Preserving Your Wedding Flowers
November 17th, 2006 Posted in Wedding Planning and IdeasFlowers are such an important element in setting the overall mood for your wedding, so shouldn’t they be saved as a keepsake that will last forever? Many brides today opt to use silk flowers just for that reason. Silk flowers obviously will not die like fresh flowers, and can of course they can be held onto forever. But, why pass on the opportunity to have beautiful and fragrant fresh flowers? With so many flower preservation methods available, brides on all budgets can enjoy a special day filled with wonderfully scented fresh flowers while also keeping them as a beautiful wedding day memento. A few words of advice. Some preservation methods can be quite expensive, and very few companies across the nation specialize in flower preservation. So, it is best to consult with a professional several months prior to your wedding. They can explain your options, fit you into their busy schedules and most importantly you will have time to factor the costs into your flower budget. Another aspect that is equally important in the preservation process is a protective frame or display case. After spending money on the flowers themselves, as well as on the preservation process, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy your flowers for a lifetime! Frames and displays come in all sizes and styles. Find one that draws attention to the flowers and more importantly that protects them.
Freeze dried flowers. One of the most popular preservation methods, freeze drying can leave flowers looking nearly 100% natural if done correctly. Flowers are individually dehydrated and then treated with a special solution. They are then placed in below freezing temperatures and into a vacuum-sealed chamber. The vacuum slowly pulls all moisture from the flower, leaving it natural-looking with a color and shape that is nearly as perfect as its original condition.
Air dried flowers. Advanced technology is not required with this method. In fact, ancient Egyptians used this method to dry their flowers. To air dry flowers, first take off all leaves and foliage. Then group the flowers together in small bunches and secure them with a rubber band. Be sure that none of the blooms are touching. You then hang the flowers upside down in a dark area. The dryer and warmer the area is, the better, for this process depends on the surrounding climate to take out all moisture from the petals.
Pressed flowers. Although it does not require expensive machinery and can be done fairly easily from home, the process of pressing your flowers should be handed over to the professionals. Why? Each flower must be individually pressed, and often times, as is with roses, each petal must be pressed separately. This tends to distort the flowers, and may cause the average bride to grow quite nervous. Although distortion is common during the pressing process, professionals have the know-how when it comes to recognizing normal levels of distortion from levels that result in damage. They are also experts at reshaping the flowers and reassembling your bouquet.
Silicia gel flowers. Silica gel is more like sand rather than gel, and the process can be easily done from home. You first need an airtight container. Line the bottom of the container with the silicia gel. Then lay down the flowers, and continue to pour the gel over the flowers. It is best not the pour the gel directly onto them, but rather work the gel onto the flowers by hand, assuring that every empty space is filled. The final layer of gel should cover the petals completely. An extra one to two inches of gel will not hurt. Be sure the box is sealed airtight and let it sit for a week. Flowers are completely dry when they feel papery to the touch.
A quick note, each process has its advantages and disadvantages. The costs and time for each process varies, as do the results. Colors and sizes may change slightly or drastically, depending on the flower and the method. When deciding which method is best for you, consider how many flower you will be preserving, which type of flower you are using (some flowers respond better to certain methods) and how long you want your preserved flowers to last. Factor these into your budget, and then seek out a professional whose work will provide you with the perfect wedding day keepsake that you can cherish forever.