Preserving Your Bouquet

By Brenda Fisher

Is anything more iconic than a bride’s wedding bouquet?  After all, you’ve probably spent a considerable amount of time and energy designing the perfect floral expression of your love.  After the reception is over, many brides want to preserve their bouquet as a reminder of their special day.

There are many ways to extend the life of your bouquet. Here are five preservation options to fit your needs. 

 

  • Press the Flowers – This is a great option if you’re short on space. Showcase your pressed flowers in an elegant frame. It will bring a smile to your face every time you walk by it.  There are many websites to walk you through the process from selecting the best type of flowers, to the best kind of paper and the how to actually press them.  

 

  • Dry the Flowers – Drying your bouquet couldn’t be easier!  You’ll want to arrange your bouquet the way you want it to dry.  Once the blooms dry, it will become brittle and easily broken.  You can also dry the blooms separately and use them in a wreath or arrangement.   Search the web for directions on this process. 

 

  • Use Silica Gel – Silica gel is actually a porous sand that absorbs the water in your blooms.  This will keep your flowers looking fresh and colorful for years to come.  You can find silica gel at a craft store.  It takes about a week for the gel to work its magic.  
  • Use Epoxy Resin – Epoxy resin crafts are very popular right now.  You can take the blooms from your bouquet and encase them in epoxy resin to preserve them for eternity.  Resin supplies and molds can be purchased from craft stores. Most websites will give you several ideas from coasters to hanging trinkets to use resin to create something uniquely yours. 
  • Paint your Flowers – Your beautiful bouquet can stand for eternity as a piece of art.  Watercolors, oils or any other medium are perfect to capture the essence of your bouquet.  If  art isn’t your thing, find a local artist to create a one-of-a-kind painting for you.  

These are just a few of the ways you can have a reminder from your wedding.  No matter what option you choose, preserving these special blooms will keep your wedding day with you for years to come.