Lyla Dejesus
A bridal bouquet is a key part of any wedding, but what happens to those flowers after the big day? There are many options for what to do with your bouquet after your wedding, from donating it to a hospital to creating a locket. You can also preserve your bouquet by drying or pressing the flowers, or sending them to a professional preservation service. If you're feeling creative, you can turn your bouquet into a work of art, a candle, or even a textile heirloom.
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What You'll Learn
Display in a shadow box or frame
Preserving your bridal bouquet in a shadow box or frame is a great way to keep your wedding bouquet intact and enjoy it for years to come. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Preparing the Flowers:
Firstly, decide if you want to preserve the entire bouquet or just individual flower stems. If you opt for the latter, use a pair of scissors or wire cutters to separate the stems. You can then use these stems as bookmarks, or to mark special messages in your wedding guest book, adding a personal touch to your memories.
Drying the Flowers:
The next step is to dry your flowers. This can be done by hanging the bouquet upside down in a well-ventilated area. Ensure the flowers are tied securely, as the stems will shrink during the drying process. Check the flowers regularly, as they can take anywhere from two to four weeks to dry completely.
Pressing the Flowers:
If you prefer, you can also press your flowers. First, cut the blooms off each stem and arrange them flat between two pieces of parchment paper. Place the paper inside a heavy book, positioning it in the middle. Leave the flowers to dry for one to two weeks, or until they are completely papery.
Displaying in a Shadow Box or Frame:
Once your flowers are dried or pressed, you can carefully arrange them in a shadow box or frame. If you're using a shadow box, you can get creative and include other mementos from your wedding, such as the groom's boutonniere, adding a unique touch to your display. Choose a frame that complements your home decor and showcases your bouquet beautifully.
Remember, you can also seek the services of a professional flower preserver if you want to ensure the best possible preservation and display of your bridal bouquet.
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Dry and press flowers
Drying and pressing flowers is a time-honoured way of preserving your bouquet. This method has been around for centuries and is currently rising in popularity. It is also the least expensive way of preserving your bouquet. However, it is important to note that not all flowers dry well, and many will change colour or lose their colour in the process. White flowers, for example, will yellow or brown, while darker hues like reds and purples will hold their colour better.
To dry your flowers, you will need rubber bands, a coat hanger, and a well-ventilated space with good circulation. First, separate your bridal bouquet into smaller bouquets and use the rubber bands to tie them together. Then, hang the mini bouquets upside down from coat hangers in the chosen space. The flowers will need to dry for 2-4 weeks, depending on the bloom. Once dried, you can spray the bouquets with hairspray to prevent them from falling to pieces. Finally, reassemble your bouquet and display it in a vase.
To press your flowers, you will need a heavy book and parchment paper. First, cut the blooms off of each stem. Then, arrange them flat between two pieces of parchment paper in the middle of the book. After 1-2 weeks, or when the blooms are completely dried out, you can create a keepsake wall hanging with your pressed flowers. You can also purchase a flower press from a craft shop or online, or even make your own press for a more crafty, DIY experience.
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Create a bouquet station at the wedding reception
If you want your guests to be able to take home a piece of your special day, setting up a bouquet station at the wedding reception is a great idea. This way, your guests can create their own small bouquets as wedding favours. Place the bouquet station towards the exit of the venue so that guests can easily grab a few blooms on their way out.
Cover a table with brown butcher paper and provide monogrammed tape, scissors, and ribbon. You can also add a few small vases or jars for guests to place their bouquets in water if they wish. If you have any extra wedding flowers, add them to the table so that guests have a variety of blooms to choose from.
For an extra special touch, provide small cards or tags that guests can attach to their bouquets with a message of thanks or a quote about love and marriage. You could even provide small bottles of perfume for guests to spritz their bouquets, adding a lasting fragrance to their creations.
If you want to get really creative, you could set up a flower-pressing station. Provide a flower press, or heavy books, and parchment paper for guests to press their own flowers. They can then take home their pressed flowers, ready to be framed or turned into a keepsake.
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Donate to a non-profit organisation
If you're looking to give back to the community after your wedding, donating your bridal bouquet to a non-profit organisation is a great option. Not only will you be able to share the beauty of your wedding flowers, but you'll also be contributing to a good cause.
YYC Petal Project is a non-profit organisation that accepts flower donations and repurposes them into smaller arrangements. These arrangements are then gifted to seniors in assisted living or given to hospital patients. This is a wonderful way to bring joy to those who may be facing health challenges or feeling lonely. Your donation can make a real difference in brightening someone's day and bringing a smile to their face.
Another option is to donate your bridal bouquet to a children's hospital. This can bring comfort and happiness to young patients and their families during a difficult time. Flowers can provide a sense of warmth and positivity in a hospital setting, making it a more welcoming and comforting environment for those who need it most.
When donating your bridal bouquet, it's important to consider the condition of the flowers. Ensure that they are still fresh and presentable, as wilting or damaged flowers may not be suitable for donation. Contact the non-profit organisation ahead of time to ensure they can accept your donation and confirm any specific guidelines or requirements they may have.
By donating your bridal bouquet to a non-profit organisation, you're not only extending the life of your wedding flowers but also spreading joy and making a positive impact on those who receive them. It's a meaningful way to share your happiness and create lasting memories for both yourself and others.
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Turn them into candles
If you're looking for a romantic way to preserve your wedding flowers, why not turn them into candles? This method requires you to first dry your flowers, but the rest of the process is super easy and fun! Here's how you can do it:
Preparing the Flowers
Before you begin the candle-making process, you'll need to dry your bridal bouquet flowers. Not all flowers dry well, and some will change or lose their colour during the process, so keep that in mind. To dry your flowers, separate your bouquet into smaller bouquets and use rubber bands to tie them together. Hang these mini bouquets upside down from coat hangers in a well-ventilated area. This will allow the stems to dry upright instead of wilting. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the flowers to fully dry. Once they're dry, you can reassemble your bouquet or create smaller bouquets to display in vases.
Making the Candles
Now that your flowers are ready, it's time to start making your candles! Candle-making is a fun and budget-friendly DIY project. You can upcycle jars, glasses, cups, or old tea candle holders to save money. If you have old candles at home, you can even melt them down and create new ones. When making candles with flowers, it's important to use only dried flowers. Fresh flowers will retain moisture and won't dry properly when surrounded by wax. Break up the flowers or herbs into small pieces to avoid large petals or stems.
Adding Flowers to the Candles
There are a few ways to add flowers to your candles. You can mix flower petals into the melted wax before pouring it into your chosen container. This method ensures that the flowers are evenly distributed throughout the candle. Alternatively, you can add flowers to the jar or container before pouring in the wax. This allows you to create a layer of flowers at the bottom or sides of the candle. If you want to add flowers on top of the candle, be cautious as they may catch fire. Press the flowers gently into the soft wax and avoid using large pieces. Stir the flowers slightly while the wax is cooling to prevent them from floating to the top.
Safety Considerations
While adding flowers to candles creates a beautiful effect, it's important to prioritise safety. Always use dried flowers, and avoid large petals or pieces that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially if it has flowers or other additives. Some essential oils, such as citrus oils, have a low flashpoint and can ignite, so choose your scents wisely. Always test your flower candles before gifting them to ensure they burn safely.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to preserve your bridal bouquet after your wedding. You can dry and press the flowers, and then frame them or turn them into a piece of art. You can also place the bouquet in a glass case or a shadow box and display it in your home.
To dry your bridal bouquet, separate the bouquet into smaller bouquets and use rubber bands to tie them together. Hang these mini bouquets upside down in a well-ventilated area and let them dry for 2-4 weeks. Once dried, you can reassemble the bouquet and display it in a vase.
To press your bridal bouquet, cut the blooms off each stem and arrange them flat between two pieces of parchment paper inside a heavy book. Leave the flowers to dry for 1-2 weeks. You can then use the pressed flowers to create a wall hanging or a keepsake.
You can get creative with displaying your bridal bouquet by turning it into a candle or a textile heirloom. You can also include other mementos from your wedding, such as the groom's boutonnière, and display it as a centerpiece in a custom vase or pot.
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