January 16, 2025

How to Dry Flowers for Varmala Preservation?

Do you also want to keep your wedding varmala (garland) forever?
If yes, the first and most important thing to do is to dry the flowers of your varmala properly.
If you don’t know how to dry the wedding garland flowers so they can be preserved well, then do not worry!
In this blog, we will take you through simple steps on how to dry your wedding flowers for varmala preservation. Follow these easy steps to ensure that your wedding garland lasts a long time!

Why Dry Flowers for Varmala Preservation?

First, let’s talk about why drying flowers is an important step to preserve your varmala. Dried flowers keep looking good. They retain the shape and color for much longer when dried. The flowers never rot or become ugly as long as they are well dried.
Drying also prevents the growth of mold or bacteria, which may ruin the flowers. In drying the flowers, you ensure that your wedding varmala remains beautiful and fresh for many years as a memory. It is an easy and effective way to preserve your special moments safely!

What You’ll Need to Dry Flowers for Varmala Preservation

Before we get into the process, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need:

• Fresh flowers from the varmala
• A clean, dry space for drying
• Paper towels or newspapers
• Silica gel (optional but effective at speeding up the drying time)
• String or twine (for hanging)
• Desiccant bags (optional)
• A flat area or box for pressing the flowers

How to Dry Varmala Flowers for Long-Lasting Preservation

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to dry and preserve your flowers.

1. Select Fresh Flowers

Start with fresh flowers without any damage or wilting. This helps to retain the color and shape of flowers for a long time.
Popular flowers used in Varmala are roses, jasmine, marigolds, and orchids. Make sure that flowers are fully bloomed because they dry better.

2. Preparing the Flowers

Cutting the Stems: Trim the stems of the flowers to around 2-3 inches in length. This facilitates easy handling and drying.
Remove Extra Leaves: Remove the leaves from the flowers that will not dry or cause mold.

3. Drying Methods

You can dry the flowers in many ways. Here are a few of the most commonly used methods:

Air Drying

• Tie the Flowers: Gather the flowers and tie them in small bunches using a string or thread.
• Hang Upside Down: Hang the bunches upside down in a dry, dark place with good airflow. A closet, a shaded area, or a room with no direct sunlight is perfect.
• Wait for 2-3 Weeks: The flowers will take about 2-3 weeks to dry fully. During this time, they will lose moisture and become crisp.

Pressing the Flowers

• Use a Flower Press or Heavy Book: Put the flowers between sheets of parchment paper. Place them in a flower press or in between the pages of a heavy book.
• Leave Them for 1-2 Weeks: Let them be for approximately 1-2 weeks. The flowers will flatten and dry up but retain color and texture.

Silica Gel Drying

• Use Silica Gel: Fill an airtight container with silica gel (available at craft stores). Gently bury the flowers in the gel.
• Seal and Wait: Close the container and let it sit for 1-2 weeks. Silica gel absorbs moisture from the flowers, leaving them dry and well-preserved.

Microwave Drying

• Place Flowers in Paper Towel: Place the flowers in a paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds at a time until they’re dry. Keep checking to avoid burning.
• This method works quickly, but be careful not to overheat the flowers.

4. Storing the Dried Flowers

• Use Airtight Containers: Once the flowers are completely dry, store them in airtight containers or boxes. This will protect them from moisture and dust.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store the flowers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, as sunlight may fade them.
• Add Silica Gel: If in doubt, add some silica gel packets in the storage container to absorb any remaining moisture.

5. Colour and Shape Retention

• Spray with Hair Spray: Once the flowers have dried, you can spray them with a light coat of hair spray. This preserves the color of the flowers and prevents them from breaking easily.
• Use Glycerin: If you wish to keep the flowers soft and flexible, soak them in a solution of glycerin and water (about 1 part glycerin to 2 parts water) for a few days before drying them completely.

6. Show or Frame Dried Flowers

You should put the flowers in the frame or shadow box, creating beautiful memories for your big day. Alternatively, preserve the flowers in resin. That way, you may get a beautiful keepsake, which you will continue using for long periods because resin is permanent.

You can also explore varmala preservation in Mumbai for great options and techniques to preserve your flowers beautifully.

Conclusion

By preserving your varmala flowers, you are not just keeping a memory, but a piece of your wedding story that can be cherished forever. So, start drying those beautiful flowers today and make your special day last a lifetime!

If you’re thinking of framing your dried flowers, consider using the best varmala preservation artist who specializes in creating memorable pieces.
If you are considering a more traditional look, you can use wooden frames for your wedding garland. It’s essential to know about Wooden Frame Sizes and Shapes for Varmala Preservation to select the best frame for your flowers.

Whether you choose a rectangular shape or another frame style, proper preservation will keep your wedding memories alive for years.