How to Preserve Flowers at Home and Keep Your Wedding Bouquet forever

Give your wedding flowers a second life with three straightforward drying techniques, all achievable from the comfort of your own home. By using these tips, you can preserve flowers at home so your special flowers can be kept forever.

On special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations, certain flowers hold immense sentimental value. Preserving them enables you to treasure those memories long after the blooms die. Whether you wish to frame your bouquet, make potpourri, or simply display it in a vase, drying the flowers is a lovely way to keep your memories alive.

Below, I’ll guide you through three easy methods to preserve flowers at home, no specialist equipment or floristry skills required, with tips from Bloom and Wild.

1. Drying Flowers Naturally (Air Drying)

What You’ll Need:

• Freshly cut flowers
• Scissors
• String or elastic bands
• A coat hanger
• Unscented hairspray

Instructions:

1. Choose the Right Flowers – Select blooms at their peak for best results, as these will hold their form and colour better during drying. Remove any leaves beneath the flower head and trim the stems to your desired length.
2. Divide into Small Bundles – Group smaller flowers into little bunches (about 6–7 stems per bunch). Larger blooms, such as hydrangeas or roses, should be hung individually. Secure the stems with elastic bands or string.
3. Hang Upside Down – Attach the bundles to a coat hanger and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, and dry place, such as a cupboard or attic. Keeping them away from sunlight helps retain their colours.
4. Be Patient – Allow the flowers to hang undisturbed for 2–3 weeks. Once dried, lightly spritz them with unscented hairspray to set their colour and shape.

This classic method is simple and ideal for those who appreciate traditional, slower techniques. If you want to preserve flowers at home quickly, this method might not be for you!

2. Use a Microwave for Quick Drying

Did you know that you can use a microwave to dry flowers? I didn’t, but I love this idea and will definitely be trying it when I next get a bouquet to preserve flowers at home.

What You’ll Need:

• Flowers
• A microwave-safe container
• Silica gel
• A microwave
• A fine brush

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Flowers – Begin by removing excess leaves and trimming stems so they fit comfortably into your container.
2. Layer with Silica Gel – Pour 2–3 centimetres of silica gel into the base of the container. Place the flowers face up in the gel, ensuring they’re supported. Gently cover the flowers completely with more silica gel. For best results, dry only one flower type at a time.
3. Microwave in Intervals – Heat the container in 1–2 minute bursts, checking between intervals to monitor progress. When the flowers are completely dry, they will feel crisp.
4. Allow to Cool – Partially cover the container and leave it to cool for at least 24 hours.
5. Brush Away Residue – Use a fine brush to remove any excess silica gel from the flowers. The result: vibrant, preserved blooms ready to display.

If you’re in a hurry, this method is a great way to preserve flowers at home.

3. Preserve Flowers at Home with Silica Gel

Another highly effective option is drying flowers exclusively with silica gel. This technique works well to maintain the natural shape and texture of delicate blooms.

What You’ll Need:

• Flowers
• Silica gel
• An airtight container
• A soft brush
• Optional: Mesh or wire to support stems

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Flowers – Trim the stems and remove any surplus leaves.
2. Add to the Container – Pour a layer of silica gel into your airtight container, then arrange the flowers on top, ensuring the blooms don’t touch one another. Use mesh or wire for extra support if desired.
3. Cover with Silica Gel – Gently cover the flowers completely with more silica gel, taking care not to bend the petals. Seal the container securely.
4. Wait for Perfection – Leave the flowers undisturbed for 3–7 days to dry thoroughly.
5. Brush and Enjoy – Carefully remove the flowers and use a soft brush to sweep away any lingering silica grains. You’ll have beautifully preserved blooms that keep their vivid colour and structure.

Best Blooms for Drying

Not every flower dries equally well. For optimal results, choose varieties with sturdy petals and vibrant colours. Here are some of the best options for drying:

• Roses
• Hydrangeas
• Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)
• Amaranth
• Lavender
• Astilbe
• Strawflower
• Yarrow
• Herbs like rosemary or mint

Tip: Try different flower types to discover what works best for your bouquet.

Caring for Your Dried Flowers

With the right care, your dried bouquet can last from one to three years. Here are a few tips to help keep them looking their best:

1. Keep Them Out of Sunlight – Bright sunlight may fade colours and make flowers brittle. Place them in shaded locations, away from windows.
2. Avoid Heat and Humidity – Proximity to heat sources like fireplaces and stoves may make dried flowers crumble. Likewise, moisture leads to mildew. Keep arrangements dry and cool.
3. Dust Delicately – Dust your dried flowers occasionally using a feather duster, soft paintbrush, or even a hairdryer on its coolest setting.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your preserved bouquet for years to come.

Creative Uses for Dried Wedding Flowers

Once your flowers are beautifully dried and preserved, there are countless ways to use them. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:

• Home Décor – Display dried blooms in vases, include them in wreaths, or create flower arrangements to match your décor.
• Framed Keepsakes – Press flowers between the pages of a heavy book, then frame the flattened petals as artwork to commemorate your special day.
• Make Potpourri – Blend dried petals, essential oils, and spices to create fragrant potpourri. Use it in decorative bowls or sachets.
• Jewellery – Seal preserved blooms in resin to make meaningful pendants or other accessories.

The possibilities are endless to preserve flowers at home and to give your wedding day flowers a new lease of life.

Preserving your wedding flowers doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you opt to air dry, microwave, or use silica gel, each method offers an easy way to create lasting mementoes from one of your most treasured days. Try these techniques and enjoy your beautiful bouquet for years to come.

For more advice before you start to preserve flowers at home, check out Bloom and Wild’s guide to drying flowers and their guide on the best flowers to press.

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