Without a plan, some bridesmaids’ bouquets are destined for the trash after the emotional high of walking down the aisle. Since becoming a wedding floral specialist in 2005, I’ve guided couples in creating lovely wedding flower arrangements. Like for this guide, you’ll get tips on what to do with br12idesmaids’ bouquets.

What to Do With Bridesmaids’ Bouquets

Rather than letting bridesmaids’ bouquets go to waste, consider saving them as decorative centerpieces, homemade gifts, donations to hospices and hospitals, or preserved keepsakes. Techniques like drying or pressing allow the flowers to last well beyond the wedding day.

With a little creativity, these blooms can warm hearts in their secondary purpose for years to come. Here are the different ways I give the bouquets of bridesmaids a meaningful purpose beyond the ceremony.

What to Do	Actions to Take
Decorative table centerpieces	Take apart a bouquet and put the flowers in a vase with water.
Keepsake gift	Create hanging ornaments, bookmarks, flower crowns
Donate	Contact local hospitals/hospices to donate bouquets to brighten patient rooms
Preserve	Air dry, use silica beads, or press the petals between wax paper in books

Create Decorative Table Centerpieces

One of the simplest ways I repurpose a bridesmaid’s bouquet is to use it as a decorative table centerpiece at the reception. Couples often ask me how many flowers are needed at weddings. To help save on expenses, I recommend utilizing the bridesmaids’ bouquets as stunning gift table or buffet table displays:

• Weave the bouquets into a photo backdrop for the reception, combining them with elegant drapes or a wedding arch.
• Place the bouquets in decorative vases or bowls and use them to adorn the gift table, buffet table, or other areas of the venue.
• Put the bride’s bouquet in the center and surround it with the bridesmaids’ bouquets, fanning them outward for a classic and sophisticated look.
• Combine bouquets with candles, lanterns, or other decorative items to create unique table settings.

Transform Into Keepsake Gifts

There are a number of people who will wear flowers at a wedding, most especially the bridesmaids. As a token of appreciation, I can help you transform the bouquets into keepsake gifts for your bridesmaids to treasure after the wedding:

• Dry the bouquets and create beautiful hanging ornaments, bookmarks, or framed artwork.
• Create flower crowns for bridesmaids to wear at a future event or as a daily reminder of your special day.

Donate to a Local Hospice or Hospital

Studies show there’s therapeutic value of plants in hospices and hospitals. Patients in rooms with plants and flowers have more positive feelings and higher satisfaction about their rooms.

Another thoughtful option is to donate the bouquets to a local hospice or nursing home, where the flowers can bring joy to those who need it most.

• Contact the facility in advance to confirm they accept flower donations and coordinate the drop-off.
• Attach a small note or card to each bouquet, sharing a few words of love and encouragement.

Preserve the Bouquets

During planning, I explain to couples how to preserve their bridesmaids’ bouquets in the most effective ways possible. These beautiful arrangements hold special memories, letting them serve as keepsakes for years to come.

Below, I’m letting you in on my floral preservation tips and techniques to give the bouquets new life.

Drying Technique

Drying is one of the most popular methods for preserving the bouquets of bridesmaids. To achieve the best results, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove excess foliage and tie the stems together with a string or ribbon.
2. Hang the bouquets upside down in a dark, cool, dry area such as a closet or cupboard.
3. Depending on the flowers and climate, allow them to dry for about two to four weeks.

Remember to choose a location that maintains consistent air circulation and humidity to prevent potential mold or discoloration.

Silica Technique

Preserving wedding bouquets with silica gel allows you to keep your bouquet as a lasting memento of your special day. Extremely dry silica crystals absorb moisture from the flowers, causing them to retain their shape, color, and beauty indefinitely.

1. Purchase fine-grain silica gel beads and clear, airtight plastic storage bins or displays.
2. Carefully detach each flower from the bouquet stems and remove the leaves that would be submerged in silica beads.
3. Pour a 1/2-inch layer of silica gel beads into the plastic container. Gently place flowers face up on the silica crystals.
4. Cover completely with more beads, so flowers are fully surrounded. Place the lid on tightly.
5. Check beads daily, replacing any that have turned pink as they have absorbed moisture.
6. The flowers are thoroughly dried for one to two weeks when the beads remain blue.
7. Arrange in a permanent display frame.

Pressing Technique

Pressing is another excellent technique that allows you to preserve the beauty of the bridesmaids’ bouquets in a two-dimensional form. Here’s how I achieve the pressing technique:

1. Carefully remove individual flowers or select small clusters from the bouquet.
2. Place the flowers between sheets of parchment paper. Sandwich them inside a heavy book or flower press.
3. Allow the flowers to sit under the weight for seven to 10 days, depending on the thickness and moisture content of the petals.

With these preservation methods, you can cherish the bouquets for many years, ensuring those precious memories last a lifetime.

Related Questions

How Do You Save Bridesmaid Bouquets?

To save bridesmaid bouquets, I recommend drying and preserving them as soon as possible after the event. You can hang the bouquets upside-down in a cool, dark place for a few weeks to maintain their shape and color.

How Do You Reuse a Bridesmaid’s Bouquet?

Bridesmaid bouquets can be reused by taking apart the bouquets and using the flowers for potpourri, decorating candles or lanterns, or embellishing greeting cards or stationery. You can also create a special piece of preserved floral jewelry using flowers from the bouquets. 

What Is the Importance of Repurposing the Bouquets of Bridesmaids?

Repurposing the bouquets of bridesmaids is a thoughtful way to extend the symbolism and sentimental value of the bouquets beyond the wedding day. It provides a lasting memento, allows the bridesmaids to feel special, reduces waste, and spreads joy through an artful new purpose for the lovely flowers.

Conclusion

After the ceremony, you can use the bridesmaids’ bouquets as centerpieces, preserve them as keepsakes, or donate them to a local hospice. With guidance from professional wedding floral and event design specialists, you can make the most out of these beautiful arrangements and create a memorable experience.