Deborah Chan
Flowers are a key part of any wedding, but they can be a tricky thing to manage. From choosing the right flowers and colours to arranging and transporting them, there's a lot to consider. And that's not even mentioning what to do with them after the big day. This guide will explore the ins and outs of wedding flowers, from preparation to preservation, offering tips and tricks for a stress-free floral experience. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or hiring a florist, read on to discover how to make your wedding flowers bloom.
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What You'll Learn
Prepping flowers for transport
When it comes to prepping flowers for transport, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. Firstly, it is recommended to transport flowers in a vehicle as it offers complete control over the environment and handling. If you're transporting flowers in a car, here are some tips:
- Use sturdy, well-labelled boxes or plastic planters/trash cans to transport your flowers.
- For organic flowers, wrap the stems in damp paper towels and then in foil or a paper bag to prevent dehydration.
- Secure the stems with rubber bands or floral foam to keep the flowers in place during transport.
- Use bubble wrap or packing material to cushion the flowers and prevent them from bumping into each other.
- Create a "nest" out of packing material or cut holes in boxes to fit the shape of your flower arrangements, ensuring they don't tip over.
- Place the boxes in a cool, stable part of your car, such as the back seat or trunk, to minimise movement and sun exposure.
If you're mailing flowers or transporting them by plane, take the following precautions:
- Use boxes with compartments or fitted foam inserts to secure vases or flower arrangements.
- Label the boxes as "Fragile" and clearly mark them with handling instructions, such as "This side up".
- Choose a shipping method that guarantees quick delivery and avoids leaving flowers in extreme temperatures.
- Time the delivery so that the flowers arrive 2-3 days before the event, giving them time to rehydrate and bloom.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your flowers are well-prepped for transport and will look fresh and beautiful for your wedding.
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Keeping flowers fresh
Flowers are a great way to add colour and fragrance to your wedding. However, they can be quite delicate and require proper care to keep them fresh and blooming for your big day. Here are some tips to help you keep your wedding flowers fresh:
Plan the Delivery Timing
It is recommended to plan the delivery of your flowers 2-3 days before your wedding. This gives them time to rehydrate and perk up after their journey.
Unpack and Rehydrate
When your flowers arrive, unpack them immediately and place them in a clean vase or container with fresh, room-temperature water. You can add flower food to the water to nourish the flowers.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as stoves or televisions. Store them in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or refrigerator, to prolong their life and slow down the blooming process.
Trim the Stems
Before placing the flowers in water, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors, knives, or floral shears. This prevents the stems from sitting flat in the vase and ensures maximum water absorption.
Remove Excess Foliage
Remove any leaves, browning petals, or loose foliage that will fall below the waterline. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the water clean, prolonging the life of your flowers.
Change the Water Regularly
Replace the water in the vase daily, or at least every two days. This keeps the water clean and provides fresh hydration for your flowers.
Add Flower Food
Flower food is essential for nourishing your flowers and keeping them fresh. You can make your own by mixing a small amount of bleach, sugar, and lemon juice with water. Alternatively, use a commercial flower food packet.
Keep Them Cool
In addition to storing them in a cool place, you can also place your flowers on top of your freezer or refrigerator to keep them cool and fresh.
Avoid Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Do not store your flowers near fruits and vegetables, as they emit ethylene gas, which can cause cut flowers to age more rapidly.
Transport with Care
When transporting your flowers to the wedding venue, use boxes with compartments or floral foam to secure the vases and prevent spills. Keep the flowers in a cool place during transport, and refill the water once you arrive at the venue.
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What to do with flowers after the wedding
After the wedding, you can either take the flowers with you or leave the clean-up to your florist, who will know best how to take everything apart and pack it up. If you want to keep your flowers, a great option is to dry them or have your bouquet professionally preserved. Drying can be as simple as hanging your flowers upside down in a dark closet. You can also compost the flowers yourself, returning them to the earth.
If you want to give your flowers away, you can let guests take them home, donate them to a nursing home, or give them to a local senior center. If you're donating them, it's best to coordinate this yourself or designate someone to be in charge of floral clean-up, overnight storage, and delivery the following day.
To keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible, keep them hydrated by checking the water level in your vases or floral foam daily and adding more water as needed. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause flowers to fade and wilt, and place them in a shaded or indoor area to extend their life. You can also lightly mist your arrangements with water or a product like Crowning Glory to keep them hydrated and fresh.
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Transporting flowers to a different location
Timing and Storage:
Plan to have your flowers delivered 2-3 days before your event to give them time to rehydrate and perk up before the wedding day. Store them in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, basement, or the coolest room in your house, to prolong their life and slow the blooming process. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and sources of airflow like fans or AC vents.
Containers and Packing:
Using a container for your flowers will make transportation easier. You can use the box your flowers came in, a laundry basket, or a sturdy cardboard box. If using a vase, ensure it is carefully secured to the bottom of the box with tape or adhesive putty. For organic flowers, wrap the stems in damp paper towels and surround the bouquet with rolled-up towels or bubble wrap to keep it secure and prevent movement during transport. You can also use floral foam or cut holes in the box to create a "nest" for your vases, ensuring they don't tip over.
Watering:
Cut flowers need water, especially if you are transporting them over long distances or leaving them at the venue for an extended period. Fill your vases about a third to half full with water before transport and top them up once you arrive at your destination. For bouquets, a small amount of water (around an inch) should be enough to keep them hydrated during the journey.
Mailing and Flying:
If mailing or flying with your flowers, use faux flowers if possible as they are less fragile and don't wilt. They are also lighter and less expensive to ship. For organic flowers, ensure they are well-secured in a sturdy, well-labeled box, and consider mailing them a few days in advance to give them time to rehydrate before the event.
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Flower meanings and colours
Flowers are an integral part of wedding decor, but they can also play a big part in storytelling. Floriography, or the language of flowers, has been recognised for centuries in many countries throughout Europe and Asia. Flowers have been used to convey coded messages and subtle sentiments.
When selecting flowers for a wedding bouquet, it is important to consider their symbolic meanings and how they align with your wedding vision. For example, orange roses symbolise desire and enthusiasm, while lavender roses represent love at first sight. Red roses, a classic choice, convey "I love you". The white heather in a bride's bouquet is said to bring good luck and protection, while the hydrangea expresses gratitude. The sweet pea, with its rich scent and range of tones, is ideal for a country wedding. Carnations, which symbolise love and pride, are also making a comeback in bridal bouquets. However, it is important to note that striped carnations signify refusal.
Some flowers have multiple meanings depending on the cultural context. For example, peonies symbolise anger in one culture but bravery, courage, and good fortune in another. Similarly, daffodils represent respect but can also signify unrequited love, a theme that most couples would want to avoid at their wedding. Lotus flowers are said to symbolise estranged love, while petunias, despite embodying a soothing presence, also represent resentment and anger. Thus, it is essential to understand the varied meanings of flowers to ensure they align with the desired sentiment of the occasion.
The way flowers are presented also carries significance. In the past, flowers handed over with the right hand conveyed a "yes" answer, while the left hand indicated "no". The condition of the flowers mattered too – upside-down flowers conveyed the opposite of their traditional meaning. The way the ribbon was tied was also important. When tied to the left, the symbolism applied to the giver, and when tied to the right, it referred to the recipient.
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Frequently asked questions
Plan to have your flowers delivered 2-3 days before your wedding. This gives the flowers time to rehydrate and perk up after their journey.
If you are transporting flowers to your wedding venue, use flower boxes or containers to keep them secure and prevent damage. You can also use old towels or packing material to prevent vases from tipping over and spilling water. Transport flowers in a cool, shaded vehicle and avoid high temperatures, which can cause them to wilt.
You can let guests take the flowers home, keep them yourself, donate them to a nursing home, or throw them away. If you rent your vases, you will need to return them, so you may want to purchase them instead so guests can take them freely.
Keep flowers in vases of water between pictures and the ceremony to prevent wilting. Store them in a cool, shaded place, and avoid direct sunlight or sources of heat. Regularly check for wilting flowers and remove them so they don't affect the rest of the arrangement.
When your flowers arrive, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to help them absorb more water. You can also use anti-desiccant sprays to seal in moisture and keep flowers hydrated.
