Picture this, you were just gifted a gorgeous bouquet of flowers at your college graduation. Or maybe your sister brings you the most stunning bunch of pink flowers to celebrate her becoming an aunt and you a mom for the very first time. Perhaps you’re standing in front of the mirror in a white dress starring at the perfect bridal arrangement just moments before you say I DO. These are the kinds of memories that you want to last forever. How wonderful would it be if your flowers could last forever too? I’m not suggesting using plastic flowers, that has got to be some kind of sin, right? No, what I want to talk about is preserving your flowers in a pressed floral frame.
Pressed floral art has become a beloved trend, offering a unique and timeless way to preserve and display your flowers. They make gorgeous décor for your home and are also a fantastic gift. If you are considering having a bouquet pressed and preserved, here are a few things you will want to know to achieve the best quality for your flowers.
Selecting the Right Flowers for Pressing
Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to pressing. The best flowers for pressing are those that are thin, flat, and have a high surface area. Flowers like daisies, lavender, and violets do particularly well. Sometimes, not all the flowers in your bouquet are well suited to be pressed. Flowers with high water content tend not to press well and can take longer to dry out which unfortunately can lead to mold.
Another point to consider is color and size. Blooms with bold hues tend to hold their color better than a pale color palette. As the petals dry, they will fade. Lighter colors, especially white, risk browning. Depending on your style though, the brownish petals may not be all that bad. White petals can take on a beautiful antique look, it’s not a favorite for everyone, but I really love the natural browning that can occur with the lighter colors. Be mindful of the flowers’ size as well. Large flowers can take up a lot of space, and you may not be able to fit as many flowers in your frame. Also, smaller blooms shouldn’t be ruled out as they can be used to create intricate details.
Obviously, if you are gifted a bouquet, you won’t be able to select only flowers that are best for pressing. But if you do have the luxury of getting to choose which flowers are going to be included in your arrangement, like in a bridal bouquet for example, it’s never a bad idea to be mindful and select blooms that you know will preserve well.
Prepare to Send Your Bouquet
One of the most important things you can do to be sure your flowers look their best when they come out of the press, is getting them INTO the press in as fresh a state as possible. Flowers that are half dead and beginning to wilt are not going to have to same result as petals that are still fresh and vibrant. The key here is THE SOONER THE BETTER. The sooner your flowers get into the press the better the outcome will be.
We always ask our clients, especially with wedding bouquets to try and keep them in water AS MUCH and AS LONG as possible before sending them to us. Bridal bouquets are notorious for using flowers that don’t have a long vase life to begin with and to make it extra tricky, they tend to spend a lot of time out of water. What with the ceremony and all the wedding pictures, those poor flowers get dang thirsty by the end of the day. Just remember, the more hydrated they are the better they with ship and arrive ready to be pressed.
From Fresh to Pressed, How Long Does It Take?
The entire process from press and design to getting your piece ready for shipping usually takes anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks. Some flowers dry faster than others, but overall, it is not a process that should be rushed. However, this long waiting period can be beneficial and allow you time to decide if you would like to include anything else along with your flowers inside the frame. Some people like to include a photo or even a wedding invitation.
Caring for Your Pressed Floral Frame
To ensure your pressed floral frame lasts for years to come, proper care is essential. One of the most important things to remember is to protect the frame from direct sunlight, as exposure to UV rays can cause the flowers to fade over time. Keep the frame in a place where it won’t be exposed to harsh light or humidity. Dust the glass of the frame gently with a soft cloth to avoid scratching it. With the right care, your pressed floral art will remain vibrant and beautiful for years.
Flowers aren’t just flowers; they carry significant meaning for a lot of us. They create joy, express emotions better than words, are comforting, and one of life’s greatest gifts. We can’t keep them fresh forever, but fortunately we are able to capture their beauty with a little creativity and a frame. Don’t let your next bouquet wilt away, preserve them and the memoires they represent with a pressed floral frame. Handmade with love, from Growing Memories Flower Farm.
