What do you do with flowers that survive your wedding party?
13/04/2024 09:00 | Tips & tricks
At your wedding, they formed the most spectacular creations, but what do you do with all those beautiful flowers afterwards? We know what to do! There are plenty of ways to keep your flowers fresh for longer and give them a second life afterwards.
Photo (above, from left to right): Flowers: De Blije Vlinders - Photographer: Xenia Sproncken / Flowers: Chou Fleur - Photographer: Evenbeeld / Flowers: Floralis Handmade - Photographer: Utopiaphoto
How to keep your flowers fresh during your wedding party
First of all, make sure you hire a professional florist. Someone with the know-how will undoubtedly have a few tricks to make your flowers last longer during your wedding. Do you like greenery in your bouquet? Great, but ask your florist to add extra sprigs of greenery and remove the leaves from the flowers as much as possible. This is because flowers with lots of foliage lose their shine faster because too much water flows to the leaves. Also, place the flowers in a clean vase with fresh, clean water to ensure their freshness.
Do you dream of a summer wedding day with 30 degrees and lots of sunshine? Your flowers don't like that very much. So always keep an eye on the temperature. Check whether your party location has a cool place where you can keep your flowers for a while upon delivery. Holding a ceremony outside? Wonderful, but try to put your flowers (and your guests) in the shade in high temperatures. This is because flowers and greenery evaporate water. So spray in time is the message.
And now what?
You managed to keep the flowers at your party fresh throughout the day, great job! Now, after all that effort, it would be a shame to throw away these bouquets in perfect condition, right? And you might want a nice memento of your bridal bouquet? There are several options:
Freeze-dry your bridal bouquet
For example, you can have your bridal bouquet freeze-dried, a technique in which the flowers are first put under low temperature (-60°C) and then into a vacuum state. The final effect preserves the flowers' quality, colour and texture. Your bridal bouquet becomes a tangible reminder of a beautiful day.
Let your flowers dry
Let your flowers dry and create a lasting memory of your special day. Drying flowers, for example using a press, is a wonderful opportunity to preserve their beauty. Over a period of 8 to 12 weeks, you can have your flowers carefully dried by a professional florist, who may even transform them into a unique piece of art.
Give away as a thank-you gift
Give the remaining flowers that were used during your wedding party a second life as a thank-you gift. It is the perfect way to give your mother, mother-in-law, witnesses, bridesmaids,... in the spotlight. This way, your entourage can also enjoy the wonderful memories of your wedding. Florist David from Chou Fleur recommends this: "As florists, we often see many beautiful flowers thrown away. Instead, let your friends and family take home a bouquet. You'll be doing them a favour and that way your wedding party will linger a little longer!"
For a good cause
Do you have flower arrangements or bouquets left over? Then you can show your good heart and donate your flowers to charities, shelters, the sick, elderly homes or hardworking nurses. Examples include the CAW (Centre for General Welfare Work) for women, Child and Family, local old people's homes and hospitals, and so on. This way, you give someone, who wasn't expecting it, a nice surprise and your flowers get a second life.
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