A Florist's Guide to Preserving Your Wedding Bouquet
Your wedding bouquet is a beautiful reminder of your special day, and preserving it can keep those memories alive for years to come. Here’s a comprehensive florist guide on how to best preserve your wedding flowers.
1. Timing is Key
Immediate Care: As soon as your wedding ceremony is over, ensure you keep your bouquet hydrated. If possible, place it in water until you're ready to preserve it.
2. Drying Methods
Air Drying
Preparation: Remove any wilting or damaged flowers and foliage.
Bundling: Gather the bouquet into small bunches and tie them with string or twine.
Hanging: Hang the bouquets upside down in a dark, dry area with good ventilation. Ensure they are not exposed to direct sunlight to maintain their colour.
Pressing Flowers
Select Flowers: Choose individual flowers from your bouquet for pressing.
Pressing: Place flowers between two sheets of parchment paper, then stack them between the pages of a heavy book. Leave for two to three weeks for drying.
Display: Once dried, these pressed flowers can be framed or used in crafts.
Silica Gel Method
Materials Needed: Silica gel, a container with a lid, and your bouquet.
Process: Pour a layer of silica gel into a container, place your bouquet on top, and cover completely with more gel. Seal the container and leave it for a week. This method helps retain the flowers' colour and shape.
3. Using Glycerin
Mixed Solution: Create a solution of two parts water to one part glycerin.
Soaking: Cut stems at an angle, then submerge them in the solution. Leave for about two to three weeks. The glycerin will replace the water in the flowers, preserving their flexibility and colour.
4. Long-Term Storage
Framing: Consider placing your bouquet in a shadow box frame for a stunning display. Ensure it’s kept away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Wax Coating: Dip the dried bouquet in paraffin wax to provide a protective coating, helping to maintain its shape and appearance over time.
5. Professional Services
If preserving your bouquet feels daunting, consider hiring a professional flower preservation service. They offer various methods, including freeze-drying, to ensure your bouquet is maintained in perfect condition.
HK florist recommendations
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a delightful way to cherish your wedding memories. With the right method, you can keep it as a beautiful keepsake for years to come. Choose a technique that best suits your style and enjoy the memories of your special day as you admire your preserved flowers.
