WEDDING NEWS

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required. 

How to Air Dry Your Wedding Flowers - what you'll need:

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

Method:

1. Pick your petals wisely – Choose flowers that have just bloomed for the best results. Remove any leaves under the flower head and trim the stems.

2. Bundle up – Split your flowers into small bunches of 6-7 flowers. If you’re drying larger flowers like roses or hydrangeas, then they’ll need to be on their own. Tie each bunch with an elastic band or some string and hang them upside down from the coat hanger

3. Keep it dark & dry – Hang your flowers in a cool, dark space (like a cupboard or attic) away from sunlight.

4. Patience pays off – Leave for 2–3 weeks until completely dry. Then lightly spritz with hairspray to protect and preserve their shape and colour.

How to Microwave Dry Your Flowers - what you'll need:

• Flowers
• Microwave-safe container
• Silica gel
• Microwave
• Fine brush

Method:

1. Prep your petals – Remove leaves and trim stems to fit your container.

2. Layer with care – Add 1–2 inches of silica gel to the base. Place flower blossom-up and gently cover with more gel. Dry one flower type at a time for best results.

3. Microwave in intervals – Start with 1–2 minute bursts. Check between intervals until flowers feel dry.

4. Cool down – Cover the container halfway and allow to cool for 24 hours.

5. Brush and display – Gently remove flowers and brush away any remaining gel. Voilà – preserved petals ready for display.

How to Dry Using Silica Gel
Discover another easy way to preserve your favourite flowers: using silica gel. This method is a great alternative to air drying or using a microwave, ensuring your blooms retain their beauty for longer.

To dry flowers using silica gel - what you’ll need:

• Flowers
• Silica gel
• Airtight container
• Soft brush (for brushing off excess silica gel)
• Optional: mesh or wire for supporting flower stems

Method:

1. Prepare the flowers by removing excess foliage and trimming stems.

2. Pour a layer of silica gel into the container and place the flowers on top, ensuring they don't touch each other. 

3. Cover the flowers with more silica gel and seal the container tightly.

4. Leave for 3-7 days to dry.

5. Remove the flowers and brush off excess silica gel.

Which Flowers Dry Best?

Not all flowers are right for drying. Some just work better than others, the best flower types to dry include:

• Roses
• Amaranth
• Artemisia
• Astilbe
• Baby's breath
• Celosia
• Coneflower
• Delphinium
• Hydrangea
• Larkspurs
• Lavender
• Pansies
• Poppies
• Strawflower
• Yarrow
• Herbs (like rosemary and mint)

How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?

With proper care, dried flowers can last 1–3 years. Keep them away from sunlight, humidity and direct heat to maintain their beauty.

Top Dried Flower Care Tips:

1. Find the right home - Ideally, you want to keep the flower off windowsills as direct sunlight will make them brittle and their colour fade. Also, keep them far away from stoves, fireplaces or heaters. Essentially, they require a fairly cold, dry environment.

2. Gently dust them - Using something super gentle, like a feather duster, paintbrush or hair dryer (on cool) so you don't damage them, give them a little dust off regularly to keep them looking their best.

3. Don't get them wet - Water and humidity can make the dried flowers turn brown, limp or even mouldy, which is the last thing you want for them! So, avoid keeping them in the bathroom.

What to Do with Your Dried Wedding Flowers?

1. Decorate your home: Use your dried bouquets to add a reminder of your wedding to your home decor. Place them in vases, create wreaths, or make floral arrangements.

2. Create artwork: Press dried flowers between the pages of a heavy book to flatten them, then use them to create artwork as a keepsake from your big day.

3. Make potpourri: Mix dried flowers with essential oils and spices to create fragrant potpourri. Display it in bowls around your home or in sachets in closets and drawers.

4. Craft jewellery: Use dried flowers to make unique jewellery pieces, such as resin pendants, earrings, or bracelets. 

If you’d like to find out more information about drying your wedding flowers, please visit bloomandwild.com/the-blog/how-to-dry-flowers-and-best-flower-types  or if you want to press them visit our tips bloomandwild.com/the-blog/pressed-flowers