Flower bouquets make amazing gifts for your loved ones, but due to wilting or fading, their beauty is finite. If you preserve a bouquet, however, you can make its charm last longer. It lets you hold on to the memories associated with your flowers, which is great for wedding bouquets. You could also create a keepsake or an artistic souvenir for your loved one using their favorite flowers.

 

How do you preserve a bouquet? There are many different methods for DIY flower preservation. This article introduces each of them one by one, as well as ideas for flower souvenirs you can make.

How To Preserve a Flower Bouquet and Create Memorable Souvenirs

1. Air drying

This is the simplest traditional way to preserve a bouquet. Air-drying works best on flowers at their peak bloom so that you can retain their full shape. The process is simple:

 

• Remove all excess foliage.
• Tie the stems together, create smaller bunches for better drying.
• Hang the bouquet upside down inside a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area.

 

It takes 2-3 weeks until each stem is completely dry. It is possible, though, that the flowers might slightly shrink or dull in color, so it’s not a recommended method if you want to retain bright colors, particularly for flowers like gerberas or tulips.

2. Silica gel

The silica gel method is the way to go if you want to keep the flowers’ original shape and color. It’s great for recreating a 3D effect for roses, mums, or gerberas. Here’s how to preserve bouquets with silica gel:

 

• Visit your local craft or bookstore and buy a small pack of silica gel (500g should be enough for a small-sized bouquet).
• Get an airtight container and pour a layer of silica gel.
• Place the flowers facing up in the gel and layer more crystals around the petals.
• Sprinkle a small amount of gel in between the petals to help with moisture absorption. This works best with double blooms or full flowers.
• Seal the container and wait 1-2 weeks.
• Once removed, gently brush off the excess gel crystals.

 

Because silica gel is used as an absorbent in most commercial goods, its moisture-zapping abilities became a modern-day solution for flower crafting.

3. Resin

Resin is another modern way on how to preserve bouquets. There are two key types of resin to use: epoxy resin is ideal for large projects (blocks, coasters, frames, paperweights) and cures slowly, while UV resin is typically used for small pieces (jewelry, magnets, pins) and cures quickly through UV light. Here are the steps on how to preserve bouquet using epoxy resin:

 

• Dry the flowers completely via the silica gel method. Each flower must be 100% dry, as moisture can cause rotting and yellowing inside the resin.
• Calculate how much resin you need. If you’re using a mold, get the dimensions and use a resin calculator. 
• Mist the mold with a light layer of mold release.
• Arrange the flowers the way you want them to turn out.
• Mix the resin formula and pour it into the mold. Use a heat gun to eliminate any air bubbles.
• Cover your mold with a plastic container and cure it for 3-4 days. 
• Demold once the mold is ready.

 

This flower preservation method makes durable and eye-catching flower arrangements that can wow anyone who sees it.

4. Pressing

Inspired by vintage flower pressing? It’s another easy way to preserve a flower bouquet that requires no expensive materials. Pressing is also ideal for flowers with flat petals, like gerbera daisies or violets. Here’s how:

 

• Place a piece of parchment paper inside a heavy, open book.
• Arrange the flowers on top of the parchment, without overlapping.
• Fold the parchment paper or cover with another piece.
• Close the book. Stack another heavy book on top to increase pressure.
• Press for 1-2 weeks until completely dry.

 

Dried flowers are great for journaling and framing. You can also insert them in handmade cards or letters to add a vintage touch.

5. Freeze-drying

Freeze drying is emerging as an advanced and professional way to preserve a flower bouquet. The upfront costs of a freeze dryer is typically high, so this method better suits people who already own one. Here, flowers are dried quickly at extremely low temperatures.

 

• Trim the flowers to fit your machine’s tray.
• Arrange the flowers and tie them with twine. Avoid overlapping.
• Ensure the dry chamber is free from moisture.
• Load the tray.
• Close the vacuum valve, drain valve, and the door.
• Adjust your settings on the Freeze Drying menu.
• Press Start.

 

If done incorrectly, this method can possibly result in brittle flowers, but a light layer of hairspray can help make the flowers more durable.

Souvenirs to Make from a Preserved Flower Bouquet

• • Pressed flowers – Delicate pressed flowers are highly versatile. You can use them on journal pages, personalized greeting cards, letters, bookmarks, framed art, and in small pieces of resin jewelry.
  • Framed flowers – Pressed flowers can be used to create flat frame art, while those preserved in silica gel make great inserts for shadow box frames.
  • Resin home decor – Epoxy resin is used to create various pieces of accessories and decorations for the home, such as vases, paperweights, trays, sculptures, clocks, and more. It is one of the most beautiful ways to preserve bouquets. 
  • Wedding boutonnieres – Complete a rustic-themed wedding with stylish boutonnieres made with dried flowers
  • Accessories – The UV resin method is perfect for creating delicate pendants or charms for bracelets, earrings, necklaces, or rings.

 

When researching how to preserve a flower bouquet, it’s best to consider your goals and resources. You don’t have to splurge on a huge amount just to get beautiful, long-lasting flowers. Make use of practical ways that can keep their beauty forever.

 

ALSO READ: Creative Ways to Preserve a Flower Bouquet

 

Are you sending a stunning bouquet for someone special? Flower Patch is a flower shop in Pasig that offers FREE same-day flower delivery for every purchase. We make sure your fresh blooms arrive just in time for your surprise, grand occasion, or a dinner date. Choose from timeless roses, carnations, gerberas, tulips, hydrangeas, lilies, and more. Coordinate your desired flower arrangement with our expert florists and we’ll deliver them straight to your door. 

 

Got any questions? Contact us here.