Saying goodbye to your wedding bouquet or centerpieces? Not on our watch, especially not after all the careful planning and budgeting dedicated to selecting each beautiful bloom. Considering the thought and effort invested in choosing and crafting the flowers for the big day, it’s no wonder you’re left wondering how to preserve your roses at your wedding.
So, how do you keepsake wedding flowers? In this guide, we’re spilling the tea (or should we say water?) on the best ways to preserve your roses on your wedding, ensuring they stay fresh, fabulous, and Instagram-worthy long after the last dance.
How to Prep for Your Wedding Roses Preservation
Preserving flowers demands a delicate touch and ample patience, as the timeframe for the process can range from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the method you opt for. Below, discover a set of quick steps you (or a reliable friend) can follow to prepare your bouquet before and during the reception.
- Give your florist a heads-up about not spraying preservatives on the roses to avoid browning when pressed.
- Ensure there’s someone on deck during the big day to shield those florals from direct sunlight and keep them hydrated.
- Ask a loved one to break down the floral arrangement, remove ribbons and pins, diagonally trim half an inch from each stem, and pop them in cool water.
- We hate to be the buzzkill, but consider ditching the bouquet toss (or go for an artificial flower bouquet instead).
How Do You Preserve Roses After a Wedding
We’ve rounded up the best techniques to keep your roses looking as fresh as the day you said “I do.”
1. Air Dry
Drying your roses is a classic preservation method that adds vintage charm to your blooms. Hang them upside down in a dark, dry place (closet or attic), away from direct sunlight. This process can take a few weeks, so plan ahead. Once they’re crispy, your roses are ready for their everlasting close-up.
2. Pressing
Pressed flowers hold a unique charm and make for sentimental keepsakes. Lay your roses between the pages of a heavy book, ensuring they’re not overlapping. Be patient and let time do its thing. Once your roses are flat and dry, use them in DIY projects like framed art or scrapbooking to relive your special day.
3. Resin
Turn your wedding roses into functional art by embedding them in resin containers. Mix and pour the resin into coaster molds, add your preserved blooms, and let it set. The result is chic decor that serves as a daily reminder of your beautiful day.
4. Silica Gel
For a faster option, silica gel is your secret weapon. Gently place your roses in a container filled with silica gel, making sure each bloom is completely covered. Seal the container and let the gel work its magic. Check after a few days, and voilà—preserved perfection. As a bonus, silica gel can be reused, making it eco-friendly.
5. Shadow Box Display
You can create a stunning shadow box display by arranging your preserved roses alongside other wedding mementos, like your vows or a snippet of your dress lace. This keeps your flowers and adds a personalized touch to your home decor.
6. Potpourri Powder
Revamp your wedding roses into fragrant potpourri. Prep flowers by removing stems and placing them facing up on parchment paper. Bake at 200°F for 1-2 hours until fully dehydrated. Elevate the scent by adding essential oil, tossing gently, and letting it soak for a few weeks. For extra luxury, include dried lavender, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
7. Bath Salts
Indulge in the ultimate self-care with the bath salt method for preserving your wedding blooms. Begin by blending 1 cup each of Epsom salt, sea salt, and ½ cup of baking soda in a bowl. Choose your preferred essential oil (lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus work wonders) and add around 20 drops. Toss with dried florals, transfer to jars, and enjoy aromatic bath salts.
8. Wax Dip
This technique transforms delicate petals into timeless, wax-coated treasures. First, carefully dip the blooms into melted, high-quality wax. As the wax solidifies, it forms a protective layer, preserving the colors and texture of each bloom. The result is a captivating fusion of nature and wax, creating an enduring keepsake that encapsulates the romance of your special day.
9. Glycerin
Preserving your roses on your wedding with glycerin replaces the water in the blooms, maintaining their original beauty from the big day. Simply mix two parts of lukewarm water with one part of glycerin in your vase or container. Insert your flower stems into the mixture. Allow two to three weeks for the absorption process to work its floral wonders.
10. Artwork
Although painting your wedding bouquet doesn’t preserve the actual flowers, it’s a delightful way to immortalize its beauty. Whether rendered realistically, abstractly, or illustratively, artists can uniquely portray your bouquet or favorite arrangement from your special day.
Where Can You Get Your Wedding Roses Professionally Preserved?
If the DIY route isn’t your jam, consider professional preservation services. Check out our curated list of top-notch preservation suppliers ready to assist you.
- Pressed in Time
- Petals N Buds
- Parched Floral
- Flora and Forest
- Seek and Blood Creative Co.
- Wild Petals Boutique
Preserving your wedding roses goes beyond maintaining their physical beauty; it encapsulates the emotions, memories, and enduring love associated with your wedding day, turning them into cherished and timeless keepsakes.
