Handling Fresh Flowers Before Preservation

Your wedding bouquet or special occasion flowers are more than just blooms — they are living memories, holding emotions from one of life’s most cherished moments. At Cherished Blooms, we specialise in transforming those flowers into timeless keepsakes through expert preservation.

But before your flowers reach us, how you care for them in those first hours and days makes all the difference. With the right steps, you’ll help protect their beauty and ensure they arrive in the best condition for preservation.

Why Proper Flower Care Matters

Fresh flowers are delicate. From the moment they leave the florist, they begin their natural fading process. By giving them a little extra attention, you’ll keep them looking vibrant for longer and provide us with the best possible blooms to preserve into your one-of-a-kind artwork.

Essential Tips to Keep Flowers Fresh

Here are some simple, practical steps you can follow before bringing your flowers to Cherished Blooms:

1. Trim the Stems

   Cut 2–3 cm off the stems at a 45-degree angle with sharp scissors or a knife. This helps your flowers drink more water and stay hydrated.

2. Use Clean Water

   Place your bouquet in a clean vase filled with fresh, lukewarm water. Change the water every two days to keep bacteria at bay.

3. Add Flower Food (If You Have It)

   Florists often include small packets of flower food. Use it if available — it gives the blooms extra nutrients and slows wilting.

4. Remove Leaves Below the Water Line

   Any leaves sitting in water will rot quickly, which encourages bacteria growth. Keep only the stems submerged.

5. Keep Flowers Cool

   Display them in a cool area, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or appliances that generate heat. Avoid placing them near fruit as well, since fruit releases ethylene gas which speeds up aging.

6. Avoid Overcrowding

   Give your flowers enough space in the vase to breathe. Crowded stems can bruise easily and limit water flow.

7. Mist Flowers Lightly

   A gentle spray of water over the petals helps keep them hydrated and fresh for longer.

8. Remove Wilted Flowers Promptly

   As soon as you notice wilting blooms, take them out. This prevents bacteria and decay from spreading to the rest of the arrangement.

9. Keep Flowers Away from Fruit

   Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging process of flowers. Keep your bouquet well away from the fruit bowl.

   
   

Does adding sugar and vinegar to vase water really help flowers last longer? The answer is yes — with a little care. Sugar provides nourishment to keep the blooms energised, while vinegar helps reduce bacteria growth in the water. A simple recipe is two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of white vinegar mixed into one litre of lukewarm water. This homemade solution can be a budget-friendly alternative to commercial flower food, helping flowers stay vibrant for longer. Just remember not to overdo the vinegar, as too much can damage the blooms, and always refresh the water every couple of days for the best results.

Special Care for Wedding Flowers

If your flowers are from your wedding day, it’s tempting to keep carrying them around or letting them sit out during the celebrations. For the best preservation results:

• Hydrate when possible – Place your bouquet back in a vase of clean water whenever it’s not being used for photos or held during the ceremony.

• Avoid tossing – If you’d like to keep your bouquet for preservation but still want the fun of the bouquet toss, ask your florist for a mini replica or use a bridesmaid’s bouquet instead.

• Minimise handling – The less the flowers are touched, the fewer bruises and broken petals they’ll have.

Final Words of Advice

The care you take beforehand is a vital step in helping us create an artwork that will truly capture the beauty and sentiment of your bouquet. At Cherished Blooms, we’re here to make sure those memories live on in a way that’s as special as the day itself.

Cherished Blooms provides bespoke bridal bouquet preservation services across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Contact us today to learn more about preserving your wedding flowers into timeless art pieces.