Funeral wreaths are part of the funeral tradition, having become symbols of love, respect, and memory for the deceased. This floral decoration is designed with fresh flowers and green leaves to nourish the grief-stricken and honor the dead. Flowers are delicate and have a limited life span, they can be exposed to the sun, too much dampness, or even over heating which could hasten their decay. Preserving the wreaths for an extended time frame is challenging. In this guide, we will discuss the reliable methods for preserving the delicate beauty of funeral wreaths for an extended period.
Why It’s Important to Keep Funeral Wreaths Fresh
Funeral wreaths represent love, respect, and memories. A wreath that is preserved well is a sign of care and thought. Preserving the wreath shows the effort to pay homage and to give it a permanent place during memorial services and beyond. The funeral lasts for days, while a wreath that remains fresh during the whole course continues to keep the atmosphere solemn and respectful. Besides, preserving the wreath would give the bereaved a lasting memory, including using the flowers for other purposes.
Understanding Funeral Wreaths and Their Composition
Before discussing different methods of preservation, it is paramount to comprehend the basic structure of funeral wreaths. These floral decorations are made up of:
- Flowers: A whole host of flowers not only for beauty’s sake but for symbolism’s sake as well as wreaths are adorned on funeral wreaths. Roses, which symbolize love and respect, lilies which are the epitome of purity and renewal, chrysanthemums which generally symbolize mourning and remembrance, fragrant carnation which are known for their longevity, orchids which represent love in eternity and hydrangeas which have deep heartfelt meaning. The features that particularly make the flowers common soften the sad emotional state.
- Greenery: Wreaths also incorporate other types of foliage such as ferns, ivy, eucalyptus, and palm leaves to add variety and further enhance the wreaths. Besides aiding beautification in foundation leaves which are used to beautify the arrangement add texture, volume, and depth to the wreaths.
- Floral Foam Base: Most of the prepared funeral wreaths are arranged on a floral foam base, which provides cuts to the flowers for absorbing water, and at the same time holds and positions them of any needed form. Furthermore, by allowing moisture to be drawn in, this foam increases the durability of the flowers.
- Ribbon and Decorative Elements: Careful modification of funeral wreaths is done using ribbons, nameplates, condolence messages, or decorations that tell more of the deceased or sympathy and love from the sympathizers.
Having this knowledge empowers you to make sound judgments about the best techniques to use as far as preserving the freshness of funeral wreaths is concerned.
Factors That Affect the Freshness of Funeral Wreaths
Many different elements impact how long funeral wreaths will remain fresh and beautiful. A few such aspects are listed below:
- Temperature and Humidity: If the temperature is too high, it can lead to dehydration of flowers. Similarly, low temperatures tend to cool flowers too much leading to potential damage. Flowers will also wilt quickly in dry air, whereas high levels of humidity will cause mold to form which will also damage the flowers.
- Exposure to Sunlight: When flowers are put under the sun for a long period of time, they tend to lose moisture much too early leading to wilting, as well as a loss of color. Drape shade or partial shade over the funeral wreaths to prevent them from decaying at a fast pace.
- Water Supply: Keeping flowers hydrated proves to be one of the most critical factors when it comes to their freshness. Fixtures need a constant supply of water and if they don’t, they begin to dry up too quickly which results in limp and discolored petals.
- Handling and Transportation: The way flowers are treated will also affect them. Too much movement or rough handling can have a damaging effect on the flower petals and stems leading to broken delicate parts. It is important to carry the wreath around with less stress to the flowers and position them gently bringing them with minimal support.
- Flower Type: Certain flower types have a shelf life over others. Carnations and chrysanthemums are hardy flowers and have a longer shelf life compared to more delicate flowers, such as lilies and roses which wilt at a faster rate.
Considering the factors above allows the wreaths to stay longer and remain beautiful for a longer duration.
How to Keep Funeral Wreaths Fresh
Funeral wreaths are a heartfelt tribute to a loved one, symbolizing respect, love, and remembrance. Keeping them fresh ensures they remain beautiful and meaningful throughout the service and beyond. Here are some essential tips to maintain their vibrancy for as long as possible.
1. Keep Wreaths Hydrated
Hydration is the key to maintaining the freshness of funeral wreaths. Since flowers rely on water for sustenance, taking steps to keep them properly hydrated will significantly extend their lifespan. Follow these essential hydration techniques:
- Soak the Floral Foam Thoroughly: If the funeral wreath is designed on a floral foam base, ensure that the foam is fully saturated with water before arranging the flowers. The foam acts as a sponge, continuously supplying water to the flower stems and preventing them from drying out too quickly. Replenish the moisture in the foam by adding fresh water daily.
- Mist the Flowers Regularly: Using a clean spray bottle filled with room-temperature water, lightly mist the flowers and greenery to provide additional moisture. This helps counteract the effects of dry air and prevents dehydration.
- Use a Flower Preservative: Adding a commercial flower preservative to the water can help extend the longevity of flowers by supplying essential nutrients and reducing bacterial growth in the water. A simple homemade preservative can also be made by mixing sugar, lemon juice, and a small amount of bleach into the water.
2. Store Wreaths in a Cool, Shaded Area
Proper storage conditions are vital for maintaining the freshness and visual appeal of funeral wreaths. Follow these storage guidelines:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the wreath in a shaded or indoor area, away from intense sunlight, which can cause flowers to fade and dry out rapidly.
- Keep Away from Heat Sources: Do not place the wreath near heaters, fireplaces, or air vents, as excessive heat will accelerate moisture loss and cause wilting.
- Use Refrigeration When Possible: If you want to preserve the wreath for a longer period, consider storing it in a floral refrigerator or a cool room overnight. Keeping the temperature between 35-45°F (1-7°C) helps slow down the natural aging process of flowers.
3. Handle the Wreath with Care
To avoid unnecessary damage, be gentle when handling and transporting the wreath:
- Lift the Wreath Properly: Always support the wreath from the base instead of grabbing it by the flowers, which can easily bruise or detach delicate petals.
- Transport in a Protective Carrier: When moving the wreath to a different location, use a sturdy box or floral transport container to prevent damage and maintain the wreath’s shape.
- Minimize Direct Contact: Try to limit how often the wreath is touched, as excessive handling can transfer oils and bacteria from your hands onto the flowers, potentially leading to premature decay.
4. Remove Wilting Flowers Promptly
To maintain the overall appearance of the wreath, remove any flowers that begin to wilt or show signs of decay. This prevents the spread of deterioration to other flowers:
- Use Sharp Scissors or Pruners: Cut off wilted flowers at the base of the stem using sharp scissors or garden pruners. This ensures a clean cut without causing damage to the surrounding flowers.
- Replace with Fresh Flowers: If possible, add fresh flowers to fill in the gaps left by removed flowers, ensuring that the wreath remains full and visually appealing.
5. Consider Drying or Pressing Flowers for Keepsakes
If you want to preserve funeral wreaths as a long-term keepsake, consider drying or pressing the flowers:
- Air Drying: Hang the entire wreath upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space to naturally dehydrate the flowers while maintaining their shape.
- Silica Gel Drying: Placing flowers in silica gel helps retain their color and structure, making them ideal for memory preservation.
Conclusion
Funeral wreaths have deep significance to the families they are honoring, so they will typically want the floral wreath displayed in the most appropriate preservation conditions. Proper hydration, the right conditions for storage, careful handling, and the use of preservation techniques will help the wreath stay fresh longer and honor the loved one with grace. There are helpful suggestions to make sure your funeral wreath is either a tribute that lasts beautifully for a few extra days or serves as a perfect memento to preserve the flowers. Choose HiBye for beautifully crafted funeral wreaths and flowers with quality shipping. We create floral arrangements for you that are carefully designed to express your condolences, and that wish to honor your loved one.