When it comes to weddings, few things are as enchanting and symbolic as the bouquet of flowers carried by the bride. Flowers have been an integral part of wedding ceremonies for centuries, symbolizing love, purity, and new beginnings. Beyond their symbolism, flowers also add beauty, fragrance, and a touch of nature to the celebration.
Flowers play multiple roles in the tapestry of a wedding, from adorning wedding party members to decorating the ceremony and reception space. The bridal bouquet, a focal point of the bride’s attire, reflects her personal style and the theme of the wedding. Bridesmaids’ bouquets, though smaller, complement the bride’s and enhance the visual harmony of the wedding party.
The groom sports a boutonniere, a miniature floral arrangement on his lapel, in coordination with the bride’s bouquet and the bridesmaids’ flowers. Additionally, corsages are worn by special guests, such as the mothers of the bride and groom. Wedding bouquet preservation is a meaningful way to save a special element of your wedding and to adorn your home with something beautiful.
Flowers as Wedding Décor
Flowers have a purpose beyond acting as personal accessories. They embellish the ceremony arch, line the wedding aisle, grace the reception tables, and even adorn the wedding cake. Crafting the perfect wedding bouquet necessitates meticulous planning, attention to detail, and alignment with the couple’s vision.
Flowers should harmonize with the wedding theme and color palette, respecting the season’s floral offerings for freshness and affordability. Personalization is key, reflecting the couple’s personality through their favorite flowers or meaningful embellishments. Size and shape also matter, with consideration for the bride’s physique and dress.
For couples who want to save their wedding flowers or brides looking to hold on to their bouquet long after the wedding, it’s important to select flowers that can be easily pressed, preserved, or otherwise saved.
The best way to ensure wedding bouquet preservation is to seek out the guidance of a professional florist from Everyday Flowers & Balloons. A florist can help you choose flowers that remain fresh and vibrant throughout the day and may also be able to help you preserve those flowers for years to come.
Wedding Bouquet Preservation
Your wedding bouquet is one of the most cherished elements of your wedding day. It’s a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and it’s often the focal point of your wedding photos. But what happens to your bouquet after the wedding?
If you’re looking for the highest quality preservation possible, you can hire a florist or flower preservation expert to help you achieve the results you want. Professional flower preservers use a variety of methods to preserve flowers, including drying, pressing, and glycerin preservation, among others.
If you’re looking for a way to preserve your wedding flowers on your own, there are a variety of DIY options out there to help you save money–just keep in mind that there is an element of risk to preserving your wedding bouquet yourself.
It may be best to do a trial run with a different bouquet of flowers ahead of your wedding ceremony and reception, to ensure that you have perfected the preservation method of your choice.
Drying and Pressing Flowers
Drying and pressing is a simple and inexpensive method of wedding bouquet preservation. To dry your flowers, simply hang them upside down in a dark, dry place for several weeks. Once they are completely dry, you can press them between the pages of a heavy book or in a flower press.
Another method for pressing your flowers involves placing them between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or coffee filters. Arrange the flowers carefully so that they do not overlap. Then, place a heavy book or flower press on top of the flowers and leave them for several weeks.
Once your flowers are dry and pressed, you can frame them, display them in a shadowbox, or use them to create other crafts, such as scrapbooks or greeting cards.
Silica Gel Preservation
Silica gel preservation is a more professional method of wedding bouquet preservation. Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture and can be used for drying and preserving flowers. This makes it ideal for drying flowers quickly and efficiently.
For easy wedding bouquet preservation using silica gel, place your flower bouquet in an airtight container with a layer of silica gel at the bottom. Gently pour silica gel around the flowers until they are completely covered. Place the container in a cool, dry place for several days.
Once your flowers are completely dry, remove them from the silica gel and brush off any excess silica. Your flowers will now be preserved and can be framed, pressed, or otherwise admired for years to come.
Glycerin Preservation
Glycerin preservation is a method of wedding bouquet preservation that maintains the natural color and flexibility of flowers. To preserve your wedding flowers using glycerin, mix equal parts glycerin and water in a container. Cut the stems of your flowers at an angle and place them in the glycerin solution.
Place the container in a cool, dark place for several weeks. Once the flowers are preserved, remove them from the glycerin solution and rinse them gently under water. Your flowers will now be preserved and can be framed or used as a decoration in your home.
Glycerin preserved flowers will retain their shape and color for at least six to 12 months, although the color may darken slightly.
Displaying Your Preserved Wedding Flowers
Once you have completed your wedding bouquet preservation, you have a variety of options for displaying them. You can frame your wedding flowers, display them in a shadowbox, or use them to create other crafts, such as scrapbooks or greeting cards.
If you choose to frame your preserved wedding flowers, be sure to use a shadowbox frame. This will protect the flowers from dust and moisture. You can also choose to have your flowers preserved in a custom frame.
If you choose to display your preserved wedding flowers in a shadowbox, you can use a variety of different materials to create the background of the shadowbox. You can use fabric, paper, or even other flowers.
If you choose to use your preserved wedding flowers to create other crafts, you have a variety of options. You can use them to create scrapbooks, greeting cards, or even jewelry.
No matter how you choose to display your preserved wedding flowers, they will be a cherished reminder of your special day for many years to come.
Tips for Preserving Your Wedding Bouquet
Plan ahead. It’s best to plan to preserve your wedding bouquet before the wedding day. This will give you time to choose a preservation method and make any necessary arrangements.
Keep your bouquet fresh! It’s important to keep your wedding bouquet fresh until it can be preserved. Place the bouquet in a vase of water and keep out of bright sunlight.
Choose the right preservation method. There are a variety of different wedding bouquet preservation methods available. Choose a method that is right for you based on your budget and preferences.
Prepare your flowers properly. Before you preserve your wedding flowers, it’s important to prepare them properly. This may involve removing any leaves or thorns, and cutting the stems at an angle.
Follow the instructions carefully. Once you have chosen a wedding bouquet preservation method, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. This will help to ensure that your flowers are properly preserved.
With proper care, your preserved wedding bouquet will last for many years to come.
Find a Wedding Bouquet at Everyday Flowers & Balloons!
Whether you want to preserve your wedding flowers for a few extra days or for several years, there are options for everyone. While some flowers are easier to preserve than others, the most important part of flower preservation is finding a bouquet you love and making those wedding day memories last.
In the world of weddings, flowers in bouquets are not mere adornments; they are a language of love and symbolism. From the bride’s bouquet to the groom’s boutonniere and the various floral components in decorations, flowers play a vital role in creating a magical and memorable wedding day.
Our expert florists and creative balloon artists are dedicated to crafting moments that last a lifetime.
We thoughtfully select and arrange the beautiful blooms, so that couples can express their love and hopes for a new beginning as they embark on their journey together.
Regardless of which method you choose for wedding bouquet preservation, Everyday Flowers & Balloons has a special wedding bouquet that is perfect for you!