Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Bouquet for Preservation

Your wedding bouquet is a beautiful symbol of your special day, and preserving it allows you to keep those memories alive. With the right preparation, you can turn your flowers into a lasting keepsake. Here’s how to prepare your bouquet for preservation, whether you choose resin encasement, drying, or another method.

1. Keep Your Bouquet Fresh

Immediately after the wedding, keeping your bouquet fresh is crucial. Place it in a vase with water to ensure the flowers stay hydrated. If you can’t begin the preservation process right away, store the bouquet in a cool, dry place to slow the wilting process. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat, which can cause the flowers to fade and dry prematurely.

2. Trim and Prepare the Stems

Before starting the preservation process, give your bouquet a fresh cut. Trim the stems at an angle, about half an inch from the bottom, and remove any leaves or flowers that appear damaged or bruised. This helps ensure that the healthiest parts of your bouquet will be preserved. If you’re using a resin or shadow box display, you may want to trim the stems down even more for easy placement.

3. Choose Your Preservation Method

There are several methods to preserve your bouquet, each with unique advantages. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Resin Preservation: This method involves encasing your flowers in clear resin, creating a beautiful and durable display piece. Resin preservation is ideal for maintaining the bouquet’s color and shape.
• Air Drying: Simply hang your bouquet upside down in a cool, dark place. After a few weeks, the flowers will dry out naturally, giving them a rustic, vintage look.
• Pressing: Flatten your flowers between heavy books or in a flower press to create a pressed floral keepsake, which can be framed or added to a scrapbook.
• Freeze-Drying: For the most professional and longest-lasting results, freeze-drying removes moisture from the flowers without altering their shape or color. Many florists offer this service.

Choosing the right method depends on your personal style and how you want to display your bouquet after preservation.

4. Preserving the Bouquet

Once you’ve selected your method, it’s time to preserve the bouquet. If you’re doing this at home, follow the instructions carefully for your chosen method. However, for more complex techniques like resin encasement or freeze-drying, it’s often best to seek professional help. They have the tools and expertise to ensure your bouquet is preserved beautifully.

5. Create a Stunning Keepsake

After the preservation process, you can create a unique keepsake from your preserved flowers. Some popular ideas include:

• Resin Blocks: Encasing flowers in a resin block is one of the most popular methods for bouquet preservation. These blocks can be customized in different shapes, such as hearts or rectangles, and make lovely display pieces for your home.
• Shadow Boxes: For those who prefer a natural look, a shadow box is a great option. Arrange the flowers in the box with other wedding mementos, like your invitation or a photo, to create a personalized display.
• Jewelry: For a more personal touch, turn small pieces of your bouquet into resin jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, or earrings made from your wedding flowers are a wonderful way to carry a piece of your day with you wherever you go.
• Framed Pressed Flowers: If you opted to press your flowers, you can frame them as a work of art. This timeless display looks beautiful on a wall and adds a sentimental touch to your home décor.

Why Prepare Your Bouquet for Preservation?

Preserving your bouquet isn’t just about the flowers; it’s about keeping the memories of your wedding day alive. Flowers may wilt, but through preservation, you can enjoy a lasting reminder of the joy and love you shared. Plus, a well-preserved bouquet makes a stunning display piece that can be passed down through generations.

Start Preserving Your Bouquet Today

If you’re looking to preserve the beauty and sentiment of your wedding bouquet, preparing it correctly is key. Whether you’re drying the flowers yourself or working with a professional, taking these steps will ensure your bouquet becomes a cherished keepsake that you can admire for years to come.

Contact us to learn more about bouquet preservation options and how we can help you create the perfect memento from your special day.