Wedding Bouquet Preservation: How to Keep Your Calgary Wedding Flowers Forever
Your wedding bouquet is more than just a collection of flowers; it’s a sentimental piece that represents one of the most memorable days of your life. For Calgary brides looking to keep a piece of their wedding forever, bouquet preservation offers a beautiful way to transform your flowers into a lasting keepsake. From modern resin art to traditional pressing techniques, there are many ways to preserve your bouquet. Here’s everything you need to know about preserving your wedding flowers, including Calgary-based services that can help you keep your bouquet vibrant and fresh for years to come.
Why Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet?
Bouquet preservation has become popular as brides seek to keep a tangible memory of their wedding day. Whether you want to display your flowers as home decor, give preserved pieces as gifts, or simply hold onto them for sentimental reasons, bouquet preservation is a meaningful way to keep the magic of your wedding alive. Plus, preserved flowers can be turned into beautiful pieces of art, from framed displays to resin ornaments.
Methods of Bouquet Preservation
Each bouquet preservation method offers unique results, so you can choose the style that best suits your personal taste and decor. Here are some of the most popular ways to preserve wedding flowers:
1. Pressed Flowers
Pressing flowers is a classic and elegant preservation method that’s perfect for framing. By pressing your bouquet flat, you can create a unique, two-dimensional keepsake that displays the colors and textures of your wedding flowers beautifully. Pressed flowers are ideal for brides who want a simple and timeless look that can be framed and displayed as wall art.
Process: Flowers are placed between heavy, absorbent paper and pressed under weight. This process can take a few weeks, as flowers must dry thoroughly.
Best For: Flat arrangements or framed displays.
Pro Tip: If you want to try pressing flowers yourself, make sure to start the process within 1-2 days of the wedding to avoid wilting.
2. Silica Gel Drying
Using silica gel is a great way to preserve the shape and color of flowers. Silica gel crystals help flowers dry out while retaining much of their original beauty, making them ideal for arrangements that need to keep their three-dimensional shape. After drying, flowers can be used in shadow boxes, bell jars, or even small decorative bowls.
Process: Flowers are carefully buried in silica gel, which draws out the moisture. The drying process typically takes several days to a week.
Best For: Creating shadow boxes, bell jar displays, or adding flowers to decorative arrangements.
3. Resin Casting
Resin casting is a modern preservation method that allows you to encapsulate your bouquet in a clear, durable block or shaped piece. This technique creates a stunning, artistic display, turning your bouquet into a preserved, three-dimensional work of art. Resin pieces can be customized in various shapes, from blocks to ornaments and jewelry.
Process: Flowers are arranged in a mold and slowly coated with layers of resin, which cures into a clear, glass-like finish.
Best For: Artistic displays, keepsake ornaments, or custom jewelry.
Pro Tip: Resin casting can be tricky to do yourself, so consider working with a professional for a high-quality, lasting result.
4. Freeze-Drying
Freeze-drying is one of the most effective ways to preserve the natural look of flowers, but it’s also one of the pricier options. This process uses a special freeze-drying machine to remove moisture, resulting in flowers that retain their vibrant colors and shapes. Freeze-dried flowers can be arranged in shadow boxes or bell jars and will last for many years if kept out of direct sunlight.
Process: Flowers are frozen, then slowly dehydrated in a vacuum. This preserves their shape and color exceptionally well.
Best For: High-end keepsakes or shadow box displays.
Pro Tip: Freeze-drying is a professional-only service, so be sure to find a reputable provider if you choose this method.
These professionals can guide you through the options and help you create a keepsake that reflects your unique style.
Calgary-Based Floral Preservation Services
If you’d like a professional to handle your bouquet preservation, Calgary has several talented artists and services that specialize in flower preservation. Here are a few local options:
Wild Petals Boutique: Offering custom flower preservation for weddings, where your flowers are preserved in resin to create beautiful keepsakes.
Parched Floral: Known for their pressing and framing services, Parched Floral can turn your bouquet into a beautiful piece of wall art.
These professionals can guide you through the options and help you create a keepsake that reflects your unique style.
DIY vs. Professional Preservation
When it comes to bouquet preservation, some methods are easier to DIY than others. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
DIY-Friendly: Pressed flowers, simple silica gel drying for small arrangements.
Professional Recommended: Resin casting, freeze-drying, or intricate designs that require precision.
If you want to preserve a small piece of your bouquet at home, pressing or silica gel drying are relatively easy to try yourself. However, for more elaborate designs or long-lasting quality, it’s worth investing in a professional service.
Creative Display Ideas for Preserved Flowers
Once your bouquet is preserved, there are many creative ways to incorporate it into your home decor or gift it to loved ones. Here are a few ideas:
Framed Pressed Bouquet: A classic and elegant display that looks beautiful as wall art.
Resin Jewelry or Ornaments: These smaller pieces make lovely gifts or personal keepsakes.
Shadow Box Display: Preserve the three-dimensional look of your bouquet in a shadow box with mementos like your wedding invitation or a photo.
Bell Jar or Dome Display: Perfect for freeze-dried or silica-dried flowers, adding a vintage-inspired look to your decor.
Gift Pieces to Family Members: Consider gifting a resin piece or a small pressed flower frame to parents or close friends as a meaningful keepsake.
Preserving the Memories
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to keep a cherished piece of your big day forever. From timeless pressed flowers to modern resin art, bouquet preservation allows you to relive the magic of your wedding every time you look at your preserved flowers. For Calgary brides interested in preserving their bouquets, YYC Bride’s recommended services and tips will help you choose the perfect option to keep your wedding flowers as fresh as the memories they represent.
For more ideas, resources, and guides to make your wedding planning smooth and memorable, visit YYCBride.com for all your planning needs!
