Deborah Chan
Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding, but what happens when they're taken outdoors in freezing winter temperatures? When the water inside a flower freezes, the plant cells burst, causing irreversible damage. This can ruin a bouquet in just a few minutes, as the flowers will turn brown and wilt. To avoid this, it's recommended to take photos with the bouquet outdoors briefly and then bring them inside to a warm location. There are also ways to preserve a bouquet after a wedding, such as air-drying, freeze-drying, or pressing, but these methods may not be as effective if the flowers have already been damaged by freezing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flowers freezing outdoors | Fresh flowers are made of water and will freeze outdoors in cold weather. |
| Temperature | Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Appearance after freezing | Frozen flowers look drastically different from unfrozen flowers. The plant cells burst, causing irreparable damage. |
| Colour | White blooms will show browning more than coloured flowers. |
| Preservation methods | Flowers can be preserved through air-drying, freeze-drying, pressing, or microwave pressing. |
| Preservation timing | Flowers should be preserved within one week of the wedding, ideally within 3-5 days. |
| Flower types | Some flowers are more susceptible to freezing, such as dahlias, lisianthus, and hydrangeas. Roses may hold up better. |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent bouquets from freezing during winter wedding photos
Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, adding to the decor and style. However, fresh flowers are mostly made of water, which freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the plant cells to burst and resulting in irreparable damage. This section will provide tips on preventing your bouquet from freezing during your winter wedding photos.
Firstly, it is essential to choose flowers that are naturally more resistant to the cold. Roses, carnations, bulbs, proteas, succulents, anemones, and baby's breath are all suitable options for winter weddings. Using darker-coloured flowers is also advisable, as white blooms will show the brown from freezing more prominently than coloured flowers.
Secondly, timing is crucial. Plan your ceremony to allow for outdoor photos after the ceremony, and ensure it is before sunset. Flowers will freeze outdoors in cold weather, so it is best to take photos with the bouquet before going inside, where they will thaw and turn brown within minutes.
Additionally, when transporting your bouquet from one location to another, put a plastic bag over the flowers to protect them from the frigid air.
Finally, if you want to preserve your bouquet after the wedding, there are a few options. One unique method is freeze-drying, which retains the bouquet's original form, colour, and texture. This process takes about three months, but it is worth the wait for a realistic-looking preserved bouquet. Another option is air-drying, which involves hanging the flowers upside down to dry in a dark and temperate area. While the colour will gradually fade, the bouquet's original shape will largely be retained.
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Flowers that are resistant to cold weather
Flowers can be a great way to set the mood at your wedding, especially in the winter. However, it is important to note that fresh flowers are made mostly of water, and when the water inside a flower freezes, it causes the plant cells to burst, resulting in irreparable damage. To avoid this, you can opt for flowers that are resistant to cold weather. Here are some flowers that can withstand chilly temperatures:
Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers are not only incredibly winter hardy, but they also tolerate hot and dry summer conditions. They bloom in a wide range of colours, including pink, purple, yellow, orange, red, and white. They thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations, and they attract pollinators such as honey bees and native bees.
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
Native to northern Turkey and Russia, the Siberian iris is unfazed by temperatures that drop below zero. It produces a spectacular display of blue, purple, lilac, yellow, or white flowers, along with thick clumps of dark green, strap-like leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade and medium moist, well-drained soil.
Peonies
Peonies are tough perennials that can survive long, frigid winters. They come in a wide variety of flower forms and colours, making them a great choice for adding some colour to your winter wedding.
Catmint
Catmint is a low-maintenance perennial that can easily shrug off a cold, hard frost as well as heat. It grows well in various soil types and benefits from open locations with plenty of sunlight. Catmint is known for its aromatic fragrance and attracts pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies.
Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)
Autumn sage is an evergreen shrub that can handle both intense summer heat and occasional cold spells. It blooms in a range of colours, including red, pink, purple, orange, and white, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in well-drained soil with at least 6 hours of full sunlight.
When planning a winter wedding, it is essential to consider the temperature and the impact it may have on your floral arrangements. By choosing flowers that are resistant to cold weather, you can ensure that your bouquet stays fresh and vibrant throughout your special day.
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Flowers that are susceptible to freezing
Flowers are a beautiful way to set the mood at your wedding, especially in the winter. However, when the temperature drops, your flowers may freeze, and you will be left with a bouquet that looks drastically different. This happens because flowers, like humans, are made mostly of water, and when this water freezes, it causes the plant cells to burst, resulting in irreparable damage.
When it comes to specific flower types, some are more susceptible to freezing than others. For example, sweet potato vine is often one of the first plants to be affected by freezing temperatures. A light freeze can damage the appearance of hardier flowers, while a hard freeze (28 degrees Fahrenheit or below) will severely damage or kill most annual flowers and can also affect some perennials. Young or newly planted flowers are more vulnerable to freezing than those with well-established roots. Flowers that are in a protected area, such as along a fence shielded from the wind, may be shielded from the coldest temperatures.
Some flowers that are susceptible to freezing include sweet potato vine, lavender, and modern hybrids of coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). These flowers may not be the best choice for a winter wedding bouquet as they are more likely to freeze and sustain damage.
On the other hand, some flowers are known for their hardiness and ability to withstand cold temperatures. For example, peonies, 'Moonbeam' coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata), catmint (Nepeta spp.), and Siberian iris can all handle cold winters. Additionally, false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) and showy stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile) are drought-tolerant perennials that can take hot summers and cold winters. These flowers may be better choices for a winter wedding bouquet as they are less likely to freeze.
It is important to note that while some flowers are more susceptible to freezing than others, all fresh flowers will freeze outdoors in cold weather. The temperature threshold for freezing is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Therefore, it is recommended to plan indoor photos first and then take the flowers outside for any outdoor photos to avoid the flowers freezing during the ceremony or reception.
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How to preserve a bouquet after a winter wedding
Flowers are a beautiful and integral part of any wedding, especially a winter wedding. The cold weather, however, can be harsh on fresh flowers, and they will freeze if taken outdoors. If you want to preserve your bouquet, here are some steps to follow and methods to consider:
Before the Wedding
If you are planning to preserve your bouquet, there are a few things to consider before the wedding. Firstly, ask your florist not to spray preservatives on the bouquet as this can cause browning when pressed. Secondly, decide whether you will be tossing your bouquet. If you want to preserve it, consider using an artificial bouquet for the toss.
During the Wedding
Ask a trusted friend or family member to help you with the bouquet during the wedding. They can ensure the bouquet is kept away from sunlight and that the water is changed regularly. After the photos, they can carefully disassemble the bouquet, removing any ribbons and pins, and cut the stems diagonally by about half an inch.
After the Wedding
There are several methods to preserve your bouquet, and you can choose one based on your skillset and budget.
Pressing:
This is a simple and cost-effective method. Select the flowers you want to press and arrange them on a clean sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Place another sheet of paper on top and put them inside a heavy book. Close the book and weigh it down with something heavy. Leave it for about a week to ten days. Once dried, you can carefully remove the flowers and use them in a frame or paperweight.
Hanging:
This is another simple method. Hang your bouquet upside down in a dry location, away from direct sunlight. This method helps maintain the vibrancy of the colours and the shape of the flowers.
Silica Gel:
This method can be done at home or by a professional. You will need a large container and silica gel. Place your bouquet upside down in the container and slowly pour in the silica gel to submerge it. Leave it for a couple of weeks. The flowers may become brittle, so be cautious when removing them. You can also disassemble the bouquet and lay the flowers flat in the silica gel before arranging them in a vase.
Freeze-Drying:
This method is offered by some professional services and involves a deep freezing process followed by freeze-drying. The flowers are pre-treated and then frozen. Once frozen, they are placed in a freeze-dry chamber, and a vacuum pump slowly removes the moisture and ice crystals.
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to hold onto the memories of your special day and can be a fun DIY project or a task for a professional.
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DIY methods to preserve a bouquet
Preserving a bouquet is a great way to hold on to the memory of your special day. There are several DIY methods to preserve your wedding bouquet, and most of them are easy and fun to do. Here are some detailed instructions for a few of these methods:
Pressing the flowers:
This preservation method allows you to get creative with the arrangement and make a piece of art to cherish forever. First, select flowers from your bouquet and arrange them on parchment paper, wax paper, or clean coffee filters. Avoid using paper towels, as their texture can transfer onto the flowers. Place the arranged flowers inside a heavy book, like a dictionary or an encyclopedia, and then shut the book. You can put another book or a heavy object on top to add more weight. Leave the flowers to dry for about seven to ten days. Once they are fully dried, remove the flowers and arrange them within a glass frame.
Hanging the bouquet to dry:
This is one of the easiest and most natural methods to preserve your bouquet. Simply hang the bouquet or individual flowers upside down in a safe, dry area away from direct sunlight. This method helps retain the shape and color of the flowers. It usually takes about two to three weeks for the flowers to dry completely. After they are dried, you can use them in various crafts, such as enclosing them in a terrarium or a shadowbox frame to display in your home.
Using silica gel:
Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture and acts as a drying agent. This method requires a bit more preparation and craft skills. First, separate the flowers from the bouquet and cut the stems very short. Place the flowers in a sufficiently large container, like a Tupperware bin, and slowly pour in enough silica gel to submerge the flowers completely. Cover the container and let it sit for a couple of weeks. The flowers will become somewhat brittle, so be cautious when removing them. You can also lay the flowers flat in the silica gel instead of submerging them. This method will give your flowers a striking resemblance to delicate paper flowers, retaining their color and shape beautifully.
Dipping flowers in wax:
Wax dipping is a traditional method of preserving flowers. After drying your flowers using one of the methods above, you can dip them in wax to prolong their life. This method is not long-lasting but will make your flowers look stunning for a few months, preserving their glorious colors.
Enclosing flowers in resin:
Resin is a type of plastic that can be molded into any shape and used to encase flowers. First, dry the flowers using air-drying, pressing, or the silica gel dip method. Then, pour liquid resin into a silicone mold and carefully arrange the flowers inside using tweezers. It usually takes about two days for the resin to cure, so make sure it is undisturbed during this time. You can create unique paperweights, ring holders, coasters, or trinket trays with your flowers preserved in resin.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, fresh flowers will freeze outdoors when the temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
Frozen flowers will look drastically different from their unfrozen counterparts. When the water inside a flower freezes, it causes the plant cells to burst, resulting in irreparable damage.
To prevent your bouquet from freezing, you can plan your ceremony early to allow for outdoor photos after the ceremony, so you can take your flowers back inside before they freeze. You can also choose flowers that are naturally more resistant to the cold, such as roses, carnations, bulbs, and succulents.
