Trend report: preserving your wedding flowers
Wedding flowers play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of a couple's special day. They add color, beauty, and fragrance to the ceremony and reception — honestly, they’re one of our favorite parts of wedding days! After the wedding, some couples may want to hold onto their flowers as a sentimental reminder of their special day. Fortunately, there are several methods for preserving wedding flowers, each with its own unique look and feel. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to preserve wedding flowers, including clay moulding, resin, silica, and pressed flowers. We will also compare the pros and cons of DIY options versus having a professional do it for you — particularly in the case of destination weddings, because travel can complicate things a bit.
Clay moulding is a popular method for preserving wedding flowers. This technique involves taking the flowers and pressing them into clay. The flowers are then left to dry in the clay, making a mould that can be used to pour plaster or any other liquid-to-solid material. Once the material is dry, it can be removed from the mould and used as a gorgeous keepsake.
One of the main pros of clay moulding is that it creates a three-dimensional effect, allowing the flowers to maintain their shape and texture. It is also a relatively inexpensive option, as clay and molds can be purchased at most craft stores. Additionally, clay moulding is relatively easy to do, making it a great option for couples who want to preserve their flowers but don't want to invest a lot of time or money. However you need to start the process quickly after your wedding, which isn’t always possible when you’re getting married abroad.
The drying process can take several weeks, so couples will need to plan accordingly. The best option in this case is to talk to your wedding planner to find out who they recommend locally to offer the service so they can take care of it for you and ship the final item(s) to you at home.
Another popular method for preserving wedding flowers is using resin. This method involves mixing a clear resin with the petals of the flowers and pouring the mixture into a mold. The resin hardens and preserves the flowers, creating a beautiful and unique piece of art. Resin can be used to create a variety of items, such as coasters, jewelry, and ornaments.
One of the main pros of using resin is that it creates a glossy, polished finish that can be quite striking. Additionally, the flowers are completely encased in resin, which helps to preserve their color and shape. Resin is also a relatively quick drying process, allowing couples to enjoy their preserved flowers sooner.
However, resin can be a bit more expensive than other methods, as it requires the purchase of resin and molds. Additionally, the process of mixing and pouring the resin can be a bit more involved and may require some trial and error before achieving the desired results. Again, if you’re looking to preserve your flowers in resin after a destination wedding using a local vendor to do the process for you is the safest bet, unless you’re hanging around for a little while after the wedding day.
Pressed flowers are another great way to preserve wedding flowers (it’s our personal favorite, the results are just so pretty). This technique involves flattening the flowers between two pieces of paper and then placing them in a heavy book. The flowers are left to dry for several weeks, preserving their shape and color. Once they are dry, they can be framed or used to create cards, scrapbooks, or simply kept as keepsakes.
One of the main pros of pressed flowers is that they are relatively easy to do and don't require any special equipment or materials. We often recommend that couples press their flowers in their vow books to add some extra sentiments value to the process. Additionally, pressed flowers maintain their color and shape well, making them a great option for couples who want to keep their flowers as true to their original form as possible.
Preserving wedding flowers in silica beads is a method that involves drying the flowers and encasing them in a clear, hard substance. The main advantage of this method is that it allows the flowers to retain their shape, color, and texture, making them look almost as fresh as they did on the wedding day. Additionally, silica beads are non-toxic and safe to use. They also create a display that is easy to clean and maintain. On the other hand, the process of preserving flowers in silica beads can be time-consuming and costly, and it is typically best done by a professional. Furthermore, the finished product may not look as natural as other preservation methods, and the flowers may appear less lifelike. Overall, preserving wedding flowers in silica beads is a great option for those who want to keep their flowers looking fresh and vibrant, but it comes with a higher price tag and may not be the best choice for those who want a more natural look.
When it comes to preserving wedding flowers, there are definitely pros and cons to both DIY options and having a professional do it for you.
One of the main pros of doing it yourself is that it can be a fun and creative way to remember your special day. Additionally, DIY options are often less expensive than hiring a professional. However, doing it yourself isn’t always practical when you’re getting married abroad.
On the other hand, hiring a professional to preserve your wedding flowers can be a great option for couples who want to ensure the best possible results. A professional will have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to create beautiful and high-quality preserved flowers. Additionally, hiring a professional frees up your time and energy, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your wedding.