Your wedding bouquet is one of the most memorable aspects of your big day. It symbolizes love, happiness, and a beautiful new beginning with your partner. You want to preserve it for years to come so that you can look back on this joyful moment in time whenever you want.
Fortunately, preserving a wedding bouquet isn’t as hard as it sounds!
There are lots of ways to keep your precious wedding flowers looking perfect long after the ceremony has ended. From drying them out and pressing them into paper or wax paper to storing them in shadow boxes or resin casts, there are many methods available to help you remember your special day forever.
Recommended reading: From Seed to the Aisle: How to Grow Your Wedding Flowers
In this blog post, you’ll learn some of the best ways to preserve a wedding bouquet. You’ll also learn about the benefits of each option and get tips on how to get started. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make sure your bridal bouquet will last for years.
Preparation for Wedding Bouquet Preservation
Making preparations for preserving your wedding bouquet is an important step. Creating the perfect look to last a lifetime requires careful planning, creativity, and skill. Here are some tips to help make sure your wedding bouquet is preserved beautifully:
- Choose the Right Flowers
Choosing the right flowers for your wedding bouquet is an important part of preserving it. You want to choose not only your favorites, but also the actual flowers that will last and look beautiful in their preserved form, much like a piece of art.
When choosing flowers, look for ones with strong stems and thick petals that won’t wilt or lose their color over time. Popular options include roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, orchids, gerbera daisies, and zinnias, just to name a few.
Additionally, you may want to think about adding filler flowers like baby’s breath or greenery such as eucalyptus leaves for some added texture and color. It’s best to avoid delicate flowers such as tulips since they don’t hold up well over time when preserved.
- Select a Method of Preservation
Once you’ve picked out the right flowers for your bouquet, it’s time to figure out the best way to keep them fresh. There are several different wedding bouquet preservation options available, such as pressing, drying, or freezing your bouquet.
Choose from this list of wedding bouquet preservation methods to best meet your needs.
- Clean the Bouquet Carefully
It’s important to make sure you clean your bouquet carefully. This will help prevent any damage or discoloration from occurring during the preservation process.
The first step is to make sure all of the stems are free of dirt, debris, and any wilted flowers. Then you’ll want to lightly spray the bouquet with a flower preservative solution that will help keep it looking fresh.
- Prepare the Flowers for Preservation
It’s time to prepare them for preservation. Properly preparing the flowers is essential in order to ensure that they look beautiful and last a lifetime.
You can begin by cutting away any excess foliage from around each stem so that only the blooms remain on them. Once this is done, carefully separate each individual flower from its stem by gently pulling it off or snipping it with scissors. This will make it easier to keep your bouquet fresh and give it an overall neater look when you’re done.
Lastly, arrange your flowers in a way that fits your style, whether they are close together or spread out evenly. Then, use the method you’ve chosen to preserve them.
- Preserve According to Instructions
The best way to make sure a wedding bouquet stays beautiful and lasts a lifetime is to store it according to the instructions. The most important steps are choosing the right flowers, choosing a way to keep them fresh, carefully cleaning the bouquet, and getting the flowers ready to keep.
Additionally, make sure to store the bouquet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help keep them looking beautiful and vibrant for years to come.
Different Methods of Preserving Your Wedding Bouquet
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to remember your special day for years to come. You can keep the flowers in a variety of ways so that they will last long after the ceremony is over.
Here are some tips on how to preserve your wedding bouquet:
Recommended reading: Gift Wrapping Ideas With Flowers
1. Air-Drying the Bouquet
One of the easiest and most common ways to keep a wedding bouquet fresh is to let it dry out in the air. This method requires minimal supplies and is fairly simple to do.
To begin,
- Cut the stems of each flower to a length that will fit in a vase or container of your choice
- Your flower arrangement should be done so they look as close to the original bouquet as possible
- Place the bouquet in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry for several weeks
- Once fully dried, tie a piece of string around the stems to keep them all together
- You may wish to spray the flowers with an acrylic sealant for added protection against wear and tear over time.
2. Silica Gel Method
The silica gel method is another popular option for preserving wedding bouquets. This method involves the use of a special type of gel that absorbs moisture from the flowers and helps keep them looking their best. The process requires more supplies than air-drying, but it can produce better results if done right.
To begin,
- You will need to get some silica gel beads and place them in an airtight container that’s large enough to fit your bouquet.
- Make sure there is enough space between each flower so they don’t touch one another, as this could cause damage over time.
- Once the container is filled with beads, carefully arrange your flowers inside and sprinkle additional beads on top until all petals are covered.
- Seal up the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place for several weeks or months until it has fully dried out.
- When you’re done, take off any extra silica gel from around the flowers before you put your bouquet on display.
3. Freeze Drying
Freeze drying is a process used to preserve flowers that can help them last for years. This method involves freezing the flowers in order to remove the moisture from them, which helps keep their shape and color intact. Freeze drying can be done at home or by using a professional preservation service.
Once you have decided to freeze-dry your bridesmaid bouquet, there are several steps involved in the process.
- First, you need to make sure that all of the stems and leaves on each flower are trimmed off so they will fit into the container being used for freeze-drying.
- Next, arrange the flowers in an airtight container filled with silica gel beads before sealing it up tightly and placing it in a freezer set at -30°C until the chamber reaches 70°, which will be adjusted very gently for several days or weeks, depending on how much moisture needs to be removed from each flower.
- Once frozen solid, take out the container and allow it to warm back up until all the water has evaporated out of each petal.
- Finally, spray an acrylic sealant over your freeze-dried flowers so that it won’t fade over time due to light exposure or other factors such as heat or humidity changes.
4. Flower Pressing
Flower pressing is a great way to preserve the memory of your special day for years to come. It involves flattening and drying flowers by pressing them between two sheets of paper while keeping their shape, color, and texture. With this method, you can easily create a piece of artwork from your wedding flower bouquet that will last a lifetime.
- The flower pressing process begins by gathering fresh flowers that you wish to press.
- You should choose flowers with flat petals, as they are easier to press than those with thicker or more intricate designs.
- Once you have gathered the desired blooms, carefully arrange them on one sheet of paper towel before placing another sheet on top and securing it all with heavy books or other weights so that air won’t get trapped inside.
- After several days or weeks (depending on humidity levels), the flowers should be flattened enough for framing or further decoration, if desired.
To keep your pressed flowers looking their best over time, make sure they are stored away from direct sunlight and moisture sources such as bathrooms or kitchens, where steam could cause damage.
5. Preserving in Resin
This method involves encasing the flowers in a clear epoxy resin, which gives them an attractive and durable finish that won’t break down over time. Resin can also be tinted or dyed for an added effect, and it can also be used to create unique jewelry or other items from your wedding bouquet.
To begin the process,
- Gather all of the desired flowers and place them in a silicone mold that is deep enough to contain the entire bouquet.
- Once arranged, carefully pour in a two-part epoxy resin until it covers each flower completely, then allow it to cure for 24 hours.
- When the resin has fully hardened, carefully remove your bouquet from the mold and admire its new glossy finish
- For added protection against wear and tear over time, you may wish to coat your finished product with a clear acrylic sealant or varnish.
6. Wax the Fresh Flowers
Waxing fresh flowers is an excellent way to preserve their vibrant colors for years. In this method, the petals are covered in beeswax or paraffin wax, which keeps them from drying out and keeps their colors bright.
Waxed flowers can be used in floral arrangements, given as gifts, or even used to create unique jewelry pieces.
Fresh flowers are simple to wax, but patience and attention to detail are required.
To begin,
- Select the blooms you wish to preserve and carefully remove any excess foliage before dipping each one into melted beeswax or container of wax until it’s completely coated on both sides.
- Put your flower on parchment paper after you’re done so that any extra wax can drip out before it sets.
- After all of the petals have been dipped in wax and placed on parchment paper, allow them to cool for several hours until they are solidified before arranging them however you like.
7. Shadow Box Preservation
DIY WEDDING BOUQUET FRAME SHADOW BOX ♡ / easy tutorial / Philippines
Shadowbox preservation is a creative way to preserve your wedding bouquet and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. The process involves putting the flowers in an airtight shadow box frame and sealing it up so that the petals are protected from the elements.
With this method, the bouquet stays in its original state and keeps its bright colors and fine details.
To begin,
- Select the shadowbox frame of your choice as well as an airtight sealant to help protect your flowers from moisture loss.
- Next, arrange the flowers inside of the box before sealing it up with a layer of wax or another type of sealant.
- Once sealed, place the shadow box in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- This will help keep the flowers fresh for years to come and make them easier to display without fear of damage.
8. Laminating the Flowers
Laminating real dried flowers!
With this method, the petals are covered in a special laminate that keeps them from drying out and keeps their colors bright. This gives you a lasting reminder of your special day.
To begin laminating your wedding bouquet,
- First select the blooms you wish to preserve and carefully remove any excess foliage before dipping each one into melted polyurethane resin or another type of laminate until it’s completely coated on both sides.
- After all of the petals have been dipped in wax and placed on parchment paper, allow them to cool for several hours until they are solidified before arranging them however you like.
Recommended reading: How to Create a Stunning Wedding Cake from Scratch
9. Framing with a Preservative Spray
In this process, each flower petal is sprayed with a special preservative that helps the flowers keep their bright colors and fine details for many years.
To begin,
- Choose a frame with appropriate measurements for your bouquet.
- Make sure to leave enough space around the sides of the frame so that you can attach the support wires later.
- Then, take each flower from the bouquet and use a soft paintbrush to lightly coat it with a preservative spray. This will create an invisible protective barrier on top of the petals that will help prevent discoloration and wilting.
- Once all of your flowers are coated, use small pieces of green florist wire to attach them to the support wires in the back of the frame.
10. Making potpourri from your dried flowers
Homemade Potpourri DIY | How to Make Potpourri at Home | DIY Dried Flower Tutorial
One way you can preserve your bouquet is by making potpourri from the dried flowers. Potpourri has been used since ancient times as an aromatherapy tool, and it can also be used as a decorative piece in any room.
Making potpourri from your dried flowers doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. All you need are some dried flower petals, fragrant essential oils, and airtight containers like mason jars with lids.
- Begin by separating the petals into small pieces and placing them in a large bowl or container that will fit inside of the mason jar.
- Next, add several drops of essential oil to the petals until they are lightly scented and mix thoroughly before transferring them into an airtight container such as a mason jar with lid.
- Finally, seal the lid tightly on top of the jar and let it sit for at least two weeks so that all of the fragrances have time to blend together perfectly before using it around your home.
11. Arranging Flowers Upside Down
One of the simplest methods is to simply let it air dry. Follow the procedure below to get it done perfectly.
- Take your bouquet and hold it upside down by the stems.
- Find a place to hang the bouquets upside down, like a clothesline, shower curtain rod, or hanger.
- You can clip the stems to the hanger with clothespins using a hanger.
- Remove the tape and ties from the gorgeous bouquet.
- It is, however, recommended that hang the stems individually, so the bouquet retains its best shape.
- Dry and cool places to hang them include a hallway closet.
Tips on How to Store Your Preserved Bouquet
There are several different techniques and methods for preserving your bouquet. Depending on what type of flower you have, some methods may be more suitable than others. Here are some tips on how to store and preserve your wedding bouquet.
Keep It Cool
The key to preserving your bouquet is to keep it away from any direct sources of heat and sunlight, as this can cause the flowers to fade over time. If you are using a preservation method such as drying or pressing, make sure you store your bouquet in a cool, dark place.
Don’t Forget to Dust
Make sure to periodically dust off your bouquet with a soft, dry cloth. This will help keep it looking its best and prevent the buildup of dirt or other debris that can cause damage over time.
Avoid Moisture
Moisture is bad for a preserved bouquet because it can make the flowers lose their color or even grow mold. Make sure that your bouquet is kept away from any sources of water, such as a humid environment, splashes of water, or condensation on windowsills.
Re-Arrange Your Flowers
One way to avoid moisture build-up is to rearrange your bouquet periodically. Not only will this help keep the flowers looking fresh and vibrant, but it can also help prevent moisture from settling in one spot for too long.
Invest in a Display Box
You might want to buy a display box for your preserved bouquet to protect it even more. These boxes come with special linings to help keep your bouquet safe from moisture and dust.
Recommended reading: How to Preserve Wedding Dress: A Quick Guide
Monitor for Pests Such as Moths Regularly
Moths and other pests can cause damage to your bouquet. Make sure to check for any signs of infestation periodically and take steps to remove them if necessary. For instance, you can use diatomaceous earth or pheromone traps to trap and eliminate moths around the bouquet.
Also, keep an eye out for any changes in color, holes, or strange smells that could mean pests are there. Taking these precautions will help make sure that your bouquet stays in perfect shape for a long time.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your preserved wedding bouquet stays in beautiful condition for many years to come. Whether you choose to hang it on the wall, store it in a special box, or keep it somewhere else special, preserving your bouquet is a wonderful way to cherish the memories of your big day.
FAQs on How to Preserve Wedding Bouquets
How Do I Keep My Wedding Bouquet Forever?
There are a few options for preserving your wedding bouquet. You can preserve it by freeze-drying, silica gel drying, or flower pressing.
How Long Does It Take to Preserve a Wedding Bouquet?
Depending on the method used, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to preserve a wedding bouquet.
How Do You Preserve a Wedding Bouquet in a Frame?
The use of silica gel drying or freeze-drying is required to preserve a wedding bouquet in a frame. First, you’ll need to prepare the flowers by removing all leaves, thorns, and other debris. Then, place the flowers into the frame with a layer of silica gel or freeze-dried powder between each flower.
Should I Refrigerate My Wedding Bouquet?
It is not recommended to refrigerate your wedding bouquet. Cold temperatures can damage the flowers and cause them to deteriorate quickly.
Where Can I Get My Wedding Bouquet Professionally Preserved?
Many florists offer professional preservation services for wedding bouquets. You can also contact a local preservation shop or an online company specializing in the preservation of wedding bouquets.
Final Thoughts
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to commemorate such an important day. You can easily and cheaply preserve a whole arrangement or just a few flowers.
With a few simple do-it-yourself steps or the help of a professional, you can keep your bouquet alive for years to come.
Not only that, but having something tangible to remember your special day—and all of its beautiful blooms—is priceless. As time passes and memories fade, this memento will serve as a reminder of what was one of life’s most memorable days: Your wedding day.