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

Weddings are a celebration of love, commitment, and beauty, and flowers play a pivotal role in creating that magical atmosphere. From the bride’s bouquet to the centerpieces, flowers are everywhere. But once the vows are exchanged, the cake is cut, and the dance floor clears, what happens to all those beautiful blooms? The question of what to do with flowers after a wedding is not just about practicality—it’s also about sentimentality, creativity, and even sustainability. Let’s explore a bouquet of ideas, from the practical to the whimsical, and everything in between.

1. Preserve the Memories

One of the most sentimental options is to preserve your wedding flowers. This can be done in several ways:

• Drying: Hang your bouquet upside down in a cool, dark place to dry. Once dried, the flowers 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, added to a scrapbook, or even turned into jewelry.
• Resin Preservation: Encasing flowers in resin is a modern way to preserve their beauty. You can create paperweights, coasters, or even jewelry pieces.

2. Donate the Flowers

If you’re looking for a way to spread joy beyond your wedding day, consider donating your flowers:

• Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Brighten someone’s day by donating your flowers to patients or residents who may not have access to fresh blooms.
• Charities: Organizations like Repeat Roses or Floral Angels Foundation repurpose wedding flowers into arrangements for hospitals, shelters, and other community spaces.
• Local Schools or Community Centers: Teachers or community leaders might appreciate the flowers for events or classroom decorations.

3. Compost the Flowers

For the eco-conscious couple, composting is a fantastic way to give your flowers a second life:

• Home Composting: If you have a compost bin, simply add the flowers to it. Be sure to remove any non-biodegradable elements like ribbons or wires.
• Local Composting Programs: Some cities offer composting services that accept floral waste. Check with your local waste management department.

4. Create DIY Projects

Get crafty with your wedding flowers and turn them into something new:

• 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 petals to create a floral mosaic or collage.

5. Share the Love

Why not let your guests take a piece of the celebration home?

• Favors: Bundle small bouquets or individual stems for guests to take as favors.
• Flower Petal Confetti: Collect petals and give them to guests to toss during your exit.

6. Repurpose for Home Decor

Bring the wedding vibe into your home by repurposing the flowers:

• Centerpieces: Use the arrangements as table centerpieces in your home.
• Wreaths: Create a floral wreath for your front door or as a wall decoration.
• Bath Soaks: Add petals to your bath for a luxurious, spa-like experience.

7. Host a Flower Workshop

Gather your friends or family for a fun, post-wedding activity:

• Flower Crown Making: Use the leftover flowers to create crowns or other accessories.
• Arrangement Classes: Hire a florist to teach your group how to create their own arrangements.

8. Sell or Donate to Florists

If your flowers are still in good condition, consider selling or donating them:

• Florists: Some florists may buy back unused flowers or arrangements.
• Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can help you sell your flowers to someone planning an event.

9. Plant Them

If your bouquet includes live plants or bulbs, consider planting them:

• Garden: Plant them in your garden as a living reminder of your special day.
• Potted Plants: Keep them in pots to enjoy indoors or on your patio.

10. Get Whimsical

For those who love a touch of the unexpected:

• Flower Bath: Fill your bathtub with petals for a romantic, Instagram-worthy soak.
• Flower Confetti Cannon: Use the petals to create a confetti cannon for a post-wedding photo shoot.
• Floating Flower Lanterns: Place petals in water-filled lanterns and let them float in a pool or pond.

FAQs

Q: Can I preserve my wedding bouquet myself?
A: Absolutely! Drying, pressing, or using resin are all DIY-friendly methods. However, for more intricate preservation, consider hiring a professional.

Q: How long do wedding flowers last after the event?
A: Most fresh flowers will last 1-2 days after the wedding if kept in water. For longer preservation, drying or pressing is recommended.

Q: Are there any flowers that don’t preserve well?
A: Delicate flowers like lilies or hydrangeas may not dry as well as hardier blooms like roses or baby’s breath.

Q: Can I donate flowers that have been out of water for a while?
A: It depends on the organization. Some charities may accept slightly wilted flowers, while others prefer fresh arrangements.

Q: What’s the most eco-friendly option for wedding flowers?
A: Composting or donating to organizations that repurpose flowers are both excellent eco-friendly choices.

From preserving memories to spreading joy, the possibilities for what to do with flowers after a wedding are as endless as your imagination. Whether you choose to dry, donate, or get downright whimsical, your wedding flowers can continue to bring beauty and happiness long after the big day.