When you have a flower bouquet from a wedding, anniversary, or another notable event, you may want to preserve it to remind you of that special time. There are a few ways to retain your blooms’ beauty for many years. Below are some tips to follow.

How to Preserve Flowers

1. Press Them

Spread out the individual blooms you want to keep onto a clean piece of parchment paper. Place the paper inside a heavy book and layer another piece of parchment paper on top so the ink from the pages doesn’t affect the petals. Close the book and add weight using additional books, a paperweight, or another heavy object. After about a week, they will flatten and dry out, allowing you to create a preserved bouquet inside a frame or shadowbox for display.

2. Hang Upside Down

Hang your bouquet upside down so the air will preserve them. Choose a dry area with a moderate temperature to speed up the process. After a couple of weeks, the flowers will be ready to display in a domed glass case.

3. Dip in Wax

Fresh flowers can be dipped in wax to retain their beauty. Melt paraffin wax in boiling water in a saucepan. Make sure the melted wax is smooth before lowering the heat so the mixture cools a bit. Gently dip each one into the wax, taking it out quickly and hanging it upside down to dry.

Wax alone only lasts about six months, so for long-term preservation, feed your bouquet two parts warm tap water and one part glycerin three to five days before dipping.

4. Try Silica

Silica gel is porous sand that absorbs moisture, which helps to dry out your bouquet. Place silica granules in an airtight container and arrange blossoms inside. Pour more around the petals but ensure the shape is still intact. Fill the container and seal it.

After a week, take out your flowers and spray them with an artist’s fixative spray or even hairspray. Display in a shadowbox or dome glass container.

5. Add Epoxy

Clear epoxy resin can transform your bouquet into a decorative piece for your home. Purchase a mold in the shape you want to create and fill it with the resin. Place the flowers in it, and then fill the rest of the mold with more resin. Once dry, remove the mold and place your new decoration on a shelf or mantel.

For the freshest flowers in Manhattan, trust Madison Avenue Florist Ltd. The family-owned and operated florist offers top quality arrangements and bouquets for everything from weddings and anniversaries to funerals and corporate flower services. Their professional team can help you choose the right blooms for your needs, whether you are looking for roses or something more unique, like orchids. Call (212) 319-0242 to speak with a helpful representative or visit them online to browse their options.