Your wedding bouquet is a beautiful part of one of the most memorable days of your life. You put thought into choosing them and arranging them to your preference, they walk down the aisle with you and are central throughout the day.
The big question is: why wouldn't you want to save it?
Some couples don't actually realise that wedding bouquet preservation is a thing, but we're aiming to buck that trend.
There are lots of reasons to save your wedding flowers, and we'll get into the main reasons below. It's safe to say that we haven't met a couple yet who have regretted preserving their wedding flowers!
Reasons to Save Your Wedding Bouquet
Here are some special reasons to consider preserving your bouquet.
1. Remember Your Special Day
A preserved bouquet is more than just a pretty keepsake - it’s a tangible piece of your wedding day. Aside from your photos and rings, it's perhaps one of the few physical memories that you can keep for a long time. There's no reason why a well-preserved wedding bouquet that's kept in the right conditions can't last for several decades.
Each time you look at your frame, you’ll be transported back to that special day - whether it’s the walk down the aisle, the vows you exchanged or the celebratory toasts afterwards. Photos and videos are wonderful, but a preserved bouquet is unique in that it’s a part of the actual day, beautifully captured.
By displaying your preserved become in your home - this could be your living room, bedroom, kitchen or lovely garden room - it’s a daily reminder of the joy and love you felt, making it an irreplaceable part of your wedding memories.
2. Create a Family Heirloom
Preserving your bouquet allows you to create a family heirloom that can be passed down through generations. This isn’t just about preserving flowers, it’s about preserving a story - a memento of love that future generations can look back on with fondness.
Sharing your bouquet with children or grandchildren can be a meaningful way to tell the story of your wedding and family. Alongside the photos and videos, this physical piece adds another dimension to the story.
In time, it becomes a symbol of continuity, connecting loved ones through one of the most significant moments in your life and giving future generations a beautiful piece of family history.
3. Beautiful Home Decoration
Preserved flowers make for a unique and personal piece of home decor that’s full of sentiment.
Framed or displayed in glass, a bouquet can bring a touch of elegance, nature and colour into any room. Unlike shop-bought art, your preserved bouquet is deeply personal, reflecting your taste and the memories from your wedding day. It’s also a great talking point for any guests that you might have round.
4. Don’t Let the Flowers Go to Waste
For those conscious of sustainability, preserving your bouquet is an eco-friendly choice that extends the life of your flowers.
Instead of letting them wilt, go bad then be discarded (hopefully into compost pile rather than general waste), preserving them keeps their beauty intact and gives them a meaningful purpose. It’s a mindful way to reduce waste, honour nature and also the time and effort that went growing the flowers and creating the bouquet in the first place.
The preserved flowers in your frame, won't be exactly the same as your bouquet, but that's a good thing - it will give your flowers their own new identity as they enter their preservation stage.
5. Honour Loved Ones Who Couldn't Be There
If your bouquet included flowers to honour family members or friends who couldn’t attend your wedding, preserving it is a beautiful way to keep their presence with you. This is especially touching for those who may have lost loved ones they wanted close on their big day.
It’s a meaningful way to feel connected to those who hold a special place in your life, adding a heartfelt layer to your preserved bouquet that makes it even more significant.
Best Ways to Save a Wedding Bouquet
There are several methods to preserve wedding flowers, each with its unique style and benefits. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Pressing and Drying
Pressing and drying flowers is a classic method that creates a natural, flat arrangement perfect for framing. At our studio, we prefer a hand-crafted technique that uses no synthetic chemicals, just time and care.
Over several weeks, we carefully press and dry the flowers before arranging them in an airtight glass frame. This method results in a beautiful, long-lasting display that requires minimal maintenance.
2. Silica Gel and Resin Preservation
Another popular method is using silica gel or resin to preserve flowers. Silica gel helps flowers dry while retaining more of their original shape, while resin can create a stunning three-dimensional look.
This method may include synthetic materials, and while it creates an attractive effect, it might not have the same natural, chemical-free appeal as pressing and drying.
3. Freeze Drying
Freeze drying is a more technical process that keeps flowers close to their original form and colour. This method can be ideal for more intricate bouquets or arrangements, but it’s usually more expensive and requires specialist equipment. Freeze-dried flowers can look more lifelike, though the process may not suit everyone’s taste or budget.
4. Frames, Jewellery and Accessories
Preserved flowers can be crafted into a range of items beyond frames, such as jewellery and decorative accessories. These items offer a unique way to keep your wedding bouquet close, whether as a pendant, bracelet, or even a keyring. These keepsakes are a creative option if you want to carry a part of your bouquet with you daily.
Professional or DIY Preservation?
It’s possible to preserve the flowers yourself. However, the process can be time-consuming and comes with the risk that it may not turn out as you’d hope.
With professional preservation, you get access to expert techniques and quality materials that make sure your bouquet remains as beautiful as possible.
Remember, you only get one chance with your wedding bouquet, so professional help may be well worth it. Check out this post on how much does it cost to preserve wedding flowers.
NExt steps with preserving your bouquet
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to keep memories of your big day alive. From creating a family heirloom to adding a unique piece of decor to your home, preserved flowers carry both sentimental and practical value.
If you’d like to explore your options, feel free to get in touch for advice on how we can help preserve your bouquet in a way that suits your personal style. You can also read our story and check out our preserved bouquet gallery for some inspiration.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to preserve a wedding bouquet?
The preservation process usually takes a few months, especially for methods like pressing and drying. This allows the flowers to dry fully and be carefully arranged. We’ll keep you updated along the way and ensure the bouquet is ready with the utmost quality and care.
2. Can I include additional flowers or keepsakes in my preserved bouquet?
Yes, we can often incorporate additional flowers, greenery or small keepsakes, such as ribbons or charms from your wedding day, into the preserved display. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll work to create a truly personalised frame.
3. How much does it cost to preserve a wedding bouquet?
The cost of bouquet preservation varies depending on factors like bouquet size, framing and customisation options. At Smart Floral Art, prices start from £220 for smaller frames, with larger, personalised options available from £310.
4. Will the preserved bouquet look exactly like my wedding flowers?
While preservation helps maintain the natural beauty of your bouquet, there may be slight changes in colour as the flowers dry. We use techniques that minimise fading and ensure your bouquet remains as true to its original form as possible. Our gallery displays a few before and after pictures.
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