Whether you just picked up a bouquet from our studio, received a floral arrangement as a gift, or are looking to extend the life of your wedding flowers, a little care goes a long way. Fresh flowers are more resilient than most people think, and with a few simple habits, you can keep your arrangements looking beautiful for as long as possible. Here are the three most important things you can do.
Fresh Water and a Daily Trim
This is the single most impactful thing you can do for your flowers. Change the water in your vase every day and give each stem a fresh diagonal cut before placing it back in. Trimming the stems removes the sealed end that forms after the initial cut, allowing the flower to drink more efficiently and stay hydrated. Even a small trim of a quarter to half an inch makes a noticeable difference. Use clean, room temperature water and avoid letting the vase run low between changes.
Protect Them from the Cold
Fresh flowers are sensitive to extreme temperatures in both directions, and cold is often overlooked. If you are transporting flowers or storing them somewhere that drops below 40 degrees, make sure they are covered and protected. A brief exposure to freezing temperatures can cause petals to bruise, wilt, or turn translucent, and unfortunately that damage is irreversible. When in doubt, keep your flowers in a cool but climate-controlled space, ideally between 50 and 65 degrees for optimal freshness.
Keep Them Away from Heat, Direct Sun, and Drafts
Where you place your arrangement matters more than most people realize. Direct sunlight, heating vents, radiators, and even appliances that generate warmth can dramatically shorten the life of fresh flowers. A sunny windowsill might seem like a beautiful spot, but the heat and UV exposure will cause blooms to open and fade much faster than they otherwise would. Choose a spot with indirect light, good air circulation, and a stable, cool temperature for the longest vase life.
Have questions about caring for a specific arrangement from our studio? We are always happy to help. Stop in, give us a call, or reach out through our website and we will point you in the right direction.
