What to Do with Flowers After Wedding: A Bouquet of Possibilities and a Dash of Whimsy

Weddings are a celebration of love, unity, and beauty, and flowers play a pivotal role in creating that magical atmosphere. From the bridal bouquet to the centerpieces, flowers are everywhere, adding color, fragrance, and elegance to the occasion. But once the vows are exchanged, the cake is cut, and the last dance is danced, what happens to all those beautiful blooms? The question of what to do with flowers after the wedding is not just a practical one—it’s an opportunity to extend the joy and meaning of your special day. Here’s a bouquet of ideas, ranging from the sentimental to the whimsical, to help you decide.
1. Preserve the Memories
One of the most popular options is to preserve your wedding flowers. This can be done in several ways:
- Drying: Hang your bouquet upside down in a cool, dry place to air-dry the flowers. Once dried, they can be displayed in a shadow box or used to create a keepsake.
- Pressing: Press individual flowers between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press. These pressed flowers can be framed, used in scrapbooks, or even turned into jewelry.
- Resin Preservation: Encapsulate your flowers in resin to create coasters, paperweights, or decorative pieces that will last for years.
2. Share the Love
Why keep all the beauty to yourself? Spread the joy by giving your wedding flowers a second life:
- Donate to Hospitals or Nursing Homes: Many organizations accept floral donations to brighten the days of patients or residents. Check with local hospitals, nursing homes, or hospices to see if they accept flowers.
- Gift to Guests: Let your guests take home a piece of the celebration. Small arrangements or individual blooms can be handed out as parting gifts.
- Surprise a Loved One: Use your bouquet to create a smaller arrangement and gift it to a family member or friend who couldn’t attend the wedding.
3. Compost with Care
If your flowers are past their prime, consider composting them. This eco-friendly option allows your blooms to return to the earth and nourish new life. Just make sure to remove any non-biodegradable elements like ribbons or wires before composting.
4. Create Art
Turn your wedding flowers into a creative project:
- Potpourri: Dry the petals and mix them with essential oils to create fragrant potpourri.
- Candles: Embed dried petals into homemade candles for a romantic touch.
- Artwork: Use the flowers to create a unique piece of art, such as a floral mandala or a collage.
5. Plant a Garden
If your wedding flowers include live plants or cuttings, consider planting them in your garden or in pots. This way, you can enjoy a living reminder of your wedding day for years to come.
6. Host a Flower Party
Invite friends and family to help you repurpose the flowers. You can make wreaths, garlands, or even floral perfumes together. It’s a fun way to extend the celebration and create new memories.
7. Turn Them into Confetti
Dry the petals and use them as biodegradable confetti for future celebrations. It’s a sustainable and sentimental way to reuse your wedding flowers.
8. A Whimsical Twist: Flower Fortunes
Here’s a quirky idea: write little notes or fortunes and attach them to individual flowers. Then, let your guests pick a flower and discover their “fortune.” It’s a playful way to add a touch of magic to your post-wedding flower plans.
9. Frame a Single Bloom
Choose one special flower from your bouquet and frame it alongside a photo from your wedding day. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to preserve a piece of the celebration.
10. Let Them Float Away
For a truly whimsical farewell, place your flowers in a body of water and let them float away. Whether it’s a river, lake, or even a bathtub, this act can symbolize letting go of the past and embracing the future.
FAQs
Q: Can I preserve my wedding bouquet myself, or should I hire a professional?
A: While DIY preservation is possible, hiring a professional can ensure the best results, especially for intricate arrangements.
Q: How long do dried flowers last?
A: With proper care, dried flowers can last for years. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their color and shape.
Q: Are there any flowers that don’t dry well?
A: Yes, flowers with high water content, like hydrangeas or lilies, may not dry as well as others. Consider alternative preservation methods for these blooms.
Q: Can I compost flowers treated with pesticides?
A: It’s best to avoid composting flowers that have been treated with chemicals, as they can harm the composting process and the environment.
Q: What’s the best way to transport flowers for donation?
A: Use sturdy boxes or containers to prevent damage, and keep the flowers hydrated with water tubes or damp paper towels until they reach their destination.