How to Keep Your Flower Arrangement Fresh for Flower Preservation

Whether it's a gesture of love, a symbol of celebration, or a tribute to a cherished life, flower arrangements hold profound meanings for many of us. They are not mere decor; they encapsulate moments, emotions, and memories. Thus, the desire to preserve these floral arrangements—be it from weddings, funerals, or any significant event—is both understandable and sentimental. Here's how you can keep these tokens of precious moments vibrant and fresh for as long as possible.

Baby Shower Photography by Alexandra Kelly Photography

Flowers provided by Floral V Designs

The Initial Steps: Setting the Stage for Freshness

Upon receiving your floral arrangement, the first action you should take is to prepare its new home—a clean vase. This simple step is crucial; cleanliness in the vase prevents harmful bacteria from shortening your flowers’ lifespan. Fill this vase with clean, cold water, creating an inviting environment for your blooms.

Preparing Your Flowers: A Labor of Love

Now, turn your attention to the flowers themselves. Carefully remove any leaves from the stems that would otherwise sit below the waterline in the vase. These submerged leaves can decay, leading to bacterial growth which diminishes the water quality and, consequently, the flowers' freshness.

Next, with a sharp tool, recut the stems at a sharp angle. This technique increases the surface area for water intake, ensuring your flowers remain hydrated and perky. Make this cut swift and clean to avoid damaging the delicate vessels in the stem that absorb water. Once cut, place the stems directly into the vase of water. The quicker you transition them from air to water after cutting, the better chances they have to draw in the moisture they need to stay fresh.

Location, Location, Location: Finding the Sweet Spot

Your flowers are now in water, but where you place them can significantly impact their longevity. Avoid locations with direct sunlight or heat sources, like windowsills or near appliances, as these can cause your flowers to wilt prematurely. Instead, opt for a spot that is cool and away from draughts to help preserve their freshness.

Refrigeration: A Cool Trick for Last Resorts

While fresh flowers generally thrive best at room temperature, there are instances, particularly if the flowers start showing signs of age, when a stint in the fridge can help rejuvenate them. If you find yourself in this situation, place the flowers in the warmest part of your fridge—typically the top shelf at the front. Remember, this method is meant for temporarily perking them up and not for long-term storage.

Timing is Everything: When to Bring Them to Us

To ensure your flowers are preserved at the peak of their beauty, aim to bring them to us within a week from receiving them. The fresher the flowers are when they begin the preservation process, the more effectively we can capture their essence and beauty, allowing you to hold onto those special moments for years to come.

Flower preservation is a beautiful way to keep the memories of life's most significant events alive. By following these steps, you are not just preserving flowers; you are cherishing memories, moments, and the emotions intertwined with them. Whether for a wedding, funeral, or any milestone in between, your floral arrangements serve as a tangible connection to these occasions. Treat them with care, and they will continue to speak to your heart long after their petals have ceased to bloom.

Preservation Photography by Brit Jaye Photography