How to dry your bridal bouquet
Your wedding day is over, but the memories are still fresh in your mind. One of the most precious mementos from your special day is your bridal bouquet. Drying your bouquet is a wonderful way to preserve it and relive those beautiful moments for years to come. Whether your bouquet is made of fresh flowers or silk, here are some simple steps to help you successfully dry and preserve your bridal bouquet.
1. Timing is crucial
The sooner you begin the drying process after your wedding, the better the chances of preserving the color and shape of your flowers. Ideally, start within two to three days after your wedding day. This ensures that the flowers are still in good condition and haven't started to wilt.
2. Methods to drying your bridal bouquet
There are several methods you can use to dry your flowers: air drying, pressing, using desiccants, or using silica gel. Choose the method that works best for you based on the type of flowers in your bouquet and the desired outcome.
Air drying: This method works best for flowers that naturally dry well, such as roses, lavender, baby's breath, and statice. Hang your bouquet upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room. Be sure to choose a location where your bouquet won't be disturbed for several weeks. You can tie a string or rubber band around the bottom of the stems and hang the bouquet from a hook or a clothesline.
Pressing: Pressing flowers is ideal for delicate flowers like pansies, daisies, and buttercups. Place the flowers between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper, and then press them by stacking heavy books or using a flower press. Leave them pressed for about two to four weeks until they are completely dry.
Using desiccants: Desiccants, such as silica gel or borax, help to speed up the drying process and preserve the shape and color of your flowers. Fill a container with desiccant and bury your bouquet in it. Make sure the flowers are fully covered. Leave it for about a week or until the flowers are dry.
Using silica gel: Silica gel is a popular option for drying flowers as it preserves the shape and color exceptionally well. Spread a layer of silica gel in an airtight container and place your bouquet on top. Carefully pour more silica gel over and around the flowers until they are fully covered
3. What to do with your dried flowers?
Once you’ve dried your flowers, what next? There are a few things which can you can do:
Display your bouquet in vase as decoration. A beautiful reminder of your special day. Just make sure it’s kept out of direct sunlight and that you dust it every so often.
Make the pressed flowers into artwork. We love this idea, and the Pressed Meadow has some beautiful examples.
