Lyla Dejesus
Wedding flowers hold immense sentimental value, but the flowers themselves don't last forever. Luckily, there are many ways to preserve your wedding flowers, such as pressing or drying them, so that you can cherish the memories of your special day for years to come. You can press flowers yourself using books, an iron, or a microwave, or you can send them to a professional preservation service. Once your flowers are pressed, you can display them in a floating frame, perhaps alongside your wedding invitation or a photograph from your wedding. You can also incorporate pressed flowers into wearable keepsakes, such as jewellery, or use them to create art.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation methods | Pressing, air-drying, silica-drying, natural drying |
| Display methods | Floating frames, shadowboxes, wearable keepsakes, jewellery, ornaments, art |
| Materials | Flowers, blotting paper, wax paper, heavy books, microwaves, heavy microwaveable containers, double-sided tape, glue, glass |
| Timing | Flowers should be preserved within 1-2 days of the wedding, and the preservation process can take 3-4 months |
| Flower types | Flat flowers, such as pansies or daisies, press better than spherical ones, such as roses |
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What You'll Learn
Pressing flowers in a book
First, you will need to gather your materials. For this method, you will need a heavy book, such as a dictionary or an old family Bible, as well as some absorbent paper. Absorbent paper will help draw out moisture from the flowers and prevent mould. You can use blotting paper, wax paper, parchment paper, or kitchen paper.
Next, prepare your flowers. Carefully pick the flowers you want to press, trying not to damage them or the surrounding blooms. It is best to pick flowers that are not too bulky, as these can be more difficult to press. Place your flowers on a sheet of absorbent paper, trying to get them as flat as possible. If you are using wax paper, you can fold the paper over the flowers.
Now, you are ready to press your flowers. Place the paper with the flowers between the pages of your chosen book. Close the book and weigh it down with something heavy and flat, such as a brick or another heavy book. Store the book in a warm, dry place. Check on your flowers daily. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the petals and can range from a couple of days to a few weeks. For thicker flowers, you may need to wait up to four weeks.
Once your flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the book. You can then use your pressed wedding flowers in various craft projects. You can create beautiful art, decorate bookmarks, photo frames, or cards, or frame them alongside your wedding invitation to preserve a piece of your special day.
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Displaying in a floating frame
Displaying pressed wedding flowers in a floating frame is a great way to preserve your bouquet and enjoy it for years to come. Here are some steps and tips to help you create a beautiful display:
Prepare your flowers:
Before you begin pressing your wedding flowers, it's important to choose flowers that are fresh, flat, and dry. The fresher the petals are, the better they will preserve. Remove any unwanted parts such as stems, thorns, and leaves with scissors or garden snips. Then, use blotting paper or wax paper to absorb moisture from the flowers. Place the flowers between layers of absorbent paper, such as coffee filters, parchment paper, or thin cardboard. Avoid textured paper towels as they can leave imprints on the petals.
Pressing process:
Create a buffer by placing your prepared flowers between the pages of a heavy book or pieces of cardboard. You can also use a ready-made flower press. Ensure that your setup is flat and level, and place a weight on top to apply pressure. Check on your flowers regularly and change the paper every few days to absorb more moisture. The pressing process can take time, and natural browning of the petals will occur.
Designing your display:
Once your flowers are fully dried and pressed, you can start designing your floating frame display. Choose a floating frame that complements the size and colour of your flowers. If you want to include a wedding photograph, consider printing it in a smaller size to leave space around the sides for the flowers. Secure the photo in place first, using double-sided tape or glue. Carefully arrange your flowers over the photo, playing with different placements until you find the perfect composition. Remember, dried flowers are extremely delicate, so handle them with care.
Final touches:
Once you're happy with the placement of your flowers, carefully wipe down the glass one more time to ensure it's clean. Then, slowly close the frame, making sure it's tight enough to secure the flowers in place. It's recommended to only close the frame once, so be certain that your flowers are exactly where you want them before sealing the frame. Now, your pressed wedding flowers are ready to be displayed and admired!
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Creating wearable jewellery
Choose the Right Flowers:
Select flowers that are fresh, flat, and dry. The fresher the petals, the better they will preserve. Flat flowers, such as pansies or daisies, are easier to press than spherical blooms like roses. If you have round flowers, you can cut them in half or press the individual petals. Ensure the flower heads are free from water droplets to prevent moulding during the drying process.
Prepare the Flowers:
Use absorbent paper, such as coffee filters, parchment paper, or thin cardboard, to pat dry your flowers gently. Avoid textured paper towels as they can leave imprints on the delicate petals. Remove any unnecessary parts like thorns, leaves, or stems with scissors or garden snips. You can also use tweezers to handle the delicate petals during this process.
Pressing Technique:
Place your flowers between layers of absorbent paper. Choose the side of the flower that will be at the back and lay it flat on the paper. Get your flower as flat as possible, as any folded leaves or bent parts will be more noticeable when pressed. Place another sheet of paper on top, followed by a buffer layer like a book or cardboard. Slide this setup into a heavy book or stack of books to apply pressure. Check on your flowers regularly and change the paper every few days to absorb moisture.
Jewellery Ideas:
Once your flowers are successfully pressed and dried, you can incorporate them into wearable jewellery. Here are some ideas:
- Pressed Floral Necklace: Create a custom necklace with a 14k gold-filled base and hand-press the preserved blooms onto it.
- Birth Flower Ring: Craft a ring with a gold-plated adjustable band featuring an artistic representation of your birth flower.
- Locket: Design a 14k gold-filled locket with a sealed photo and real preserved blooms encased in resin for protection. This option is waterproof and durable, making it ideal for everyday wear.
- Ring Dish: Instead of wearing the flowers, you can create a ring dish adorned with petals and greenery to hold your wedding rings. This symbolic piece will remind you of your special day every time you see it.
Remember, dried flowers are extremely delicate, so handle them with care. Creating wearable jewellery from your wedding flowers is a unique and sentimental way to preserve your bouquet, allowing you to carry a piece of your wedding day with you wherever you go.
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Using a microwave
Materials and Preparation:
Firstly, gather your materials: you will need a microwave, a heavy microwave-safe container, blotting or wax paper, and flowers. The flowers should be fresh, flat, and dry. Pansies and daisies are good options, as they press better than spherical flowers like roses. If you want to press roses, consider cutting them in half or pressing their individual petals. Ensure that the flower heads are free from water droplets to avoid mould.
The Pressing Process:
Place your flower between two layers of blotting or wax paper. Choose which side of the flower will be at the back and lay it on the paper, getting the bloom as flat as possible. Then, place the second sheet of paper on top. Depending on the size of your flowers, you may press more than one at a time. Put your microwave-safe container on top, and place everything into the microwave.
Timing and Display:
The timing will depend on your microwave and the flowers you are pressing. Check on your flowers regularly and adjust the timing as needed. Once the flowers are pressed, carefully remove the wax paper and display your flowers. You can create a floating frame with your wedding invitation and some pressed flowers, using glue or double-sided tape to secure the flowers.
Microwaving is a quick and convenient method to press your wedding flowers, allowing you to preserve and display them for years to come.
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Natural drying methods
Pressing flowers in a book
This is one of the oldest and most well-known methods of drying flowers. To do this, spread your flowers out on a piece of clean wax paper and arrange them in a way you are happy with. Then, lay the wax paper with the flowers inside the pages of a heavy book, such as a phone book or textbook. Place another piece of wax paper on top to protect the flowers from ink, and shut the book. Weigh it down with something heavy, like a vase or more books. Leave the flowers to dry for about seven to ten days. Once dry, carefully remove the wax paper and display your flowers in a frame.
Air-drying
To air-dry your wedding bouquet, unwrap the bouquet and cut away any tape or ties. Hang the stems one by one, upside down, in a dry, temperate area such as a hallway closet. Allow the blooms to air-dry for at least a week, or longer if the temperature is cool.
Using blotting paper or wax paper
This method involves using blotting paper or wax paper to press your flowers. It is important to note that this method may result in a textured finish, so if you want your flowers to be as smooth as possible, it is recommended to use wax paper instead of paper towels.
Using a heavy book and microwave
This method combines the use of a heavy book and a microwave. First, cook the flowers in the microwave for a short time to speed up the drying process. Then, finish drying them between the pages of a heavy book. Once cool, arrange the dried flowers in your desired frame.
Once your wedding flowers are dried and pressed, you can get creative and use them in various ways, such as adding them to candles or displaying them in a floating frame with your wedding invitation or a wedding photograph.
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Frequently asked questions
You can press flowers using a heavy book, blotting paper or wax paper, and a microwave. Flowers can also be dried naturally with string in a dark, dry room.
Pressed flowers can be displayed in a floating frame with a wedding photo and invitation. They can also be used to create wearable keepsakes like jewellery, ornaments, and art.
Pressed Florals and Saint Florals are two companies that offer flower pressing services.
