How to Make & Gift Dried Flower Bouquets
It's a bummer when beautiful bouquets from graduations or anniversaries wilt after just a few days. That's why so many people are turning to dried flower bouquets that last a long time.
In this post, I'll walk you through how to dry flowers yourself and what to keep in mind when buying a pre-made dried flower arrangement as a gift. Hopefully, this helps you decide what works best for you.
DIY vs. Buying: Should You Make Your Own Dried Flower Bouquet?
There are basically two ways to get a dried flower arrangement. You can either dry fresh flowers you received at home, or you can buy a finished arrangement already made with dried blooms.
- Drying Yourself: This is perfect if you want to preserve flowers that hold special memories. The outcome depends on the flower's condition, so it requires patience and care.
- Buying a Finished Product: This is the easiest option if you need to give it as a gift right away. Since you can see the colors and arrangement beforehand, there’s less risk of disappointment.
If the memories attached to the flowers are what matter most, try drying them yourself. If you're short on time or it's purely for gifting, going with a ready-made arrangement is probably best.
The Basic Science of Drying Flowers
The key to dried flowers is slowly removing the moisture from the blooms. If the water evaporates too fast, the colors will look dull, and if too much moisture remains, mold can grow. Therefore, the basic principle is to dry them in a place that is well-ventilated, dark, and dry.
Not All Flowers Dry the Same Way
Not every flower dries uniformly. Flowers with thin petals and less moisture dry relatively easily, while those with a lot of water are more prone to mold or discoloration.
- Flowers like baby's breath and sedum, which have thin and light petals, dry quite easily.
- For roses, choosing buds that are firm will help maintain their shape.
- Be careful with flowers that have a lot of moisture, as they can easily turn black during the drying process.
Natural Air-Drying Method
The simplest method is to hang the flowers upside down to dry. By tying the stems and placing them in a shady spot with good airflow, gravity will help keep the flowers looking natural. You must avoid direct sunlight, as it will fade the colors.
Tips for Choosing Dried Flower Bouquets as Gifts
Dried flowers last longer than fresh ones, but they aren't eternal. Before you gift them, think about where the recipient plans to display them. A well-ventilated, bright indoor spot is best—avoid areas with high humidity like bathrooms or spots hit by direct sunlight.
| Type | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Dried Bouquet | Captures memories exactly as they are | When you want to keep a memory for a special anniversary |
| Pre-made Dried Bouquet | The arrangement and colors are perfectly set | When you need to hand over the gift right away |
How to Pick a Dried Flower Bouquet for a Graduation Gift
For a graduation, a dried flower bouquet with bright colors and a neat shape looks wonderful. Choosing soft hues, like pink or light green, can really boost the celebratory mood.
Since a graduation gift should last long after the ceremony, make sure to check if the size is easy to carry and if the arrangement is simple to store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dried Flower Bouquets Appropriate for a Graduation?
Yes, they are! Dried flower bouquets with bright colors and a tidy shape suit a graduation celebration perfectly. Plus, they can be kept for a long time compared to fresh flowers, making them a great keepsake.
Is Making Dried Flowers Difficult?
It's not hard if you understand the basic principles. The key is to hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated place to let them dry slowly. I suggest starting out with just a few stems to begin with.
How Long Can Dried Flower Bouquets Last?
It varies greatly depending on where you keep them. If you keep them in a dry indoor area, away from humidity and direct sun, they will last much longer. The exact duration depends on the type and condition of the flowers.
If you don't want to just let the bouquet sit there, pick a few of the flowers that look best right now and hang them upside down. Even a small effort can lead to a memory you keep for a long time.