Your wedding day is a beautiful whirlwind of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments—many of which are symbolized by your carefully chosen wedding flowers. From the elegant bouquet you carry down the aisle to the centerpieces that set the mood for your celebration, these blooms are more than just decorations; they’re living memories. At Sammond Events, we understand how meaningful these flowers are to our couples across the South Carolina Upstate, Midlands, and Low Country. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you preserve your wedding flowers, transforming them into cherished keepsakes that last long after the last dance. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to preserve your wedding flowers, ensuring your floral memories remain as vibrant as your love story.
Why Preserve Your Wedding Flowers?
Wedding flowers are more than just part of your décor—they’re woven into the fabric of your wedding day. Each bloom holds sentimental value: the roses shared in your bouquet, the peonies that adorned your reception, or the wildflowers that lined your ceremony aisle. Preserving your wedding flowers allows you to hold onto these tangible memories, turning fleeting beauty into lasting mementos. Whether you choose to display them in your home or gift them to loved ones, preserved flowers serve as a daily reminder of your special day and the promises you made.
Choosing the Right Flowers for Preservation
Not all flowers preserve equally, so it’s important to consider your floral selections if you’re planning to keep them as keepsakes. Hardy blooms like roses, orchids, and carnations tend to retain their shape and color better than delicate varieties like tulips or lilies. Greens and filler flowers, such as eucalyptus and baby’s breath, also preserve beautifully. If you’re working with Sammond Events, let us know about your preservation plans early on—we’ll help guide your floral choices to ensure the best possible results for your keepsakes.
Preparation Tips Before Preservation
Timing and preparation are everything when it comes to preserving your wedding flowers. As soon as your celebration wraps up, set aside the blooms you want to preserve and keep them in a cool, dry place. Remove any damaged petals or leaves, and gently pat the flowers dry if they’re damp. If you’re working with a professional preservationist, follow their specific instructions for preparing your bouquet or arrangements. For DIY preservation, it’s best to start the process within 24-48 hours to capture your flowers at their freshest.
Popular Methods for Preserving Wedding Flowers
There are several tried-and-true techniques for preserving your wedding flowers, each offering a unique way to capture their beauty:
- Air Drying: One of the simplest methods, air drying involves hanging your bouquet upside down in a well-ventilated area for several weeks. This works best for sturdy flowers and creates a rustic, vintage look.
- Pressing: Pressing flowers between heavy books or in a flower press is perfect for creating flat keepsakes. Pressed flowers can be framed, used in scrapbooks, or even incorporated into thank-you cards.
- Silica Gel Drying: Silica gel crystals draw moisture from flowers, preserving their shape and color more vividly than air drying. This technique is ideal for bouquets with intricate or fragile blooms.
- Professional Preservation: For a truly polished result, consider hiring a professional floral preservationist. They can encase your flowers in resin, create shadow boxes, or even turn petals into jewelry—perfect for a personalized and lasting keepsake.
Creative Ways to Display Preserved Wedding Flowers
Once your flowers are preserved, the possibilities for display are endless. Frame pressed blooms with your wedding invitation for a stunning wall piece, or arrange dried flowers in a shadow box alongside photos and other mementos. Resin paperweights, ornaments, or jewelry made from your bouquet add a unique, tactile element to your keepsakes. At Sammond Events, we love helping couples brainstorm creative ways to showcase their preserved flowers, ensuring your memories are both beautiful and meaningful.
Caring for Your Preserved Flowers
Preserved flowers are delicate, so proper care is essential to keep them looking their best. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from humidity to prevent fading and mold. Dust gently with a soft brush or use a can of compressed air for hard-to-reach spots. With a little TLC, your preserved flowers can remain a treasured part of your home for years to come.
When to Call in the Professionals
While DIY preservation can be rewarding, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the experts—especially if your bouquet features tricky blooms or you want a more polished look. Professional preservationists have the tools and experience to handle even the most delicate flowers, and can offer a range of creative display options. If you’re interested in this route, Sammond Events can connect you with trusted local partners in Columbia, Charleston, and Hilton Head/Savannah, ensuring your floral memories are in good hands.
Your wedding flowers are a living symbol of your love story—why not let them continue to bring joy long after your big day? With a little planning and creativity, you can preserve your wedding flowers in a way that feels uniquely you. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or professional help, these keepsakes will serve as a beautiful reminder of the day you said “I do.” With Sammond Events, we’re here to support every step of your wedding journey, from planning the perfect day to preserving its most precious moments. Let’s make your memories last a lifetime.