Directions on How to Preserve a Bouquet

There are many reasons for wanting to preserve a bouquet.

An artfully arranged flower arrangement is a thing of beauty. Many brides want to preserve their wedding bouquet, or you may want to preserve a bouquet from another special occasion. There are many different methods to preserve flowers from simple pressing to professional freeze drying. If you follow a few simple steps, you can have a visible reminder of your happy day for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Silica gel
• An air-tight container
• Soft bristle brush
• Clear acrylic spray
• Clear shadow or display box
• Twine
• Rubber band

Instructions

Preserving with Silica Gel

1. Disassemble your bouquet, taking care to not damage each flower. You might want to take several pictures of the bouquet so you can remember how it looked assembled.

2. Fill an air-tight container with at least 1 inch of silica gel.

3. Place the individual flowers face up on the gel. Do not let them touch. Gently cover the flowers with the silica gel. Seal the container and place it in a cool, dark place for five to seven days. Do not peek--if you do, you will allow moisture in the container.

4. Open the lid and gently pour off the silica gel to reveal your flowers. Dust off any remaining gel with your soft bristle brush.

5. Spray your flowers with clear acrylic spray and let them dry thoroughly.

6. Reassemble your bouquet and place in a clear shadow or display box for safe keeping.

Preserving By Air Drying

1. Remove all the foliage from the flower stems with sharp scissors.

2. Hang the bouquet upside down in a warm, dark but dry location. The bouquet will need good air ventilation as it dries. Depending on weather conditions, it may take two to three weeks for the bouquet to dry.

3. Spray the dried bouquet with clear acrylic spray to further preserve. Place in a clear display or shadow box.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider professional freeze drying for optimal preservation. All flowers can be freeze dried and it preserves the color and shape better than other methods.

• Air drying your flowers will cause them to darken. Not all flowers retain their shape after air drying.

• Silica gel does not work well for roses.

• Do not overcrowd the flowers when air drying, this can lead to mold forming

• Foliage does not air dry well.

References

• The Knot: How to Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet
• The Knot: Preserving a Bouquet
• North Dakota State University: Methods of Preserving Flowers