Guest Post by Nicole Morgan
Bouquet by JL Designs, image from Studio 28 Photography via Boella
With anemone season is still in full swing, I am so pleased to introduce Nicole Morgan from WholeBlossoms.com who is here to discuss caring for DIY wedding anemones. Nicole works for Whole Blossoms, which is perfect given she's an avid floral designer in her spare time.
Florals by Denise Facanello, images from Monika Broz via Green Wedding Shoes
White Anemones are one of the most sought after flowers for bridal bouquets. Look in any bridal magazine, and you are likely to see photos of wedding flower bouquets made with flawless white anemones.
Floral by Janie Medley Floral Design, images from Keith Cephus Photography via The Brides Cafe
For DIY brides who opt to purchase their own anemones for making bouquets or any other flower arrangement, here are some tips for keeping your anemones looking their best for your wedding:
Images from Peggy Porschen Cakes and Confetti Cakes via Green Wedding Shoes
- Anemones are well known for appearing dehydrated soon after harvest and therefore must be hydrated soon thereafter. If you purchase your flowers from a flower wholesaler, trim their stems as soon as possible to help unclog any blocked stems. Cutting stems under a running faucet (or underwater in a tub) and at an angle is recommended to draw water up through the stem and provide for a greater drinking area.
- Your water buckets should be clean and contain fresh water. If necessary, wash your buckets out with soap and water prior to being used. Bleach can also be used to help sanitize. For your water, it is recommended that a water filter be used when using tap water to help eliminate harmful chemicals. Bottled water (non-distilled) can also be used if desired.
- A few packets of floral preservative can be added to your water and will help your flowers bloom if closed. Table sugar can also be used as a substitute if flower food is unavailable. The general rule is to use 1 tablespoon for floral preservative or sugar for every quart of water. A few drops of lemon juice can also be added to your water which acts as a natural disinfectant to help ward off bacteria.
- When storing your flowers, use a cool room initially. Over the next day or two, as you draw closer to your wedding, consider leaving your anemones in a warm room or sunlight for a few hours to help open any closed blooms. Any blooms that are already left open can be left in a cool room away from sunlight. Your water buckets should be changed out every other day to help promote vase life
- On the day prior to your wedding, choose your best looking anemones to create your bouquet. As a tip, order extra stems at the upfront to afford you the luxury of picking your most flawless looking flowers. With bouquet created, use a tall glass or vase to keep your bouquet hydrated until the day of your wedding. A cooler can also be used at this stage to help preserve your bouquet until the following day.
Florals from Branch Floral Designs image from Silvana Di Franco via Style Me Pretty
With these simple tips, anemones can easily be cared for by DIY brides.
Thanks so much to both Nicole and WholeBlossoms.com for sharing such terrific advice!