OK, Let's talk, I know the whole deal about preserving your bridal bouquet is confusing. so here is the real scoop. Sorry, there are no fairies, magic wands nor one magical machine that preserves the flowers just as Mother Nature created.
Before we go any further I want you to know me, Deb. Yes. that's me the one with the big brown eyes and a posy in my hair. I love, love flowers and I love, love art, so when I was a wee bit younger(if only I was as young as my avatar). Sorry, let's get back to flower preservation. Almost twenty years ago I decided it was a good idea to start a flower preservation biz and with my good luck my hubby had a background in science. We had all the ingredients to start the flower preservation biz. Yea! It has been almost twenty years of doing something I love and I consider myself a pro.
Let's make this as simple as possible, because flower preservation is not that much of a mystery.
You probably have heard the words:
- Preserved flowers
- Freeze-dried flowers
- Dried flowers
Now you are confused and thinking that these are all different concepts. Guess what, all preserved, freeze-dried or dried flowers are flowers that have the water extracted, although there are different techniques to remove the moisture. Also, the moisture in flowers should be removed as quickly and effectively as possible to deter the mold process and to maintain the basic cellular structure as much as possible.
This is a few preserving techniques:
- Pressed
- Air dry
- Freeze- Dried
- Sand vac
- Drying with Desiccants- Silica Gel
- Microwave
- Glycerin.
Now for the results! There is definitely a difference result with pressed flowers, obliviously the flowers are flattened and not kept their whole shape. Also, I know the big buzz word is freeze -dried, but honestly with a good floral preservationist the results between silica gel, sand vac and freeze-dried is very minute, if at all any notable difference.
FACTS & TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRESERVING YOUR BOUQUET:
- NO, NO DON'T FREEZE YOUR FLOWERS
Freezing will destroy the flowers - Hairspray does not preserve flowers, hairspray may for a time protect the dryed flowers from moisture.
- DO CONTACT A FLOWER PRESERVATION PRIOR TO THE WEDDING. The fresher the flowers the better the results.
- REGARDLESS OF THE PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES ALL FLOWERS WILL CHANGE SOMEWHAT. The flower preservationist will be able to tell you about the slight changes in color and size.
- Part of preservation is to design the bouquet in a protective frame or glass encasement. Mother Nature likes to recycle, but in normal household conditions your bouquet should last a lifetime in a sealed and protected in a frame..
- FLORIST ARE NOT FLOWER PRESERVATIONIST. Your florist may be able to recommend a floral preservationist.
- MOST TRADITIONAL WEDDING FLOWERS DO NOT FARE WELL USING THE AIR DRY METHOD. Most flowers including orchids, lilies and roses will turn brown, mold and fall apart. The water must be extracted from the flowers quickly and efficiently to maintain the flowers shape and color as close as possible.
- Regardless of the preservation technique, the best and most effective method is to take the bouquet apart and preserve the flowers separately.
- It is advisable that a floral preservationist be proficit in several preserving techniques due to the fact many flowers may require a specific preservation method best suited for that particular flower.
- Some types of flowers may need color enhancement and petal reinforcement.
- A good flower preservationist is also an artist creating a art piece according to your specifications and style. YOUR FLOWERS MAY BE TRANSFORMED INTO A CONTEMPORARY ART PIECE OR A TRADITIONAL KEEPSAKE HEIRLOOM.
- Floral preservation experts typically have access to special frames and glass cases that will accommodate the size and shape of a bouquet.
- Wedding items such as the invitation, photos, the garter, the champagne glasses are just few of the items that may be included in your keepsake.
- Prices to preserve your beautiful bouquet will vary depending on your frame or case selection. You may select to have just a few flowers, just the bouquet or include many of the wedding mementos. Generally the cost of preserving your flowers is relatively very low given lifetime of enjoyment.
For more information please contact us and check out FAQ's:
http://www.keepsakeflowers.com/faqs.html
Now that you know more about preserving your bouquet. Make preserving beautiful flowers part of your wedding plans. You can have your flowers for a lifetime of enjoyment, so why not?
Hope to hear from you.
Congrats and Best Wishes.
Deb
http://www.keepsakeflowers.com/
