Transform your wedding bouquet into a lasting keepsake

Bouquets and flowers play a major role in weddings and other memorable celebrations, and now you can keep them – looking alive, fresh and in full three dimension – as a keepsake for years to come. So make your happy memories live on as part of a framed wall hanging, jewelry box or tabletop keepsake display.

Q. How can a fresh floral bouquet last for years?

It’s done through “floral preservation,” which essentially freeze-dries the flowers. It requires special equipment and technology to extract virtually all air and water from the flowers, resulting in a lasting bouquet that largely maintains the flowers original shape, texture, color and appearance. The Silk Worm boutique in downtown Rochester is one of the few places in Southeast Michigan to offer this service.

Q. What types of floral keepsakes are available?

Your wedding bouquet or graduation flowers can be preserved alone or combined with photos, invitations, announcements or other memorabilia reflecting your special day. The preserved flowers and personal items are then housed under a clear case, creating a permanent remembrance in the form of a wall hanging, jewelry box or tabletop display.

Q. What are the benefits of floral preservation?

Floral preservation retains the 3-D shape of your flowers, as opposed to pressed flowers, which flatten the blooms. Similarly, air-dried flowers turn crisp and brown, whereas freeze-dried floral preservation keeps them looking supple, fresh and colorful for years to come. And, since they are sealed under a cover, there are no concerns about mold, dust or maintenance.

Q. How can I preserve my flowers?

There are some easy steps to take before, during and after your wedding or graduation to make floral preservation a success.

Tips to Follow:

• Contact The Silk Worm in advance; freeze dryer space is limited so a reservation ensures we can preserve your bouquet on a timely basis. At this advance meeting, you can also select the type of keepsake display you want, as well as provide personal items you want included (such as a photo, invitation or announcement).
• Keep your flowers refrigerated as much as possible; do not refrigerate them with fresh foods as food acids will damage flower quality.
• Keep your flowers upright – with stems in a vase with water – to avoid crushing petals and keep the flowers moist. Have a vase handy at your event for this reason.
• Bring your bouquet to the Silk Worm within one to two days after your wedding or graduation event. Sunday drop offs are available by appointment. If not already provided at the advance design consultation meeting, also bring the photo, invitation or other items you want as part of your keepsake.

A keepsake floral bouquet is one way The Silk Worm can contribute to your special occasions. The boutique also offers unique personal, home and garden gift items, fresh and silk flowers, event planning services and wedding gown preservation.