Bridal Bouquet Preservation
~ Preserve the Memories |
by Kathy Reid, Heller & Reid |
| |
|
Man has been involved
in some form of floral preservation since the beginning of time.
We associate many important life events with flowers; weddings,
births, and anniversaries, just to name a few and it is natural
to want to save the flowers from these special events. |
| |
Air drying and floral
pressing are age-old arts dating back to before Egyptian times.
Silica gel drying came into vogue in the late 1700’s. Ancient
Indians in the high Andes Mountains practiced a form of freeze-drying.
William Hyde Wallaston introduced the first modern freeze-drying
method in 1813 to the Royal Society in London. The freeze dry
method used today was perfected during World War II as a method
to assist in the storage of human plasma. Freeze drying is now
employed quite extensively by pharmaceutical manufacturers and
food producers. About 15 years ago, the first flowers were successfully
freeze-dried and over the years floral freeze-drying has become
a combination of art and science. |
| |
Proper floral freeze-drying
doesn’t produce flowers that are brittle and lifeless as traditional
drying methods do. There are very few experts in this industry
because the equipment is expensive, requires extensive training
to operate, and knowledge about flowers and floral design is imperative.
Flowers stay in the freeze dry equipment for about two weeks and
the complete process can take up to 12 weeks. |
| |
There are a few
things you should know prior to selecting a company to preserve
your flowers. |
| |
1: |
Do they pretreat and rehydrate
the flowers before they freeze-dry them? This process helps retain
the color of your flowers and opens the cells so they freeze dry
with a natural look. |
2: |
Are all bouquets photographed
and then disassembled for freeze-drying? This is the only way
each flower will retain its color and shape. |
3: |
Are the flowers post-treated after
freeze-drying? This process coats each flowers with a thin, transparent
layer that protects them from light and humidity. |
| |
Not all freeze-drying companies
complete each step because of the time and labor required. Without
these steps; however, your flowers may not retain their natural
look or will have a shorter lifespan. |
| |
|
Preserved flowers
are attractive accents for any home and appear much more natural
than silk arrangements. There are hundreds of frames, glass or
acrylic domes, and beautifully creative custom wall and tabletop
designs available to display your flowers. |
| |
|
Consult a floral preservationist
at least two months prior to your wedding so you can arrange to
have your flowers shipped or delivered while they are still fresh.
Thousands of brides are now preserving their bouquets and wedding
flowers; with so few experts in this industry, reservations must
be made months in advance so you will not be disappointed. |
| |
|
Enjoy the sentimental
memories for years to come. Make this extraordinary display a
key centerpiece in your new home's décor or a gift to someone
special. Just as you preserve your wedding gown, photographs,
and other sentimental wedding memorabilia, you can now preserve
your bridal flowers for a lifetime of enjoyment. |
