How to preserve funeral flowers

Following a funeral you might wonder how you could keep these meaningful blooms as a lasting tribute. Throwing them away or watching them die seems too sad to bare. In this guide, we'll help you understand the process of preserving funeral flowers with guidance, empathy and support every step of the way.

Why preserve funeral flowers?

Funeral flowers are more than just floral arrangements; they hold a lot of emotional significance for they served as a symbol of love, support and respect during the funeral of someone you loved. Therefore, by preserving these flowers, you can keep a connection to your loved one and keep their memory alive.

Selecting the right flowers

The first step in preserving funeral flowers is choosing the right blooms. Opt for flowers that are not overly mature, as younger flowers tend to preserve better. Consulting with a florist can be beneficial, as they can recommend flowers that are more likely to retain their form and colour over time.

Selecting the right flowers

The first step in preserving funeral flowers is choosing the right blooms. Opt for flowers that are not overly mature, as younger flowers tend to preserve better. Consulting with a florist can be beneficial, as they can recommend flowers that are more likely to retain their form and colour over time.

Drying Funeral Flowers

Air drying

Gather your supplies: Begin by collecting the funeral flowers you wish to preserve, along with string or ribbon, and locate a dark, dry space.  

Bundling and tying flowers: Group the flowers into small bundles and secure the stems with string or ribbon.  

Hang upside down: Find a dark, well-ventilated place to hang your flower bundles upside down.  

Patience: Allow the flowers to air dry for a few weeks until they become crisp and dry to the touch.  

Display your preserved flowers: Once your funeral flowers are dried, you can place them in a shadow box, frame, or any other decorative display.

Silica gel

Acquire silica gel: Purchase silica gel from a craft store or online. Silica gel is a desiccant that helps preserve the flowers' colour and form.  

Prepare a container: Select a container large enough to hold your flowers without crowding. Fill the container with a layer of silica gel, around 1-2 inches deep.  

Position the flowers: Carefully place the flowers into the container, ensuring they do not touch each other. 

Cover with silica gel: Gently cover the flowers with more silica gel until they are entirely submerged.  

Seal the container: Seal the container tightly and leave it undisturbed for about a week or until the flowers are dry.  

Remove the flowers carefully: Brush off excess silica gel and display your preserved flowers as desired.

Pressing funeral flowers

Books

Choose heavy books: Select a couple of heavy books, like dictionaries or encyclopaedias, for pressing the flowers.

Place flowers between pages: Open a book and insert a piece of parchment paper. Arrange the flowers on the parchment paper and close the book.  

Apply pressure: Stack more books on top of the closed book to apply even pressure. Leave them in this state for a few weeks.  

Present your pressed flowers: Once the flowers are dry and flattened, carefully remove them from the book and display them as desired.

Flower press

Choose heavy books: Select a couple of heavy books, like dictionaries or encyclopaedias, for pressing the flowers.  

Place flowers between pages: Open a book and insert a piece of parchment paper. Arrange the flowers on the parchment paper and close the book.  

Apply pressure: Stack more books on top of the closed book to apply even pressure. Leave them in this state for a few weeks.  

Present your pressed flowers: Once the flowers are dry and flattened, carefully remove them from the book and display them as desired.

Preserving with resin

For a more unique and artistic approach to preserving funeral flowers, consider encasing them in resin. This method produces a stunning, durable, and timeless memorial piece.  

Gather your supplies: You'll need epoxy resin, a mould, your funeral flowers, and any additional elements you wish to include.  

Prepare the flowers: Arrange the flowers in your chosen mould, and you can position them in any creative way, adding other decorative elements if desired.  

Mix the epoxy resin: Follow the instructions for your epoxy resin carefully to ensure a bubble-free mixture.  

Pour the resin: Gently pour the resin mixture over the flowers and other elements in the mould.  

Eliminate bubbles: Use a heat gun or a toothpick to remove any air bubbles in the resin.  

Curing the resin: Let the resin cure for the recommended time, typically 24-48 hours.  

Unmold and display: After the resin has fully cured, remove the memorial piece from the mould and display it proudly.

Caring for your preserved funeral flowers

To ensure your preserved funeral flowers last for years, follow these tips:  

Shield from direct sunlight: Sunlight can cause your preserved flowers' colours to fade, so keep them in a shaded area.  

Avoid moisture: Excess moisture can lead to mould and decay. Store your preserved flowers in a dry environment.  

Gentle dusting: Periodically dust your preserved flowers with a soft brush or compressed air to maintain their appearance.  

Whether you choose to dry, press, or encase them in resin, preserving these flowers creates a beautiful and enduring tribute to your special person.During this difficult time, remember that your emotions are entirely valid.In preserving funeral flowers, you're protecting a part of your loved one's legacy, ensuring that their memory lives on.