Q&A on preserving flowers
A bride’s bouquet is important to her. So why not preserve the flowers after the big day⢠Denise Kinnanan, of Dee’s Garden Wedding Florals in Pittsburgh, tells us what to expect if you decide to preserve your bouquet yourself.
If a bride wants to preserve her own flowers, what does she need to do?
She needs to get a moisture-proof container and fill it with silica gel. Silica gel takes out moisture and you can get it at any craft store. Then, place the flowers in the container for a while and then air dry. Once it’s dry, spray the flowers with a thick, lacquered hairspray. This helps to protect it.Although getting your flowers freeze-dried is the best way to go.
How long will the flowers last?
Freeze-dried flowers last longer, especially if you keep them behind glass. But when you self-preserve the flowers, they won’t last as long. Just make sure you keep them out of the sunlight and dry. The colors will fade, but they’ll last for a good while.
What flowers don’t preserve wellâ¢
Orchids and the Iris will usually shrivel up. Although, these preserve well if you press them with an iron. But they don’t do well with the silica gel. Tulips and Lilies don’t do well at all. They shrivel up and usually rot because they are so fleshy. It’s hard to get the moisture out of these flowers. That makes it tough to be preserved.
Which flowers preserve the best?
Roses preserve the best. Although, some colors preserve better than others. Red usually fades or turns black and the white rose will usually turn brown. But many of the other colors will preserve great and the colors sometimes even look better than when they were fresh.
If you would like to preserve your flowers or get them preserved for you, call Denise Kinnanan at Dee’s Garden Wedding Floral in Pittsburgh at (412) 821-4027.