This months blog is all about top tips to preserve your wedding bouquet for as long as possible, from the florist My Express Flowers. Jane has put all the important information in to help you cherish your bouquet for as long as possible, Enjoy!
How to preserve your wedding bouquet for as long as possible!
Your wedding bouquet is one of the most precious mementos from your special day, and you want to keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Fortunately, with the right techniques and materials, it is possible to preserve your wedding bouquet and enjoy its beauty for a lifetime. In this article, we will provide tips and guidelines on how to preserve your wedding bouquet so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Select the Right Bouquet
The first step in preserving your wedding bouquet is to select the right bouquet. When choosing a bouquet, consider factors such as the type of flowers, the size of the bouquet, and the color. Flowers with delicate petals and large blooms, such as roses and peonies, tend to be more difficult to preserve than hardier flowers like carnations and daisies. Additionally, larger bouquets are harder to preserve than smaller arrangements. To ensure that your bouquet lasts, choose a bouquet that is well-balanced and made of durable flowers.
Prepare the Bouquet for Preservation
Once you have selected the right bouquet, it is important to prepare it for preservation. This involves removing any leaves and stems from the flowers, as well as wrapping the bouquet in a protective material. A good material to use for this is acid-free tissue paper, which will prevent yellowing and help to keep the bouquet looking fresh. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the bouquet is dry before preserving it, as any moisture can cause the flowers to rot.
Preserve the Bouquet with Drying Techniques
One of the simplest and most effective ways to preserve your wedding bouquet is to use drying techniques. This involves removing all of the moisture from the flowers and arranging them in a way that will allow them to keep their shape and color. There are several drying techniques that you can use, including air-drying, microwave drying, and silica gel drying.
Air-drying is the simplest and least expensive way to preserve your wedding bouquet. To air-dry your bouquet, simply hang it upside down in a cool, dry place and let it dry for several weeks. This method is best for bouquets made of hardier flowers, as delicate blooms may wilt or lose their shape during the drying process.
Microwave drying is a faster method of preserving your bouquet, but it is also more expensive and can cause some damage to delicate flowers. To use this method, place your bouquet in a microwave-safe container with silica gel, and microwave it on low heat for a few minutes. This will remove the moisture from the flowers and help to preserve their shape and color.
Silica gel drying is the most effective way to preserve your wedding bouquet, but it is also the most expensive. To use this method, place your bouquet in a container with silica gel, and let it dry for several days. This will remove all of the moisture from the flowers and help to preserve their color and shape.
Preserve the Bouquet with a Shadow Box
Another way to preserve your wedding bouquet is to place it in a shadow box. A shadow box is a clear display case that allows you to see your bouquet from all angles, while protecting it from dust and light. To preserve your bouquet in a shadow box, simply arrange the dried flowers in a pleasing manner and place them in the box.
Preserve the Bouquet with a Press
You can also preserve your wedding bouquet by pressing it. To press your bouquet, simply place it between two sheets of paper and weigh it down with a heavy object. This will remove any moisture and help the flowers to retain their shape and color. You can then frame the pressed bouquet or place it in a scrapbook to display it.
Preserve the Bouquet with a Spray
Preservation sprays can also be used to help extend the life of your wedding bouquet. These sprays contain a mixture of chemicals that help to preserve the color and shape of the flowers. They are easy to use, simply spray the bouquet with the preservation spray and let it dry.
Contact a Professional
Another option is to have your wedding bouquet professionally preserved. This can be a great option if you do not have the time or resources to preserve it yourself. Professional preservation companies can freeze-dry your bouquet, preserving the flowers in their original form, and creating a beautiful keepsake that you can enjoy for years to come.
These tips will help you to preserve your wedding bouquet for a long time. It is important to remember that no matter which preservation method you choose, you will need to handle your wedding bouquet with care. Gently dust it every so often, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or high temperatures. With the right care and attention, your wedding bouquet can last for years and serve as a beautiful reminder of your special day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preserving your wedding flowers is a great way to keep a piece of your special day with you for years to come. Whether you choose to air-dry, microwave, silica gel dry, place it in a shadow box, press it, or have it professionally preserved, the key to preserving your bouquet is to choose the right method for your particular bouquet and to handle it with care. With the right care and attention, you can keep your wedding bouquet looking beautiful for many years to come.
