Our 10 Expert Tips on How To Make Your Flower Arrangements Last Longer

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of decisions, emotions, and endless Pinterest scrolling. Out of all the decisions you’ll make, however, your wedding flowers will hold a special place in your heart. 

So, what happens after the "I dos" are said and the confetti has settled? How do you ensure your beautiful blooms stay fresh and fabulous for as long as possible? 

At YouFloria, we’ve put together 10 expert tips on how to make your flower arrangements last longer, so you can keep your bouquet well beyond the big day.

1. Choose the Right Flowers

First and foremost, the longevity of your flower arrangements starts with the choice of blooms. 

Some flowers naturally last longer than others: roses, carnations, and lilies are known for their durability, whereas delicate peonies or hydrangeas might need a bit more TLC. 

Consider mixing in some hardier varieties when planning for long-lasting flower arrangements to ensure your DIY wedding blooms stay fresh.

2. Proper Hydration is Key

Water is to flowers what love is to marriage: absolutely essential. As soon as your gorgeous blooms arrive, your first job is to give them a good drink. 

You’ll want to trim the stems at an angle and then pop them into clean water right away. This little trick helps them soak up the water most efficiently. 

3. Feed Your Flowers

Just as you wouldn’t skip breakfast on your wedding day, your bouquets need nourishment too. 

The floral food packets that come with your bouquets are not just a nice extra. They’re a flower’s best friend, containing a powerful blend of nutrients, including sugar for energy, an acidifier to lower the pH level of the water, and a biocide to prevent bacterial growth. 

4. Keep Them Cool

Flowers can be sensitive to temperature and love a cool environment. That’s why it’s so important to keep your blooms out of direct sunlight, away from heat sources, and away from draughts. 

If you can let, them spend the night in a cool room, as this will improve the odds of having a long-lasting flower arrangement.

5. Avoid Ethylene Gas

Ethylene gas is a flower's worst enemy, speeding up its ageing process. Fruits and vegetables naturally emit this gas, so keep your beautiful blooms far, far away from them!

Also watch out for smoking and car exhaust fumes, as they can produce ethylene gas too. Keeping your flowers safe from ethylene is a must to keep them looking fresh and fabulous. 

6. Mist Regularly

Do you mist your face when it starts to feel a little on the dry side? You should do the same for your flowers: misting them can help keep them hydrated and looking perky. 

Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the petals and foliage without oversaturating them. This is particularly useful for arrangements in foam or for more delicate flowers that need a bit of extra care.

7. Handle with Care

Look after your flowers as gently as you’d handle your wedding dress, as rough handling can bruise petals and cause premature wilting. 

When transporting your flowers, make sure they’re securely positioned to avoid any jostling and accidental damage.

8. Display Wisely

Where you place your flowers really matters - if you’re moving your gorgeous bouquets from the ceremony to the reception, think ahead and plan it out. 

If you’ve got a show-stopping moongate or flower arch, keep it away from busy areas to prevent any accidental knocks. With a little bit of forward-thinking, you’ll increase the likelihood of having a long-lasting flower arrangement. 

9. Reviving Wilted Blooms

If you notice some of your flowers starting to wilt, don’t despair. 

Try submerging the entire flower (head and all) in lukewarm water for 30 minutes. This can help rehydrate the flower and give it a second life. 

For more stubborn cases, a quick snip of the stem under running water and before placing them back in their vase (with fresh water!) can work wonders.

10. Preserve Your Blooms

Why not preserve a few of your favourite blooms as keepsakes? 

There are so many ways to preserve flowers, from pressing and drying to using silica gel. This is a lovely way to hold onto a piece of your wedding day for years to come.

By following these 10 expert tips on how to make your flower arrangements last longer, you’ll always have a floral reminder of your special celebration.

At YouFloria, we believe every couple deserves to enjoy the beauty of their wedding flowers long after the last dance. Happy planning, and may your blooms stay fresh and fabulous!

To find out more about DIY wedding flowers, please contact one of our floristry experts.

Alternatively, why not read our previous blog for ways to save money on your wedding flowers?