Caring for Fresh Flower Wedding Garlands: A Guide for Brides and Grooms

Wedding garland has a beautiful meaning in a wedding ceremony, especially in cultures where flowers are a symbol of love, purity, and new beginnings. Fresh flower garlands, with their vibrant colors and delicate fragrance, are a focal point during the wedding, often exchanged by the bride and groom as part of the rituals. However, because they are made from fresh flowers, proper care is essential to maintain their freshness and beauty throughout the day. 

How to Maintain Garlands with Fresh Flowers

1. Choose Fresh Flowers

The key to ensuring your wedding garlands last throughout the ceremony is starting with the freshest flowers possible. Consult with a local florist to pick flowers that are known for their longevity, such as marigolds, roses, jasmine, or orchids. These flowers hold up well in warm weather and can last longer when properly cared for. Try to avoid delicate flowers like lilies or peonies, which may wilt quickly.

2. Keep Them Cool

Fresh flowers are sensitive to heat, which can cause them to wilt or fade prematurely. To preserve their beauty, store the garlands in a cool place, such as a refrigerator or a cool room, until it's time for the ceremony. If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, consider placing them in a cooler with ice packs to keep the temperature low.

3. Mist Them with Water

Flowers need moisture to stay fresh, so lightly misting the garlands with water can help keep them hydrated. Use a fine mist spray bottle to gently hydrate the flowers without soaking them. This will help prevent dehydration and wilting, particularly if the weather is warm. Avoid soaking the garlands as excess water can damage delicate petals and cause the flowers to become heavy and soggy.

4. Handle with Care

Wedding garlands are often delicate, so it’s important to handle them gently. When carrying or wearing them, avoid pulling on the flowers or the thread that holds them together. If you're planning to drape them over your shoulders, ensure they are placed on a padded surface to prevent any breakage or crushing of the flowers.

5. Timing Is Key

Fresh flower garlands are at their best when they’re used on the day of the wedding. Ideally, have them made and prepared only a few hours before the ceremony. If possible, get the garlands from the florist the morning of your wedding to ensure they are as fresh as possible.

6. Use Floral Preservation Techniques

If you want to keep the garlands as a memento after the wedding, consider preserving them. Floral preservation techniques, such as pressing the flowers or drying them, can help retain their beauty. Many florists offer services to preserve wedding flowers, turning them into keepsakes that can be framed or displayed in a shadow box.

Conclusion

Caring for fresh flower wedding garlands involves a little extra attention, but it’s worth it to ensure they remain vibrant and beautiful for your special day. By selecting fresh flowers, keeping them cool, misting them regularly, and handling them gently, you can preserve their beauty throughout the ceremony.