How to Preserve a Wedding Bouquet

Your wedding bouquet is more than just a pretty arrangement; it's a symbol of what is likely to be one of the most memorable days of your life. But as the honeymoon glow fades, the reality sets in: those beautiful blooms won't last forever. Or will they?

Imagine being able to capture the essence of your bouquet, preserving its beauty so you can cherish those precious memories for years to come. Well, you absolutely can! In this guide, we'll unveil the secrets of preserving your wedding bouquet, allowing you to hold on to that bridal bliss just a little bit longer.

Why Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet?

Your bouquet is a unique and personal expression of your style, carefully curated to reflect the theme and spirit of your wedding. Preserving it allows you to:

• Create a Timeless Keepsake: Turn your bouquet into a tangible reminder of your wedding day, a beautiful object you can revisit whenever you want to relive those magical moments.
• Add a Touch of Romance to Your Home: A beautifully preserved bouquet can become a stunning focal point in your home décor, infusing your space with love and sentimentality.
• Share Your Legacy: Imagine passing down a piece of your wedding day to future generations. A preserved bouquet can become a treasured heirloom - you could even pass it on to your friend, daughter or sister for them to use as their “something old” when it’s their turn to walk down the aisle!

Methods to Preserve a Wedding Bouquet

There are a variety of techniques to preserve your wedding bouquet, each offering its own unique charm. Let’s explore some of the most popular methods:

Air Drying

Air drying is the simplest and most budget-friendly way to preserve your bouquet. Simply hang your bouquet upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space for several weeks until the flowers are completely dry. This method works particularly well for bouquets with sturdy flowers like roses, lavender, or hydrangeas.

Pressing

Pressing involves carefully placing individual flowers between layers of absorbent paper, then applying pressure for several weeks. This method beautifully preserves the flat shape and intricate details of your blooms, making it a lovely option for delicate flowers or those you'd like to use in framed artwork.

Using Silica Gel

Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture, gently drying your flowers while preserving their shape and colour, and the good news is that you can find silica gel at most craft shops. Simply bury your bouquet in a container filled with the gel, and let it work its magic for a few weeks. This method is fantastic for preserving a wider variety of flowers, including those with more delicate petals.

Freeze Drying

Freeze drying is a professional preservation technique that involves rapidly freezing your bouquet and then removing the moisture under a vacuum. This method produces stunning results, preserving the flowers' shape, colour, and even their fragrance! While it's a bit more of an investment, freeze drying is a fantastic option if you want to preserve your bouquet in its most lifelike state.

Creating a Shadow Box

A shadow box is a beautiful way to display your preserved bouquet as a three-dimensional artwork. You can arrange the dried flowers in a box frame, adding personal touches like photos, ribbons, or other mementos from your wedding day. It’s a stunning and sentimental piece that will take pride of place in your home and keep that honeymoon glow lingering around for longer.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best possible results, keep these tips in mind:

Select Flowers That Preserve Well

Some flowers naturally lend themselves to preservation better than others. Roses, lavender, hydrangeas, baby's breath, and statice are all good choices. If you're unsure, chat with your florist when choosing your bouquet – they'll be happy to guide you.

Avoid Flowers That Wilt Quickly

Delicate flowers like lilies, tulips, and peonies tend to wilt quickly and are more challenging to preserve. If you're set on including these in your bouquet, consider having a few extra blooms on hand for preservation purposes.

Start the Preservation Process Immediately

The sooner you start preserving your bouquet after the wedding, the better the results will be. Ideally, begin the process within a day or two to capture the flowers at their peak freshness.

Handle Flowers Gently

Treat your bouquet with care throughout the preservation process. Avoid crushing or bruising the petals, as this can affect the final appearance.

Use Appropriate Drying Techniques

Choose a drying method that's suitable for the types of flowers in your bouquet. If you’re unsure, consider consulting a professional preservation service for expert guidance.

Displaying Your Preserved Bouquet

Once your bouquet is beautifully preserved, it's time to showcase it! Here are a few creative ideas:

Framed Shadow Box

As mentioned earlier, a shadow box is a stunning way to display your preserved bouquet in all its three-dimensional glory.

Glass Dome or Cloche

A glass dome or cloche creates an elegant and timeless display, protecting your preserved bouquet from dust and damage while allowing its beauty to shine through.

Dried Flower Arrangement

You can also incorporate your preserved flowers into a new dried flower arrangement, adding other elements like dried grasses, seed pods, or even feathers for a unique and textured look.

Final Thoughts

Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to hold onto the magic of your special day, and with a bit of care and attention, you can transform your bouquet into a treasured keepsake that will bring you and your new spouse joy for years to come.

And if you’re dreaming of a picture-perfect wedding, we’d love to help! At JPA Events, we specialise in creating bespoke wedding experiences, from stunning floral arrangements to breathtaking venue styling. Explore our best wedding packages in London and let us help you create lifelong memories of your special day.

Remember, your wedding bouquet is a symbol of your love story. Preserve its beauty and let it continue to inspire you long after you've said "I do."