If flowers are your thing, you probably went to a heck of a lot of trouble to choose the perfect bouquet and florals for your wedding day. So it's lovely to think that you could preserve your wedding bouquet, and it could be turned into a special keepsake.
Tips to keep your flowers looking their best until preserved.
Your flowers should last for your wedding day, but they might get put through their paces getting carried around, out of water for a full day. Here's some tips to make sure your flowers will last to be preserved later on.
Have a plan before your big day as preservation will need to happen asap the day after your celebrations to get the best results.
Keep your flowers hydrated. If possible, place your flowers in water when you aren't using them on the day, especially during the reception. Place a vase on the table so they get a drink whilst you can still enjoy them.
Watch out for the sun. Heat and direct sunlight will fade your flowers more quickly, so make sure they aren't placed in a hot sunny spot accidentally.
Avoid the bouquet toss - or use a bridesmaids bouquet to avoid any damage.
Ask your florist if there are any flowers that will or won't dry well if this is something you are planning. They can give you expert advice.
Preserving your flowers yourself
It's possible to preserve your flowers yourself at home after your wedding.
Drying. Start to dry your flowers whilst they still look nice, is possible the day after your wedding. Keep them in water until then. Turn the flowers upside down to dry in a cool dry place. Too much moisture may cause mould to form, so you can use a dehumidifier in winter. You can also remove to the flowers from the bouquet to increase air flow around the flowers. Remember that dried flowers are delicate and don't last forever, so if you wish to ensure they endure for a long time consider another preservation method.
Pressing. You can invest in a flower press or simply use a large weighted object to press your flowers. Separate flower stems and place in between absorbant paper (kitchen roll, blotting paper) under the weighted object such as a large book. You may find you get the best results from pressing flowers that have a single layer of petals and flat faces. Keep in a cool dry place for a minimum of 4 weeks before checking to see if they have fully dried.
Printing. Use a gelli plate you can ink and print your flowers to make lasting pictures. Do your research to select the right sort of paper, ink and equipment. Have a pratice in advance before you get going on your bouquet.
Flower preservation services
If you would like someone else to take care of your precious flowers, here are my top recommendations. with some of teh bouquets they helped to preserve.
Jam jar edit - Using traditional methods of flower pressing to create framed floral artworks with a modern aesthetic.
Olive can fly - Flowers are pressed and carefully arranged and framed using traditional stained glass techniques to create a special keepsake. https://olivecanfly.com/bouquet-preservation
Louise Condon Designs, The Ceramic Botanist - Flowers are pressed into clay to create rustic modern home decor. Either wall mounted pieces, jugs or vases.
If in doubt, chat to your florist and preservation services to get more information. Happy flowering x
Comentários