Drying Flowers for Flower Arrangements

Everyone has different and unique ideas for decorating the spaces where they live and work. One decorating idea that I feel is over used is the use of artificial flowers. There are many people that will spend a great deal of money to find artificial flowers to place in their home; however I have never cared for them. I would rather use natural items to enhance an area.

Artificial flowers appear cheap to me. I know that people spend a great deal of money on them but it does not take long for them to accumulate dust and to fade in color. By using natural items the colors last longer. By natural items I am referring to plant materials that have been dried to preserve them. There are several plants that dry very well and can be arranged to create permanent bouquets or can be placed in decorative baskets or on wreaths.

Hydrangeas dry very well and will last for two to three years in the dried state. Roses and baby�s breath can also be dried and arranged to create permanent decorations. The dried flowers can be purchased or you can dry them yourself. The dried flowers are only slightly more expensive than artificial flowers and are much more attractive.

Recently we were invited to two weddings on the same day. One wedding began at 2:00 in the afternoon and the other began at 6:00. Neither wedding involved a relative so we thought we would be able to attend both events. It would take us about 30 minutes to drive from one location to the other.

The first wedding was the daughter of one of my co-workers. This co-worker has her office filled with artificial flowers. She takes a great deal of pride in letting everyone know that she has arranged these artificial flowers herself. I was not surprised to see that the bride, as well as the wedding party had artificial flowers. You could tell at first glance that the bouquets were made with artificial flowers because of the colors. I have never understood why people want to have permanent wedding bouquets.

The second wedding featured real flowers. The bouquets and corsages were beautiful and added a detail of elegance that was missing at the first wedding. The wedding cake was also decorated with real flowers, as were the guest tables. The fresh flowers added color and warmth to the reception area. Fresh flowers may not last forever, however they do bring happiness and elegance for the period of time that the do last.