This will be a great way to hold onto the symbolism and meaning of your special day for years to come. For the bride, or for planning a winter wedding, there are several techniques for ensuring that the bouquet remains a treasured memento. There are traditional methods of drying to modern innovations of preserving flowers; you can enjoy their beauty and fragrance without falling into common mistakes.
Flower preservation is an art that has evolved, blending sentiment with practicality. Historically, people dried flowers as keepsakes and decorative pieces, but advancements like silica gel and freeze-drying methods now enable bouquets to retain their fresh appearance and vibrant colors. These contemporary techniques make it possible to preserve your wedding bouquet as a lasting reminder of the joy and love shared on your special day.
Common Methods for Preserving Wedding Bouquets
While some couples like to give their flowers to others, the trend of preserving wedding bouquets is indeed on the rise. Many brides now decide to preserve the bouquet as a memento and use advanced methods such as freeze drying that will leave your bouquet fresh. Winter weddings are well-preserved because they are all about intimate and cozy setups.
Several tried and true methods can help preserve your bouquet. Whether you are looking for a DIY approach or professional preservation services, there is sure to be a method that will suit your needs.
Air Drying: A Classic Method
One of the oldest methods of flower preservation is air drying, dating back to ancient times. It’s a very simple technique that simply hangs your bouquet upside down in a well-ventilated space to effectively remove moisture.
Air drying is perfect for flowers such as roses and lavender since they dry very beautifully and give an antique appearance. However, there is a bit of color loss during the process.
Tip
Hang your posy in a dark room so the light will not hit your posy, thus avoiding fading.
Pressing Flowers: For a Timeless Look
Another great way to preserve your bouquet is flower pressing, ideal for transforming your blooms into framed artwork or decorative pieces. The process involves flattening and drying flowers by placing them between heavy books or using a flower press. While pressed flowers lose their 3D shape, they work beautifully for daisies, pansies, and similar blooms. They are preserved and can be used in scrapbooks, shadow boxes, or simply as sophisticated framed decor adding a touch of timeless, artistic excellence to your home.
Tip
Treat your flowers as you would treat them on display, meaning they’ll be set when dried.
Silica Gel: Freshness Preservation
Silica gel may be considered one of the most effective methods for preserving a wedding bouquet, as it keeps it fresh and looking new. Silica gel dries out the flowers but does not cause them to wilt or lose color.
Place your bouquet in an airtight container filled with silica gel crystals. In a few days, your flowers will be dry and preserved. This would be perfect for preserving the color as well as the shape.
Tip
Once dry and preserved, spray hairspray on your flowers for extra protection.
Freeze-Drying: Professional Preservation
Freeze-drying is a professional technique in which moisture from flowers is removed using a special machine while preserving their natural shapes and colors.
Dries flowers to have the appearance that they had on the day of your wedding. Suitable for small, fragile flowers like orchids and peonies.
Tip
The freeze-dried bouquet can then be put in a glass case and won’t be exposed to dust. End
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preserving Your Bouquet
Preserving a wedding bouquet is tricky, especially if one is new to this procedure. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Not Preserving Early Enough: Flowers start to wilt quickly after a wedding. The sooner one begins the preservation process, the better the results.
- Wrong Method: Not all preservation techniques suit all flower types. Delicate blooms may not withstand air drying and are best when processed in silica gel or freeze-dried.
- Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight can wash out your flowers quickly. Keep your dried bouquet in a cool, dark place.
Also Read: Romantic Honeymoon Destinations for Every Couple
Conclusion
Preserving your wedding bouquet would be a tangible reminder that remains with you for years. With the options of air drying, pressing, or freeze-drying, numerous good choices exist to preserve your bouquet. Take the time to pick the best possible flower method, and don’t forget the mistakes: waiting too long to begin the process. Knowing how to preserve a wedding bouquet is what’s needed now to get ready to make some plans!
Action to Take: Ready to hang on to your wedding bouquet for life? Check out our top picks for service providers today and indulge in your flowers for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I preserve a bouquet with delicate flowers?
Yes, but orchids and other delicate flowers are better preserved using professional methods like freeze-drying.
How do I keep the color fresh?
Silica gel is one of the best, or freezing them dry. Well, these two are the best methods if you want to preserve the color of your flowers.
How professional would it be to preserve a bouquet?
It will depend on the cost, but freeze-dried professionally may go as high as $200 or up to $500 depending on the size, complexity, and details in the bouquet.
Can I preserve a bouquet with delicate flowers?
Yes, but orchids and other delicate flowers are better preserved using professional methods like freeze-drying.
How do I keep the color fresh?
Silica gel is one of the best, or freezing them dry. Well, these two are the best methods if you want to preserve the color of your flowers.
How professional would it be to preserve a bouquet?
It will depend on the cost, but freeze-dried professionally may go as high as $200 or up to $500 depending on the size, complexity, and details in the bouquet.