When you’re planning your wedding, the last thing you want to worry about is how to preserve your flowers. But with a little bit of know-how, it’s easy to keep your blooms looking fresh for years to come. Here are four affordable methods that will help you do just that.
Dry Them
The cost of professionally preserving your bouquet can be prohibitive for many couples, but there is a simple and affordable solution: drying them. There are multiple methods to dry wedding flowers, from using a flower press to hanging them upside down in a dark, dry place. Whichever method you choose, make sure to remove excess foliage and let the blooms fully mature before drying so they maintain their color and shape. You can then display your dried wedding flowers in frames or incorporate them into future crafts and decorations, allowing you to preserve memories of your special day for years.
Freeze-Dry Them
Freeze-drying is one option for preserving your wedding flowers. You can either purchase your own freeze-dryer or hire a professional to preserve your flowers. The process preserves your blooms by first freezing them, then extracting that liquid until your flowers are completely dry. When the process is done, the flowers will retain their shape and color. You can use them to decorate your home on anniversaries or special occasions, or even incorporate them into DIY crafts and projects. So don’t let those precious blooms go to waste—freeze-dry them and keep the memories alive!
Press Them
One affordable option is to press your flowers. All you’ll need are some thick sheets of cardboard, paper towels, and heavy books or weights. Here are some steps to pressing your flowers:
- Trim the stems of your flowers so they fit neatly within the press.
- Place the flowers between layers of paper towels and cardboard, making sure to evenly distribute the weight.
- Stack heavy books or weights on top and leave the press undisturbed for about two weeks before removing your beautifully preserved flowers.
This DIY method is budget friendly and allows you to be creative in displaying your pressed flowers. You can frame them as artwork, incorporate them into scrapbooks or other crafts, and more! So don’t let those beautiful blooms go to waste—try pressing your flowers for a unique way to preserve your wedding memories.
Put Them in a Shadow Box
If you want to preserve your wedding bouquet but don’t want to spend a fortune on freeze-drying or professional preservation, consider putting them in a shadow box. This stylish and affordable option allows you to display your flowers while protecting them from damage. To create the shadow box, start by removing any excess foliage and straightening the stems with wire cutters. Next, arrange the flowers in a manner that flatters their shape and color, using floral foam or pins as needed. Finally, place the arrangement inside the shadow box and seal it tight. This method preserves your bouquet for years to come and makes for a beautiful and personal decoration in your home. So when you’re deciding what to do with those wedding flowers, consider giving the shadow box a try.
No matter which method you choose, preserving your wedding flowers is a great way to keep the memories of your big day alive for years to come. By freezing, drying, pressing, or framing your flowers, you can enjoy their beauty every day. So don’t wait—start preserving those blooms today!