10 Pretty Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet

Is there anything sadder than saying goodbye to your wilting wedding florals just days after you held them with pride and joy on the happiest day of your life? All the thought and research that goes into choosing your perfect blooms, not to mention the your florist’s creativity to make your vision a reality. But your spectacular wedding bouquet doesn’t have to wow for one day, as it can actually be turned into an heirloom or keepsake that will have you feeling all the love every time you look at it for years to come. Here, we are going to share some easy DIYs for how to preserve your wedding bouquet as well as some other pretty ideas (with the help of some clever professional creatives) that can make your wedding flowers last for life. Have we planted the preservation seed in your mind? Great, let us tell you how to get started on choosing the way you’d like to preserve your wedding bouquet!

Photo by The Artist and the Photographer

Preparation is Key

When it comes to preserving your wedding bouquet, the good news is that the majority of flower types can be preserved. However, this is truly down to the quality and condition that they’re in when you begin. Preserving flowers require a gentle touch and a lot of patience, as the process can take anything from two weeks to three months depending on your chosen method, but more on that below. If you’re not opting for DIY, contact your preservation supplier before your wedding day to ask for their advice on how to ensure your florals will be in the best condition for what they intend to do. Also, mention to your florist that you will be preserving the flowers, as they may skip spraying any preservatives on your bouquet. Make sure you have someone on hand on the day of the wedding to keep the florals out of direct sunlight and well hydrated. And we hate to say it, but it may be best to skip the bouquet toss!

9 Ideas to Preserve your Wedding Bouquet

Photo by The Flower Press Company

1. Pressed Flowers

1. Firstly, prepare your flowers. Trim away unwanted parts such as the stem, leaves, or any parts that are discoloured.
2. Place your flowers as flat as possible on parchment paper inside the pages of a weighted hardback and let time work its magic.
3. About seven to 10 days should do the trick, however gently keep an eye.
4. Once the flowers are dry, you’ll be able to display them as you wish!

Image by Vintage Pretty

2. Air-Dried Flowers

1. Ensure your flowers are kept cool and well hydrated. Fresh is best!
2. For best results, tie each individual stem with a piece of string and hang upside down.
3. This can take up to three weeks, so ensure the location is a dry, warm place.
4. Once completely dried, you can display them in a vase or create something artistic like a wreath!
5. Alternatively store in a glass box or a wicker basket as a talking point in your home, or try the resin DIY project below.

Photo by The Flower Press Company

3. A Gallery Wall

After you’ve dried your flowers, why not place a selection of them on a good quality parchment paper and place them in snap frames of varying sizes to create a gallery wall effect.

Image by Rejoice and Blossom Art

Image by FreeColorsbyJiji

4. Resin Flowers

1. Follow the drying flower method above first.
2. Once the flowers are fully dried, find a suitable container, fill it halfway with the epoxy resin liquid and arrange the flowers in the fluid.
3. Fill the container to the top and leave to dry.
4. Once the process is complete, you’ll have a unique piece. The options are coasters, a paper weight, book ends, stand up letters – whatever you wish!

• Remember to wear a mask and gloves when doing this DIY.

Photo by Eight Acorns

5. A Piece of Jewellery

If you’ve mastered the preserving method using resin above, then jewellery is another pretty way to display this. However, if you’re not already proficient in jewellery making, this might be one to leave to the professionals on the list below.

Image by First Day of Home

6. Dry with Silica Gel

1. Silica gel crystals (just like the sachets you get with new shoes) absorbs the moisture around it, so form a base of crystals in an airtight container like a lunchbox and place your flowers in the crystals.
2. Pour the silica gel around the petals, making sure they get into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Fill the container to the top and seal it with a lid.
4. Once the process is complete, give it over a week, then remove and spray with hairspray to set.

• Remember to wear a mask and gloves when doing this DIY.

Image by Laura Alxandra via Camillestyles

7. Dipped in Wax Flowers

1. Please be aware that this technique is not a permanent form of preservation, but it is very pretty.
2. Firstly, melt paraffin wax in a pot.
3. Once the wax is liquified and slightly cooled down, pour the wax into a heat-resistant container.
4. Dip each flower into the container of wax, making sure you avoid dipping any wilting flowers.
5. Immediately hang your dipped flowers upside down to dry, using the string method mentioned above for air-drying.
6. Once they’re dry, you now have perfectly preserved flowers to display for several months!

• Remember to wear a mask and gloves when doing this DIY.

Image by Bamblu

8. Bathsalts

1. Combine 1 cup of epsom salt with 1 cup of sea salt and ½ cup of baking soda in a large bowl.
2. Choose your favourite essential oil – our favourite is lavender, lemon and eucalyptus – and pour in about 20 drops.
3. Toss together and add your dried florals.
4. Once all mixed, add to your jars and enjoy!

Image by Fiona Ariva

9. Potpourri

1. Prepare your flowers, remove stems and place on sheet of parchment paper. Ensure the flowers are facing up.
2. Bake the flowers at 200 F degrees for 1-2 hours until they are fully dehydrated.
3. To enhance the scent, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil and gently toss and allow to soak for a couple of weeks.
4. For an extra luxurious feel, add some dried orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks and dried lavender.
5. Ensure you keep you potpourri in an airtight container so you can preserve every bit of that gorgeous scent!

10. Display Your Wedding Invite

Don’t just leave it stuck in a drawer or your memory box. Using dried flowers in a blank frame is a gorgeous way to frame and display your wedding invite for all to see. Especially if it was something really, special and unique.

Where can I get my Wedding Bouquet Professionally Preserved?

While some people might relish the idea of a DIY project, if you would prefer to leave it in the hands of the professionals, especially for the trickier techniques then we’ve made a list of some great preservation suppliers that can help you out.

Photo by Gingerpixel via One Fab Day

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