Wedding flowers are a beautiful and sentimental part of any big day. They add a touch of elegance and romance to the occasion and are often carefully selected to match the theme and color scheme of the wedding. However, once the ceremony is over, many brides wonder what they can do to preserve their precious blooms.
The Best Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Flowers
If you’re looking for ways to preserve your wedding flowers and cherish them for years to come, you’re in luck. With a little bit of planning and some creative techniques, you can ensure that your beautiful floral arrangements remain intact and retain their beauty long after the big day. Here are a few of the best methods for preserving your wedding flowers:
1. Air Drying: This is one of the most traditional and cost-effective methods of preserving flowers. Hang your bouquet upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Once dried, you can display them in shadow boxes, frames, or glass containers.
2. Silica Gel: Silica gel is a desiccant that removes moisture from flowers while maintaining their shape and color. Place the flowers in a container and bury them in silica gel, making sure the petals aren’t touching. Gently cover the flowers with more silica gel and leave them for about a week.
3. Pressing: Pressing your flowers is a great way to create flat, preserved blooms that you can use in crafts or frames. Place flowers between sheets of absorbent paper, like parchment or blotting paper, and press them into a heavy book. It usually takes a few weeks for the flowers to fully dry and flatten.
4. Freeze Drying: Professional freeze-drying is a sophisticated method that preserves flowers while maintaining their color, shape, and texture. Seek out a reputable freeze-drying service to ensure the best results.
5. Resin: Embedding your flowers in resin allows you to create stunning keepsakes like paperweights, jewelry, or ornaments. It’s important to follow instructions carefully to avoid air bubbles and ensure proper curing.
6. Wax Paper Method: Coat your flowers with a thin layer of wax paper to help retain their color and shape. This method is relatively simple and can be done at home.
7. Microwave Pressing: Microwave flower pressing is a quicker alternative to traditional pressing methods. Use a microwave flower press or a microwave-safe container with absorbent paper to dry the flowers in short intervals.
8. Glycerin Bath: Soaking flowers in a mixture of water and glycerin helps them retain their softness and flexibility. Glycerin-preserved flowers can last for several months.
9. Photographs: While not a physical preservation method, capturing high-quality photographs of your wedding flowers allows you to revisit their beauty anytime. Hire a professional photographer to ensure you get stunning images.
10. Hybrid Methods: You can combine techniques, such as air drying followed by resin embedding, to create unique and visually appealing preserved flower arrangements.
Why Preserve Wedding Flowers
You may be wondering why it’s important to preserve your wedding flowers. After all, once the ceremony is over, it’s easy to dismiss them as simply decorative elements that served their purpose for a day. However, preserving your wedding flowers holds sentimental value and allows you to relive the memories and emotions of your special day.
Preserving your wedding flowers allows you to keep a tangible reminder of the love and joy you experienced on your wedding day. Whether it’s framed pressed flowers, a dried bouquet, or a resin casting, each preserved flower holds the essence of your wedding and serves as a cherished keepsake that you can pass down to future generations.
How To Preserve Dried Wedding Flowers
If you decide to have everlasting dried flowers as your wedding flowers, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they remain in good condition for years to come. Here are some tips for preserving dried wedding flowers:
Handle with Care
Dried flowers are delicate, so it’s essential to handle them with care. Avoid touching them too much or applying excessive pressure, as this could cause them to crumble or lose their shape. When moving or cleaning your dried flowers, use a soft brush or a gentle stream of compressed air to remove any dust or debris.
Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
UV rays can fade the colors of dried flowers over time, so it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight. Display your dried flowers in a spot where they receive indirect light or use UV-filtering glass if you want to showcase them in a sunny area.
Avoid Humidity
Humidity can cause dried flowers to become limp or discolored, so it’s crucial to keep them in a dry environment. Avoid placing your dried flowers in rooms with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Instead, choose a cool and well-ventilated area to preserve their beauty.
Seal Them for Protection
If you want to provide extra protection for your dried flowers, consider sealing them with a clear protective spray or a coat of clear acrylic. This will help maintain their color and prevent them from crumbling or breaking apart.
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Final Thoughts: How to Preserve Wedding Flowers
Preserving your wedding flowers allows you to relive the magic of your special day long after the celebration has ended. Whether you choose to press them, hang dry them, or create stunning resin castings, there are various methods to choose from. By following the proper preservation techniques and taking care of your dried flowers, you can ensure that they remain a cherished reminder of your love and happiness for years to come.
