Summer Wedding Flowers: Tips for Long-Lasting Preservation
Summer weddings are filled with vibrant colours and lush blooms, making them a favourite season for many brides. However, preserving these beautiful bouquets can present unique challenges.
As a bridal bouquet preservation artist in the UK, I'm here to share tips on how to ensure your summer wedding flowers stay stunning for years to come. This post will cover the characteristics of common summer flowers, effective preservation methods, and how to display and care for your preserved bouquet.
Section 1: Summer Flower Characteristics
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a popular choice for summer weddings due to their bright, cheerful appearance. They have sturdy stems but delicate petals that need careful handling during preservation.
Peonies
Peonies are loved for their lush, full blooms and fragrant scent. They are quite delicate and can be challenging to preserve due to their thick petals and tendency to wilt quickly.
Daisies
Daisies bring a simple, rustic charm to any bouquet. Their small, sturdy blooms make them relatively easy to preserve, though their white petals can be prone to discolouration.
Other Common Summer Flowers
Roses: Classic and versatile, roses come in many colours and sizes, making them a staple in summer bouquets.
Hydrangeas: These voluminous flowers add a touch of elegance but can be tricky to dry due to their high moisture content.
Lavender: Known for its lovely scent and delicate purple blooms, lavender dries well and adds a unique touch to preserved bouquets.
Section 2: Effective Preservation Techniques
Pressing
Pressing is a popular method for preserving flowers. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Choose Fresh Flowers: Select flowers that are in peak condition without any blemishes or wilting.
Use Blotting Paper: Place the flowers between sheets of blotting paper or parchment paper.
Apply Even Pressure: Use heavy books or a flower press to apply even pressure. Leave the flowers to press for several weeks.
Drying
Air drying is another method that works well for many summer flowers:
Bundle and Hang: Tie the stems together and hang the flowers upside down in a dark, dry place.
Avoid Sunlight: Keep the flowers out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Wait Patiently: Allow the flowers to dry completely, which can take a few weeks.
Handling Delicate Blooms
Peonies and Hydrangeas: Be gentle when handling these flowers. Use silica gel for drying, which helps retain their shape and colour.
Sunflowers and Daisies: These flowers are more robust but still require careful handling to avoid damaging the petals.
Maintaining Colour
Silica Gel: Use silica gel for drying flowers to help maintain their vibrant colors.
Avoid Sunlight: Store drying flowers in a dark place to prevent color fading.
Section 3: Display and Care
Displaying Preserved Bouquets
Shadow Boxes: Display your preserved flowers in shadow boxes to protect them from dust and damage.
Framed Art: Pressed flowers can be arranged and framed as beautiful wall art.
Glass Domes: Use glass domes to create a stunning, dust-free display for your preserved bouquet.
Long-Term Care Tips
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep preserved flowers out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Control Humidity: Store in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture that can cause mold or damage.
Dust Regularly: Gently dust your preserved flowers to keep them looking fresh.
Preserving your summer wedding flowers is a wonderful way to keep the memories of your special day alive. By understanding the characteristics of summer blooms and using effective preservation techniques, you can ensure your bouquet remains beautiful for years to come.
Whether you choose to press or dry your flowers, these tips will help you achieve the best results.
If you need professional assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.
Preserve those summer wedding memories and enjoy their beauty long after the season has passed!