Dried flowers can last anywhere from a year to a lifetime as long as you care for them properly. Olivia notes that they should be kept away from direct sunlight or their color may fade faster. Moisture and humidity should also be avoided. “They’ll start to change and look different than they once did, but they’re essentially the same exact flower that they were forever,” adds Porta.
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Since dried flowers are brittle and delicate, the best way to expand their lifespan is to avoid handling them, says Porta, adding that pressed flowers may last longer due to their flat nature. Instead, opt to place them in a vase or album, or use them as part of a craft. At Framed Florals, Porta creates wall art using pressed flowers, but you can also preserve their longevity using epoxy resin. Popular DIY craft options range from making your own jewelry to making coasters. Additionally, you can spray-dry flowers with hairspray to preserve their longevity.
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Once your flowers are dried, the fun can begin—grab a vase and create your flower arrangement. “Dried flowers can oftentimes be very textured, which can be complimentary to many spaces,” says Olivia. She recommends starting out simple with sculptural stems, such as dried birds of paradise or palms. “You can have as little as three to five stems of these kinds of items and still make a beautiful arrangement,” she says.
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“Dried florals require almost no upkeep whatsoever, and they are really great for people that don’t want the fuss of fresh flowers or plants,” says Kelsea Olivia, CEO and creative director of East Olivia, a creative agency known for lively “forever floral” arrangements. You can also dry flowers from special events, such as weddings, to preserve a sentimental memory that acts as a timeless keepsake. “After a special event, you have your photos and maybe you’ll have a few little mementos, but it’s just really cool to have the flowers that were there with you,” says Lacie Porta, owner and designer at Framed Florals. The artist works with brides to preserve their flowers, the same blooms from the wedding bouquets they held walking down the aisle and that served as focal points of their decor. “It’s just a cool thing to be able to have something on your wall that doesn’t necessarily scream wedding,” adds Porta. Once displayed, pressed flowers offer a subtle reminder of your special day instead of a more literal expression, such as hung wedding photos and invites.