Bouquet preservation
Bouquet preservation makes sure
flowers never lose their beauty and are preserved indefinitely. In bouquet
preservation flowers are pre and post treated to retain shape, enhance the
vibrancy of the colors and ensure longevity. Bouquet preservation is generally
done by three methods: silica gel (quick-drying mode via immersion in a
sand-like, silicon substance); pressing (press select blooms from the bouquet
and flatten via a flower press and framed); and freeze-drying (pros spray the
blooms with a starch to set the colors and then "bake" the bouquet in
a freeze-dryer). Silica gel absorbs moisture from flowers rapidly, thus
preserving flower color better than other drying methods. Most flowers will dry
in 36 to 48 hours. Pressing is a very easy way to preserve flowers although the
relief is lost and the flowers are flat. The types of flowers best suited for
pressing are: roses, tulips, carnations, iris and lilies. Wedding bouquet
preservation allows one to capture the beauty, color and style of fresh wedding
bouquet. The new addition in modes of bouquet
preservation is 3D method. 3D preservation is a carefully controlled method of
extracting moisture from plant material which allows the flowers to retain
their original 3D shape, form and color. The cost of bouquet preservation
depends on choice of preservation and presentation. Examples: a dome
presentation (preserved via silica gel) can be more expensive than a
freeze-dried shadow box presentation. Formally preserved flowers can last even
up to 100 years. Bouquet preservation works best with certain precautions, if
humidity is avoided, along with direct sunlight and bright halogen lamps, one
can expect their bouquets to last a lifetime.