Junior Rasmussen
Wedding flowers are a beautiful but fleeting part of the big day. Many couples choose to preserve their flowers as a reminder of the celebration, but knowing how to do this can be tricky. There are several ways to dry flowers, including hanging them upside down or pressing them in a book, and there are many ways to display them, such as in resin or as part of a collage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation | Air-dry, resin, wax, frame, shadow box, press |
| Use Cases | Wreath, vase, drawer knobs, coasters, jewellery, candles |
| Preservation Time | 1-3 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Create a floral wreath or candle
Create a Floral Wreath
Making a wreath out of dried flowers from your wedding is a great way to preserve them. The process is simple and inexpensive, and you can use flowers from your garden.
Firstly, decide on a wreath base. You can make your own by using willow branches, or you can buy a wreath base. Next, take small bundles of flowers and cut off most of the stems. Place the bundle on the wreath base, spreading the flowers evenly, and secure with jute or twine. Repeat this process, going in one direction and slightly overlapping the bundles, until you reach the end. Tuck the stems of the last bundle under the first bundle and secure with jute or twine.
If you are using floral foam, soak it in a sink for about 10 minutes before starting. Tie a piece of ribbon to the foam if you plan to hang your wreath. You can use a mixture of foliage to give your wreath a natural feel, cutting the greenery into small pieces.
Create a Floral Candle
Making your own candles is a fun and inexpensive project, and adding dried flowers from your wedding will make them extra special. It is important to follow safety guidelines when adding flowers to candles, as flowers that are too large or too close to the wick can catch on fire.
Use dried flower petals rather than whole flowers, and place them away from the centre of the wick. A clear, wide container will allow you to see the petals better and give more space between the flowers and the wick. You can use any type of flower, but some, like lavender buds and rose petals, retain their colour better than others.
Start by measuring the amount of wax needed for your container. Soy wax, beeswax, or a blend of the two are good options. Melt the wax in a double boiler, adding any essential oils at the end. Secure the wick to the bottom of the container with glue or a hot glue gun, and hold it upright with chopsticks or clothespins. Pour the wax into the container, using a ladle to keep things clean.
You can add flowers to the melted wax before pouring it into the container, or pour the wax first and then add flowers on top. Let the candle cool and solidify overnight, then cut the wick, leaving a little bit of length. You can also add decorations like sprigs of lavender or dried flowers on top of the candle.
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Frame the flowers
Framing your wedding flowers is a wonderful way to preserve them and keep them safe. It is a way to hold onto your blooms as keepsakes and mementos of your special day. There are a few ways to go about this, and you can choose to do it yourself or enlist the help of a professional.
If you want to frame your flowers yourself, you can press them. First, you must unwrap the bouquet and cut away any tape or ties. Then, you can either press the flowers into a book or hang them upside down to dry. If you choose to press them, simply place a few blossoms between the pages of a heavy book and leave them to dry. If you want to hang them, it is best to hang the stems one by one, so each has the best form possible. Hang them in a dry, temperate area, such as a hallway closet, and let them air-dry for at least a week, or longer if it is cool.
Once your flowers are dry, you can arrange them in a frame. You can choose a frame with glass on both sides so you can see the flowers from every angle. You can also add a special touch by including your wedding vows printed on archival paper as the background for your framed flowers. This way, you can showcase your flowers and vows together as a beautiful reminder of your wedding day.
If you prefer to enlist professional help, there are businesses that specialize in preserving wedding flowers. They can create custom frames with your flowers, and some even offer insurance to replace any flowers that may have browned or deteriorated. This option can be more costly, but it ensures your flowers are preserved in the best possible way.
Framing your wedding flowers is a beautiful way to preserve your special day and can be a fun DIY project or a professional keepsake to cherish forever.
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Make resin jewellery
Dried wedding flowers can be preserved in resin and turned into beautiful jewellery. Here is a step-by-step guide to making resin jewellery with dried flowers:
Prepare the Flowers
Firstly, ensure that your flowers are completely dried. You can hang the flowers upside down in a dry, temperate area, such as a hallway closet, for at least a week.
Prepare the Resin
Before you begin, make sure you are wearing safety equipment as liquid resin can be toxic. Use clear epoxy resin, such as Mod Podge Resin, which dries to a hard, clear gloss finish. Prepare the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mix the resin thoroughly and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow any large bubbles to pop on their own.
Fill the Moulds
Pour the resin into your chosen moulds, filling them about halfway. You can use pendant moulds or silicone resin jewellery moulds. Let the resin sit for about an hour and use a torch or lighter to remove any remaining bubbles. You can also gently blow on the surface to remove bubbles.
Add the Flowers
Carefully place the dried flowers of your choice into the resin. Use tweezers to handle the delicate flowers and arrange them as desired. Press the flowers into the resin gently.
Fill the Moulds Completely
Pour the remaining resin over the flowers, filling the moulds to the top. Check for bubbles again and remove any that remain. Cover the moulds to prevent dust from settling.
Cure and Demould
Let the resin cure overnight or for at least 24 hours. Then, remove the jewellery pieces from the moulds. They should pop out easily when pressed from the bottom.
Finish and Polish
If your resin pieces have rough edges, you can sand them down or use a knife to trim them. Add jump rings and necklace chains to create necklaces, or earring hooks to create earrings. Your resin jewellery is now ready to wear or gift!
You can create endless designs and combinations with different flowers, colours, and even glitter. Resin jewellery is a timeless way to preserve your wedding flowers and capture special memories.
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Add to home decor
Dried flowers from your wedding can be added to your home decor in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Floral Wreaths
Create a floral wreath using your dried wedding flowers. You can hang the wreath on a wall or door, or use it as a decorative centrepiece on a table. If you have any ribbon from your wedding bouquet, consider incorporating it into the wreath design.
Resin Decor
You can preserve your dried wedding flowers in resin and create a variety of decorative items for your home. Some ideas include coasters, serving trays, display trays, paperweights, drawer knobs, or even jewellery such as earrings and necklaces. You can also add metallic gold, silver, or rose gold flakes to your resin creations for an extra touch of sparkle.
Floral Candles
Another option is to make floral candles using your dried wedding flowers. Melt soy wax in a double boiler, add a few drops of essential oil, and carefully arrange the dried flowers in heat-safe glass containers before pouring in the scented wax and adding a candle wick. Allow the candles to cool and trim the wicks before use.
Framed Bouquet
You can also dry and frame your wedding bouquet as a decorative piece for your home. Hang the fresh blooms upside down to air dry for 2-3 weeks, removing any leaves that fall off. Once dried, spray the bouquet with hairspray to set the arrangement. Choose a frame that complements your home décor—metallic and neutral tones work nicely. Use floral foam inside the frame to secure the bouquet, and hang it on your wall as a sentimental reminder of your special day.
Shadow Box
Similar to framing your bouquet, you can create a shadow box to display your dried wedding flowers. This involves arranging the flowers and any other wedding mementos, such as your wedding vows, in a box with a glass front. This way, you can safely showcase your delicate blooms while also protecting them from dust and damage.
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Press into a book
Pressing flowers into a book is a simple way to preserve your wedding flowers. It is one of the oldest methods of flower preservation and is a great option if you are crafty and enjoy DIY projects.
To press flowers into a book, start by placing the flowers you want to press on a piece of absorbent paper, such as newspaper, parchment paper, thin cardboard, coffee filters, or blotting paper. Avoid using paper towels or paper with texture or embossing, as these can leave imprints on the flowers. If you are pressing thicker flowers, such as roses, you can split the flower in half before pressing to get the best results. Also, avoid flowers with fleshy, water-rich petals, such as begonias or portulaca, as they may be prone to mould or scorching.
Once you have arranged your flowers on the paper, place another piece of paper on top. Carefully flatten the flowers, shaping them as desired, and then sandwich the flowers between the two pieces of paper. Place this "book" of paper inside a larger book, being careful not to use a book with metal accents if you plan to use the microwave for drying. Close the book and weigh it down with additional heavy books or bricks to create even pressure.
Store the book in a warm, dry place to help preserve the colour of your flowers. You can speed up the drying process by placing the book near a radiator or heating vent. Check on your flowers daily, and replace the absorbent paper every few days if needed. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the petals and the warmth of the storage location, but it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks for your flowers to fully dry.
Once your flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the book and admire your handiwork! You can then use glue to mount the pressed flowers onto cards, bookmarks, or picture frames, creating beautiful artwork or gifts that will help you remember your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to preserve dried flowers, such as using epoxy resin to create decorative shapes, coasters, or trays. You can also frame your flowers, or turn them into a wreath.
Yes, you can preserve dried flowers yourself. You can press them in a book, hang them upside down to air dry, or use hairspray to set the arrangement before framing.
Dried wedding flowers can be displayed in a cool, dry place, such as a hallway closet or on a dresser. They can also be used to create romantic dinners at home, with dried petals adding a colourful touch to simple white tapers.
