Use Wedding Flowers For Something Old New And Blue
Embarking on a new life chapter, especially one that leads you toward the open road, the quiet trails, or a self-sufficient homestead, means embracing both adventure and meaningful traditions. For many, a wedding marks the start of this grand journey.
You’ve exchanged vows, celebrated love, and now you’re looking at those beautiful wedding flowers, wondering how to keep their memory vibrant beyond the big day.
At OutwardLab, we understand the desire to weave personal history into your adventurous future. This guide shows you how to thoughtfully use wedding flowers for something old new and blue, transforming them into cherished keepsakes that perfectly complement an outdoor-focused life.
We’ll explore practical preservation techniques, creative crafting ideas, and how to integrate these sentimental pieces into your campervan, off-grid cabin, or even your backpacking gear.
Get ready to infuse your journey with lasting memories, crafted right from the heart of your special day.
Table of Contents
Embracing Tradition: Why Your Wedding Flowers Deserve a Second Life Outdoors
Your wedding flowers are more than just decorations; they are symbols of growth, beauty, and the beginning of a shared path. For adventurers, these symbols take on even deeper meaning.
They represent the foundation of a partnership ready to tackle any trail or embrace any challenge, from pitching a tent in a sudden storm to building a sustainable life off-grid.
Preserving these blooms allows you to carry a piece of that foundational moment with you, no matter where your compass points.
It’s about intentional living and finding ways to connect your past, present, and future.
Think of it as upcycling sentimentality, a skill invaluable to any homesteader or minimalist traveler.
The Art of Preservation: Turning Fresh Blooms into Lasting Mementos
The first step in creating enduring keepsakes is proper flower preservation. This process requires patience and attention to detail, much like preparing for a long wilderness trek.
Start as soon as possible after your wedding to capture the flowers at their peak.
Air Drying for Natural Beauty
Air drying is the simplest and most accessible method. It works well for sturdy flowers like roses, hydrangeas, and lavender.
- Prepare the Flowers: Remove any excess foliage below the bloom. Trim stems to your desired length, typically 6-8 inches.
- Bundle Them Up: Gather small bunches of 3-5 flowers. Secure the stems tightly with a rubber band, which will contract as the stems shrink during drying.
- Hang Upside Down: Find a dark, dry, well-ventilated space. Hang the bundles upside down from a clothesline or hanger. A garage, attic, or unused closet works perfectly.
- Wait Patiently: Drying can take 2-4 weeks. Flowers are ready when they feel crisp and dry to the touch.
Silica Gel for Vibrant Color Retention
Silica gel is excellent for preserving the original color and shape of delicate blooms. It’s a desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture quickly.
- Choose Your Container: Select an airtight container large enough for your flowers without crowding them.
- Layer the Gel: Pour a 1-inch layer of silica gel at the bottom of the container.
- Place Flowers Carefully: Arrange your flowers on the gel, ensuring they don’t touch. Gently spoon more silica gel over and around each bloom, covering them completely.
- Seal and Store: Seal the container tightly. Check flowers after 3-7 days; they are dry when they feel papery.
Handle dried flowers gently; they become brittle. A light misting of hairspray can help protect them from crumbling.
Creative Keepsakes: How to use wedding flowers for something old new and blue
Now for the exciting part: transforming your preserved blooms into meaningful items that embody the “something old, new, borrowed, blue” tradition.
This isn’t just about display; it’s about crafting tangible reminders of your vows that fit your adventurous spirit.
Each piece becomes a testament to your journey, a conversation starter in your camp, or a quiet moment of reflection on a solo hike.
Crafting “Something Old”: Cherishing the Original Blooms
The “something old” represents continuity and tradition. What better way to honor it than by preserving the original form of your wedding flowers?
These keepsakes maintain the direct link to your special day, reminding you of the roots you’ve established.
Pressed Flower Art for Your Mobile Home
Pressing flowers is a classic method that creates flat, delicate pieces perfect for framing or laminating.
- Pressing Method: Place individual petals or small blooms between sheets of absorbent paper (like blotting paper or newsprint) inside a heavy book or a wooden flower press. Tighten the press or add weight.
- Wait Time: Allow 2-4 weeks for complete drying.
- Display Ideas:
- Framed Keepsake: Arrange pressed flowers on acid-free paper and frame them. A small, lightweight frame is ideal for an RV or campervan wall.
- Laminated Bookmark: Create a durable bookmark to accompany your trail guides or nature journals.
- Resin Coasters: Embed pressed flowers in clear epoxy resin for practical, beautiful coasters in your off-grid cabin.
Shadow Box Display for Sentimental Gear
A shadow box allows you to display larger, 3D elements of your bouquet.
Consider including a dried boutonnière, a small dried rose, or even a piece of ribbon from your bouquet.
Add other small mementos like a wedding photo, a patch from a favorite trail, or a compass that symbolizes your shared direction.
This creates a personalized vignette of your journey, perfect for a cozy corner in your tiny home.
Designing “Something New”: Fresh Perspectives from Dried Petals
The “something new” is about the exciting future ahead and the fresh adventures you’ll undertake. Repurposing your dried wedding flowers into new, functional items aligns perfectly with a self-sufficient mindset.
It’s about transforming the old into something practical and beautiful for your ongoing life.
DIY Potpourri for a Natural Scent
Create a natural potpourri to keep your campervan or tent smelling fresh, free from artificial chemicals.
- Gather Ingredients: Mix dried flower petals with other natural elements like pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange peels, and a few drops of essential oils (cedarwood, pine, or lavender are great outdoor scents).
- Display: Place the potpourri in small breathable bags or open bowls.
Floral Infused Oils or Balms
Harness the natural properties of your flowers for a soothing balm or oil, especially if you had calming flowers like lavender or roses.
- Infusion Process: Gently warm dried petals in a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil for several hours. Strain the petals out.
- Uses: Use the infused oil as a massage oil after a long hike, or combine it with beeswax to create a simple lip balm or hand salve.
These small, handmade items are perfect for minimalist living and personal care on the go.
Infusing “Something Blue”: Adding Serenity to Your Keepsakes
The “something blue” tradition signifies purity, love, and fidelity. While your wedding flowers might not have been blue, you can creatively incorporate this hue into your keepsakes.
This adds a calming, grounding element, much like the vast blue sky above a mountain range or the deep blue of a pristine lake.
Dyeing Dried Petals
You can gently dye some of your dried white or light-colored petals using natural dyes or fabric dye.
- Natural Dyes: Consider using indigo for a deep blue, or even crushed blueberries for a softer shade. Test a small batch first.
- Craft Dye: Follow package instructions for fabric or craft dye, ensuring it’s suitable for dried plant material.
Use these dyed petals in your potpourri, resin projects, or even pressed flower art to introduce the blue element.
Adding Blue Accents
Integrate blue elements directly into your floral keepsakes.
- Blue Ribbon: Tie a thin blue ribbon around a small bundle of dried flowers, perfect for hanging in a campervan.
- Blue Beads or Charms: Incorporate small blue beads or a blue charm into a floral resin pendant or a dreamcatcher crafted with dried petals.
- Blue Fabric Backing: When framing pressed flowers, use a piece of blue linen or cotton as the backing to make the flowers pop and fulfill the “blue” tradition.
These subtle additions make your keepsakes even more meaningful and visually appealing.
Integrating Your Floral Treasures into an Outdoor Lifestyle
For the OutwardLab community, sentimental items should also be practical or fit seamlessly into an adventurous life. Here’s how to integrate your floral keepsakes.
Campervan and RV Decor
Your mobile home deserves a touch of personal history. Small, lightweight keepsakes are ideal.
- Hanging Sachets: Fill small muslin bags with floral potpourri and hang them from hooks in your RV. They add scent and a visual reminder.
- Magnetic Frames: Use small frames with magnets to display pressed flowers on metal surfaces inside your van or RV.
- Resin Keychains: A durable resin keychain with embedded petals is a practical way to carry a piece of your wedding with you on every journey.
Homestead and Off-Grid Cabin Embellishments
For those establishing roots, these keepsakes can add warmth and personal flair.
- Floral Wreaths: Incorporate dried flowers into a handmade wreath for your cabin door.
- Botanical Wall Hangings: Create larger pressed flower collages for a rustic, natural art piece.
- Infused Soaps: Use your floral-infused oils to make homemade soaps, a practical item for any self-sufficient home.
These items not only decorate but also tell a story of commitment and connection to nature.
Maintaining Your Keepsakes: Longevity for the Long Haul
Just like your outdoor gear, your floral keepsakes need care to last. Durability is key for items that travel or live in varied environments.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can fade colors quickly. Place keepsakes in shaded areas in your home or vehicle.
- Control Humidity: High humidity can cause mold or cause dried flowers to reabsorb moisture and wilt. Use silica gel packets near sensitive displays if in a humid climate.
- Gentle Cleaning: Dust gently with a soft brush or a can of compressed air. Avoid water.
- Protective Coatings: For pressed flowers, consider a UV-resistant clear coat or sealant if they will be exposed to more light.
Proper maintenance ensures your cherished memories endure as long as your adventures do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preserving Wedding Flowers for Keepsakes
What are the best types of flowers to preserve?
Stronger, less delicate flowers tend to preserve best. Roses, hydrangeas, lavender, baby’s breath, and eucalyptus dry beautifully. Delicate flowers like lilies or tulips can be pressed with care, but may not retain their original vibrancy as well.
How long do preserved wedding flowers last?
With proper preservation and care, dried or pressed flowers can last for many years, even decades. Keeping them out of direct sunlight and away from humidity is crucial for their longevity.
Can I preserve my bouquet if it’s already a few days old?
Yes, but act quickly. The fresher the flowers, the better the results. If they’ve started to wilt, trim the stems and place them in water for a few hours to rehydrate before beginning the preservation process. Remove any browning or damaged petals.
Are there professional services to preserve wedding flowers?
Absolutely. Many florists and specialized preservation companies offer services like freeze-drying or resin encapsulation. These can be a good option if you want a perfect, professional result, especially for larger, intricate displays.
How can I make sure my DIY floral keepsakes are safe for travel?
For travel, consider embedding flowers in resin for durability (e.g., keychains, small pendants). If framed, ensure the frame is lightweight and securely mounted or stored. For potpourri, use sealed sachets to prevent spillage and maintain scent.
Final Thoughts: Carrying Your Love Story into the Wild
Your wedding day is a significant milestone, a declaration of a shared life journey. For those drawn to the outdoors, this journey often means embracing self-reliance, adventure, and a deep connection to nature.
Learning how to use wedding flowers for something old new and blue is more than just a craft project; it’s an act of intentional living.
It’s about taking something beautiful and ephemeral and transforming it into lasting symbols that accompany you, whether you’re navigating a new trail, building a homestead, or simply enjoying the quiet solitude of your campervan.
These floral keepsakes are tangible reminders of your vows, your history, and the beautiful adventure you continue to build together. Carry these memories with you, and let them inspire every step of your outdoor life.
Stay safe, stay inspired, and keep exploring!
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