally, you can try some simple DIY methods to preserve your wedding flowers, such as pressing them in a book or hanging the bouquet upside down to dry.
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Using silica gel and an airtight container
Silica gel is a porous sand that absorbs water and dries flowers in one to seven days. This method keeps your flowers looking the closest to how they did on your wedding day. You can buy silica gel at any craft store for less than $10.
To use silica gel, start by forming a base layer of it in an airtight container. Nestle your blooms in the sand, being careful not to compromise the shape of the flower. Gently pour silica gel around the petals until the container is full. Seal the container with a lid and store it in a cool, dry place.
After about a week, carefully remove the flowers from the silica gel. Puncture the stem with floral wire and wrap it down the stem and onto a green floral stake. Cover the stem and stake with green floral tape, then recreate the look of your pre-dried bouquet. Use floral tape to hold the stems together and even out the ends of the floral sticks with garden shears. Wrap the stems with ribbon and secure it with pins.
Display your bouquet in a glass cloche or box to avoid dust and protect it for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
You can select flowers from your bouquet and arrange them however you like on wax paper or clean coffee filters. Place the flowers in the middle of a heavy book, such as a dictionary, and add another sheet of paper or coffee filter on top to prevent ink from transferring to the flowers. Close the book and place weights on top. Leave the flowers to dry for about two weeks.
You can preserve individual flowers at their peak bloom by pulling them from the bouquet and trimming the stems to about 1/4" below the flower. Place a small layer of silica gel crystals in the bottom of a plastic bin and put the flowers stem-down into the crystals. Pour additional crystals around the flowers and let them dry.
Ensure the fridge is clean and free of strong odors. Place the bouquet in the fridge, being careful to keep the flowers from touching the walls.
Melt paraffin wax in a pot and pour it into a heat-resistant container. Dip each flower into the container of wax, allowing any excess to fall back into the container. Hang the flowers upside down to dry or place them upright in a vase.
Contact your preservation supplier before your wedding and inform your florist so they can skip spraying preservatives on the bouquet. Ask someone to keep the flowers out of direct sunlight and well-hydrated throughout the day.
