Wedding Flower Preservation

How it Works

There are different methods used to preserve wedding flowers. Be sure to read about each different process so you can best decide which method works for you. Keep in mind that you will be required to send your bouquet to the wedding flower preservation location as soon as possible. If you’ll be going on your honeymoon immediately after the wedding reception, you’ll want to ask a trusted friend or relative to do this for you. It can take up to four months for your bouquet to be returned to you from the preservationist.

After you choose a wedding flower preservation specialist, you’ll be required to send in a deposit. In return they will send you everything you need for preserving your bouquet. In most cases this will include a postage prepaid box, a catalog filled with pictures of the different types of display units and packing materials so the bouquet doesn’t turn brown while in transit.

Freeze Drying

A popular wedding flower preservation method is freeze drying. The flowers are placed on a shelf in the freeze drying machine and all the moisture is drawn out. In many cases, a vacuum is also used to whisk away any remaining moisture. The flowers are then left out until they reach room temperature. When the flowers have reached the desired temperature, they’re sprayed with a protective coating and placed in their presentation unit. Depending on how they’re displayed, wire may also be placed in the stems to keep the flowers from drooping.

Wedding Flower Displays

Dried wedding flowers are displayed in different manners. Your preservation specialist will send you a catalog so you can choose your favorite. Each company works differently but in most cases you can choose the display unit when you send your bouquet to be preserved. Some choices include:

• A frame with your wedding bouquet sealed inside.
• A frame with wedding photo and/or invitation included next to the bouquet.
• A wooden cabinet type frame with wedding memorabilia included with the bouquet.
• A glass square or rectangular cabinet with bouquet inside,

which can be placed on a table or hung on the wall.

• A glass “lantern” shaped unit.

Do It Yourself Wedding Flower Preservation

You can also dry your wedding flowers yourself, but they probably won’t last as long as when getting them preserved professionally. Still, if you dry them yourself and have them framed professionally, they can last a good long time.

Hanging

Hang your wedding bouquet upside down for several months until it’s completely dry. Gently remove it from its hanger and bring it to a professional framer. The framer will place the bouquet in an air tight frame to help keep it preserved for years to come.

Silica Gel

Silica gel can also be used for do it yourself wedding flower preservation. Simply place the flowers in an airtight container and completely cover them with the silica gel before closing the container. The instructions that come in the gel’s package will let you know how long to leave the flowers in the container. When they’re finally removed, bring them to a professional framer.

Where to Find

How does one find a wedding flower preservation specialist? Most wedding magazines have advertisements listing preservation services. Read the ads and call the information numbers for pricing and services to find out which best suits your needs. You can also find plenty of companies to preserve your bouquet online. Some of the more popular companies are listed below.

• Heller & Reid – Recommended by Good Housekeeping. They offer many services including wedding flower preservation, wedding dress preservation, and unique invitations.
• NatureAll – Offers a wonderful assortment of displays units for dried bouquets.
• Timeless Moments also offers a fine assortment of display units including heart shaped frames and wooden keepsake boxes.

More LoveToKnow Wedding Articles

• Choosing a Wedding Florist
• History of Wedding Flowers
• Pictures of Wedding Flowers
• Silk Wedding Flowers
• Wedding Flower Arrangements