Written by Megin Potter | Photos provided

Like the sunset and the morning dew, fresh flowers are impactful but fleeting. After a short but beautiful bloom, their blossoms fall – but not always.

Today’s artful preservation of flowers is extending their limited lifespans, encapsulating these cherished wedding treasures into longer-lasting celebrations of life.

Roses, known by many different names; Infinity, Immortal, Forever, or Eternal, look so incredibly realistic you almost can’t tell they’ve been freeze-dried. Unlike fresh, these petals don’t thirst for water and attention. Because of their meticulous preservation, however, they’ll continue to touch your heart far longer.

“Dried does not only mean brown anymore, and that’s the greatest part,” emphasizes Fairytale Florist owner Karen Mott.  Strawflower, status, celosia, rice flower, and hanging Amaranthus dry nicely, naturally, in an array of colors.

“Their colors are vivid, they should last a good year, and with protection, even longer,” said Karen. “Nothing lasts forever, unfortunately, but they can last a long time with proper care.”

EXCITING ALTERNATIVES

The careful creation of silk flowers has significantly improved through the years, adding such quality and realism that it can be challenging to distinguish them from their natural counterparts.

“Silk flowers truly have become so realistic that the only way someone can tell they’re not real is by touch,” said Karen. “This has been a progression through the last 20 years, but it’s been in the last decade that they’ve really fine-tuned the craft.”

“For the bride who wants to memorialize their wedding bouquet but doesn’t want to carry silk down the aisle, they can get a mock version made up,” she said.

That’s what Karen did for her own wedding. By gathering buds from several reputable sources, she finds the most reasonable representation of your fresh flowers in forms that maintain their vibrant appearance almost indefinitely.

Placed in a shadow box or under a glass bell jar, these cherished keepsakes can remain on full display.

Other preservation methods, like pressing flowers with the invitations, document the day in a delicate way, while encasing petals in resin captures their boundless beauty with nearly immeasurable longevity.

“You can do anything with resin, it’s by far the easiest way to preserve flowers,” said Karen. Flowers suspended in resin and molded into everything from suncatchers, to coasters, paperweights, and even jewelry, give them a mythical feel. While engraving them with your monogram and wedding date makes them extra sentimental.

REACHING INTO EVERY REALM OF EMOTION

Adding life to wedding blooms is an intricate dance because it also adds to their cost, which is why Karen often recommends arrangements combining both fresh and dried flowers or mixing dried flowers with silk.

“Realistic silk and dried flowers cost more than their counterparts because it’s more of a process to get to that final stage,” she said.

Once you’ve picked your theme, repeating a stem several times is the more cost-effective option (because buying in quantity often comes with a lower price per piece).

Another interesting way to add texture and life to bouquets is to sprinkle non-florals into the mix. Berries are very popular right now, said Karen. For elements that add texture, variety, and uniqueness to designs, try Spanish moss, pinecones, lotus pods, peacock feathers, driftwood, and branches. 

Always willing to try something new, Karen has created floral arrangements of all sorts; adorning dog collars, vehicles, and even horse drawn carriages.

From archways, to bouquets, to boutonnieres, no matter what kind of floral creation you’re hoping for, there’s always one thing you must do.

“If you want bridal flower preservation, the key is to plan, plan, plan,” said Karen. Once you’ve chosen your color scheme, it’s time to contact your florist, ideally eight to 12 months out. By starting the process in the same season you’re planning for your wedding day, you’ll be able to see what’s available at that time of year.

For more inspiration and information, go to https://fairytalefloristsaratogany.com