Dried and preserved flowers are both elegant and beautiful. They have a wide range of warm hues and highlight a variety of natural flowers, grasses, and greeneries.
Dried flowers and preserved flowers are made using two different processes, but both had a similar purpose, to make flowers last longer, allowing people to keep the memories related to the flowers. They also reduce flower waste, so it becomes more environmentally friendly. The popularity of this environmentally-friendly flower alternative does not appear to be fading anytime soon.
Flowers that have been dried or preserved have a drastically distinct appearance. They require minimum maintenance effort and can last for years in the correct care and conditions.
Although they may appear to be the same, there are differences in how dried and preserved flowers are made. Here is everything you need to know about them.
Processes and Techniques
How to Make Dried Flowers
Flowers are dried by laying them face down or hanging them upside down in a shed and allowing them to dehydrate naturally. Flowers take about 2-3 weeks to dry. If the temperature is hot, it can be much shorter. As a result of this process, the appearance of the flower’s petals gets duller once dried. The foliage becomes brittle, shrinking and wrinkling frequently, and the colors fade over time due to natural processes. But after, beautiful earthy tones will show. They are sometimes given a coloration and setting treatment to help them maintain their natural shape. Dry flowers are delicate, but they can persist for years if handled gently and kept out of direct sunshine and humidity.
How to Make Preserved Flowers
Preserved flowers go through a considerably more complicated procedure. After the fresh flowers have been cut, they are immersed, stem first, in trihydric alcohol or glycerine to rehydrate. Glycerine, also called glycerol, is a simple polyol molecule. It’s a colorless, odorless, thick liquid with a sweet taste that’s also non-toxic. The glycerine is absorbed and passed through the flower stem, eventually replacing the sap. This process is good for sturdy flowers such as daisy flowers, roses, cymbidium orchids, gerberas, etc.
The result of the preserved flower process is soft and nearly identical to the natural flowers.
Pros and Cons of Dried and Preserved Flowers
Choosing whether to use dried or preserved flowers, there are some things to consider. The theme of the arrangements, the occasion, the processes’ duration, and the budget. Here are some tips to compare between these two.
Dried Flowers Pros and Cons
The process of making dried flowers is cheaper than preserved flowers. But it also makes dried flowers’ lifespan shorter than preserved flowers. The process of making dried flowers could take weeks, but they are hard to keep once they’re used in arrangements. Not only do they easily fall apart, but they are also highly sensitive to sunlight and humidity. Dried flowers will only last a few months with high maintenance. From dried flowers, we can get a nice rustic look, but if not done right, dried flowers will look damaged instead.
Preserved Flowers Pros and Cons
Flower preserving processes are using chemicals and other high-technology rehydration steps. It makes preserved flowers last longer than dried flowers. It can survive without maintenance, for up to three years. The process of making preserved flowers only takes days, and the result looks a lot like fresh flowers. Compared to dried flowers, they are softer to the touch and more flexible. So it is a suitable option for various products and floral arrangements, but it’s lacking vintage vibes. The cons, to make preserved flowers, you will need more budget span than to make dried flowers.
Dried Flower and Preservative Flower in Bouquet and Arrangements
Both dried and preserved flowers are equally lovely and versatile. They’re a fantastic option for a long-lasting flower.
Both styles are wonderful to be used in bouquets and flower arrangements such as bridal bouquets, floral arch installations, and decorative flower vases. They can also be paired with other natural or silk flowers to create a more complete arrangement. They are beautiful to put either together or separately. Putting them in bouquets and floral arrangements can help add unexpected splashes of color and texture.
Dried blooms are truly adorable because of their earthy tones. When it comes to preserved foliage and flowers, bleached preserved hydrangeas, ferns, and Ruscus are lovely for many occasions.
Preserved flowers and dried flowers are a popular choice for enduring memories out of a sentimental arrangement. If you need customized flower bouquets and arrangements to match a specific color palette, to match the interior decor, or event themes, Flower Advisor as one of the best providers of preserved flowers Singapore can help. Using only dried flowers, only preserved flowers, or both, the best florists will be ready to create a long-lasting flower bouquet and arrangements as you wish and deliver them to your doorstep.