Hart & Flowers

Hart & Flowers

Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to cherish the memories of your special day. Whether you choose a DIY method or opt for professional preservation, you'll have a beautiful keepsake to remind you of your love and commitment.

Here's a breakdown of DIY and professional methods, along with some additional creative ideas to cherish your bridal bouquet:

DIY Preservation Methods

• Air Drying: This is the simplest and most cost-effective method.
• How: Tie the stems together and hang the bouquet upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place for several weeks.
• Pros: Easy and inexpensive.
• Cons: Colors may fade, and the bouquet may shrink.
• Pressing: Ideal for bouquets with delicate flowers.
• How: Separate the flowers and place them between sheets of absorbent paper, then press them between heavy books or a flower press for several weeks.
• Pros: Simple and preserves the flowers' shape.
• Cons: Flowers will be flattened and may discolour.
• Silica Gel: This method helps maintain the flowers' original shape and color better than air drying.
• How: Bury the flowers in a container filled with silica gel for several days.
• Pros: Preserves color and shape well.
• Cons: Requires silica gel, and some flowers may not be suitable.
• Wax Dipping: A traditional method that adds a protective layer to the flowers.
• How: Dip each flower in melted paraffin wax, then allow them to dry.
• Pros: Preserves color and shape, adds a subtle sheen.
• Cons: Can be messy, and the wax may crack over time.

Professional Preservation Methods

• Freeze Drying: This is the most effective way to preserve the bouquet's original shape, color, and texture.
• How: A professional freeze-dries the flowers, removing moisture while maintaining their structure.
• Pros: Best results for preserving the bouquet's original appearance.
• Cons: Can be expensive.
• Resin Preservation: Flowers are encased in resin, creating a beautiful and long-lasting keepsake.
• How: A professional dries the flowers and arranges them in a mold before pouring resin over them.
• Pros: Creates a unique and durable keepsake.
• Cons: Can be expensive, and the resin may yellow over time.

Creative Ideas Beyond photography

• Floral Art: Commission a custom painting or illustration of your bouquet.
• Embroidered Art: Using various embroidery techniques, the artist meticulously recreates the flowers on the fabric. 
• Jewelry: Have your flowers preserved and incorporated into jewelry, such as a necklace or earrings.
• Keepsake Box: Create a shadow box or display case to showcase your preserved bouquet along with other wedding mementos.

Additional Tips

• Act quickly: The sooner you preserve your bouquet, the better the results.
• Handle with care: Be gentle when handling your bouquet to avoid damaging the flowers.
• Consider professional help: If you're unsure about DIY methods or want the best possible results, consider hiring a professional preservationist.

Preserving your wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to keep a tangible reminder of your special day, and with so many increadibly talented creatives out there, the options are vast.