Valentina and Patricio Photography

How to preserve natural flowers? It may seem difficult, but the truth is that there are several methods whose results will surprise you. And since you spent so much time reviewing types of flowers, as well as forms of bouquets and bouquets, why leave it in a memory if you can perpetuate it?

Of the bridal trousseau, the bouquet is undoubtedly one of the most emotional elements, so you'll love having it around for years to come. Check out these tips if that's what you want to do.

7 techniques to preserve flowers

The Bouquet

If you know in advance that you will want to keep your bouquet of flowers Among them, choose seasonal flowers, as they are stronger and in full bloom.

Also, think twice if you want a wild bouquet that mixes flowers with aromatic plants, such as sage or mint, as the latter are very difficult to eternalize. On the contrary, what experts recommend is to combine natural flowers with dried flowers, preserved flowers or freeze-dried flowers. This way, when the time comes to preserve the bouquet, the process will be simpler.

But if it comes to natural bridal bouquets The flowers that best respond to the drying process are roses, peonies, sunflowers, hydrangeas and carnations, among the most demanded.

How to preserve a bridal bouquet of natural flowers? First of all, regardless of the method you choose, you must take into account that not all flowers will survive the process. Also, you should do it soon to get a better result. Check these 7 procedures:

1. Inverted drying

One of the most used techniques to dry the bouquet is to hang it upside down with a string in a cool, dry, airy and dark space, so that the flowers do not lose their color, for example, in a closet where there is no humidity or in an unused bathroom.

When it is dry, after about three weeks, put it back in its original position and spray it with a spray lacquer to fix it and avoid possible breakages. In the same position, let it dry for about three more days.

2. Pressing

This technique is ideal to immortalize the bouquet in a romantic painting. It is about press the flowers If you choose the latter option, you will have to leave them there for approximately three weeks.

They will be ready when they are dry and then you will only have to arrange the flowers as in the original composition of the bouquet. Or, if you prefer, give them a different shape when you take them to be framed.

Pressing the flowers is a good idea in case you want to incorporate another detail in the same frame, for example, the wedding certificate or a postcard with your wedding vows.

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3. Waxing

With this technique you will get very elegant flowers, perfect for decorating a centerpiece in your new home.

First you must remove all the petals and leaves that are in bad condition, separating the bouquet stem by stem. Then, proceed to heat wax in a pot at 150º and begin to immerse each stem with its flower in the solution. But only for a couple of seconds, so that the flower is not damaged by the heat. And as you remove them, place each flower on a tray on parchment paper to dry.Or if the flower has very leafy petals, you can also dry it by placing it vertically in a bottle.

4. With glycerine

Glycerin, which is a viscous liquid alcohol, is highly recommended to preserve flowers with a more natural finish.

The technique consists of submerging the bouquet in a container containing equal amounts of water and glycerin. Mix well so that both ingredients are integrated and leave the bouquet there for a maximum of two weeks.

Check constantly and remove your flowers when they are flexible, do not crackle when touched and you do not see any signs of fragility. In addition, it is recommended to wash the bouquet with a little soap and water and then dry it carefully, leaving it hanging upside down for a few days.

5. With silica gel

I'm sure you remember those little porous, grainy balls that come, for example, when you buy a new wallet. It's called silica gel and it's a highly desiccant product that absorbs excess moisture.

And so you can use it to dry your bouquet, but first you must disassemble it and grind the balls with a rolling pin to reduce them to powder. Then, you only have to fill a container with about two centimeters of silica gel, place the flowers on top and cover them with another top layer. Then, close the container, and keep it in a dry and cool place. Drying usually takes a short time, fromtwo to seven days at the most, so the flowers will retain their colour better.

Once they are dry, but not brittle, gently remove the silica gel residue with a brush.

The Bouquet

6. In the oven

Another method to dry the bouquet of flowers is through a conventional oven. To perform this procedure, you only have to introduce the flowers on the oven rack, with the bud up and the stem down, and heat it to a temperature of 40 degrees. Thanks to the hot air of the oven, the flowers will dehydrate gradually.

Of course, you must leave the oven door slightly open so that the temperature does not burn the flowers. The process will take between two to three hours.

Afterwards, let them cool and your dried flowers will be ready. For better preservation, apply a floral sealant, which can be either hairspray or a non-toxic spray.

7. Freeze-drying

Finally, you can also freeze-dry your bouquet by freeze-drying it, but you will have to take it to a specialised shop, as professional machines are required.

Freeze-drying consists of extracting the water from the flower in the form of steam, for which it is frozen. In this way, the flower does not wrinkle and retains its shape in perfect condition throughout its life. In addition, with freeze-drying the tones become darker and more intense, which increases the feeling of vitality of the flower arrangement itself.

How to make a bouquet of roses last longer?

Darwin Pulgar Photographs

If you're carrying a bouquet of roses down the aisle and want it to last as long as possible after the wedding, ideally place the flowers in a vase in an area where the temperature is relatively cool, or at least not over a television, appliance or other heat source.

Also, clean the stems and remove the leaves that come into contact with the water to prevent them from contaminating the water. Also with regard to the water, try to change it preferably every day, especially if it is very hot. This will keep it clean and fresh, thus preserving your roses in a better way.

But you can also add a spoonful of sugar to the water, as it provides energy, nutrients and extends the life of these flowers.

And another tip is to cut the stems of the flowers a centimeter every two days, making the cut diagonally so that they absorb water better.

Now, if you want to keep your bridal bouquet simple To your advantage, roses are among the flowers that are best preserved with the passage of time.

How to keep a natural bridal bouquet? Now you know it's easier than it seems, so you can throw a replica, if you want to keep the tradition during the marriage, but eternalize the original so that it stays with you forever.