The Top Three Culprits Behind the Wilt of Wedding Flowers

Battling the Heat: Protecting Your Blooms

Heat can be a formidable enemy to the longevity of wedding flowers. When exposed to hot and dry conditions, flowers experience an increased rate of transpiration, leading to rapid dehydration. This can cause delicate petals to shrivel and significantly reduce the vase life of both flowers and foliage.

To combat this, it's essential to:

• Keep floral arrangements away from direct sources of heat, such as radiators, fireplaces, or appliances that generate warmth.
• Avoid placing flowers near south-facing windows where they can be subjected to intense sunlight.

By maintaining a cool and stable environment, you can help ensure that your flowers stay fresh and vibrant throughout the event.

Ethylene Gas: The Invisible Aging Accelerant

Ethylene, an odorless gas naturally produced by plants, flowers, and fruits, can hasten the aging process of your wedding blooms. Damage or stress to the plant increases ethylene production, which can lead to a shorter vase life. Flowers particularly sensitive to ethylene include sweet peas, certain carnations, freesias, Peruvian lilies, and roses.

Commercial growers often treat their flowers to slow down ethylene production, extending their vase life by up to 50%. To minimize ethylene exposure:

• Keep flowers away from fruit bowls, as ripening fruits emit ethylene gas that can cause flowers to wilt or buds to remain closed.

By being mindful of ethylene sources, you can help preserve the freshness of your floral arrangements.

The Threat of Bacteria: Keeping Water Clean

Bacteria growth in the water is a common issue that can obstruct the stems' ability to absorb water and nutrients. This blockage can result in wilting flowers and buds that fail to open. To prevent bacterial growth:

1. Thoroughly clean all containers or vases with hot soapy water before use.
2. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water to prevent decay and bacteria proliferation.
3. Use flower preservatives containing fungicides or add a few drops of bleach to the water to keep it clear and bacteria-free.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and keep your flowers looking their best.

In conclusion, by being vigilant against heat, ethylene, and bacteria, you can greatly enhance the resilience of your DIY wedding flowers. With proper care, your floral arrangements will not only survive but thrive, adding an enchanting touch to your wedding from the first photo to the last dance.

For more detailed information on flower care, the American Floral Endowment provides extensive research and resources on post-harvest treatment. Additionally, the Society of American Florists offers guidelines and best practices for flower handling and maintenance.