How To Keep Corsages and Boutonnieres Fresh Using a Hydration Chamber

Your boutonniere or corsage deserves to look as vibrant as possible for your special event. To ensure that your wearable flowers remain fresh and beautiful until you’re ready to wear them, using a ‘hydration chamber’ is key. This technique maintains hydration without a direct water source, making it ideal for preparing flowers in advance or for long-distance travel.

Hydration Chamber: Keeping Flowers Hydrated Without a Water Source

1. Prepare Your Flowers:

Start by spraying your flowers with Crowning Glory, a floral spray that locks in moisture once it dries. If Crowning Glory isn’t available, you can use water. It’s recommended to let the spray or water dry completely before proceeding. This ensures that the flowers are not overly wet, which could potentially harm them in storage.

2. Set Up the Hydration Chamber:

Grab a few paper towels, soak them in water, and then squeeze out the excess. Fold the damp paper towels to fit the size of your container. Place a layer of these paper towels at the bottom of your container. Next, arrange your flowers on top of this layer. Add another layer of damp paper towels over the flowers to create a humid environment.

3. Seal and Store:

Close the container securely and place it inside a resealable plastic bag or use a Tupperware container instead of a separate bag. For short-term storage, keep this setup in a cool room, ideally below 61F. If you’re storing the flowers for 1-2 days or more, place the container in the fridge. Make sure the fridge is above 34F or the flowers might get burned, also, no fruits or veggies near them. Make sure to use the vegetable drawer but remove any vegetables, as they can emit gases that might harm the flowers.

Keep this setup in a cool room, ideally below 61F or in a fridge above 34F

Important Note:

This hydration technique works best for hardy flowers like calla lilies, roses, and other similar blooms. Unfortunately, it may not be effective for all flower types. For example, hydrangeas tend to wilt quickly if they’re without water for more than 2 hours. They require constant hydration and may not fare well in a hydration chamber.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your boutonnières and corsages remain fresh and stunning for your special day. Have you tried this method before? Let us know how it worked for you!

How to Remove Lily Pollen Without Staining the Petals

Lily pollen can be both beautiful and challenging to handle, especially if you want to avoid stains on your petals and surroundings. Here’s a florist-approved method to keep your lilies looking perfect.

1. Remove the Anthers

One crucial step is to remove the anthers from the lily. Anthers are where the pollen is produced, and removing them not only helps prevent stains but also contributes to the longevity of the flowers. Florists often do this to ensure that the flowers last longer and don’t stain your house or the other flowers in the arrangement. At Tognoli Florist, we always remove anthers from open lilies before designing your arrangements to maintain their beauty and prevent any mess.

2. Use a Chenille Pipe Cleaner

For effective pollen removal, use a chenille pipe cleaner. This soft, fuzzy tool is perfect for gently lifting pollen off the delicate petals. Carefully wipe the pollen-covered areas with the pipe cleaner without applying too much pressure. This method helps keep your lilies looking fresh and vibrant, without leaving any residue or causing damage. Note that for this technique to work, the pollen needs to be fresh. If the pollen has been crushed into the petal or fabric, or if you press too hard, it might stain deeper and become more difficult to remove.

3. Extend the Technique to Fabrics

Interestingly, the chenille pipe cleaner technique also works on fabrics. If you find pollen on your clothes or tablecloths, gently wipe the affected areas with the pipe cleaner to remove the pollen. Be cautious not to press too hard, as this could push the pollen deeper into the fabric.

Following these steps will help you keep your lilies pristine and your space clean. Have you tried this method? Share your experiences or additional tips for handling lily pollen with us!

3 Things Every Couple Should Ask Their Micro Wedding Venue (for the Florist)

Planning a micro wedding? Here are three essential questions every couple should ask their venue to ensure their florist, and any other vendor, can work their magic:

1. How Much Setup Time Do Vendors Get?

Picture-perfect flowers don't just appear overnight! Make sure your venue gives your florist, enough time to set up before your big moment. Knowing this ensures your florist can create the dreamy atmosphere you've always wanted without feeling rushed. If your allotted time doesn't allow extra time for setting up, your florist will need to know this beforehand so arrangements can be predesigned before the ceremony in their studio and just ensemble everything at the venue with the least amount of time needed. Time management is very important for Micro Weddings since the timeframe is limited in most cases.

2. What's the Breakdown Plan?

After the "I dos" are said and the dance floor clears, how much time will your vendors have to pack up? A clear breakdown plan means less stress for you and a smooth transition from ceremony to celebration. At Tognoli Florist, the last Micro Wedding we designed flowers for, gave us about half an hour for set up and half an hour for break down. So we designed everything the day before, including the arch, and we just did some final tweaks at the venue to ensure the desired look.

3. Got Measurements for That Arch?

Planning to say your vows under a floral arch? Check with your venue for exact measurements. Knowing this helps your florist design arrangements that fit perfectly, adding that extra wow factor to your intimate affair. At Tognoli Florist we offer arch rentals but sometimes venues include this in their Micro Wedding packages and it can be more convenient for the couple. Although, if your timeframe is very limited, renting the arch from your florist will allow them to predesign the flowers on the arch, saving time the day of.

Jill and Jerome's Micro Wedding at Milton Ridge

Jill and Jerome recently tied the knot in a beautifully intimate micro wedding at Milton Ridge, a charming venue in Clarksburg, MD, specializing in micro wedding packages. Their ceremony was unbelievably lovely, showcasing how even with a two-hour booking, Tognoli Florist seamlessly installed and removed stunning floral arrangements that perfectly complemented the venue's serene ambiance. The newlyweds then took all their flowers to their reception! Photos of this lovely wedding were captured by Red Dove Photography.

About Milton Ridge Micro Wedding Packages

Milton Ridge offers a variety of micro wedding packages designed to simplify your wedding planning while maintaining elegance and affordability. Here are some highlights from their offerings:

• In and Out Package: Ideal for couples looking for a quick and intimate ceremony.

• Be Together Package: Allows for a two-hour rental with options for setup, ceremony, and photographs, perfect for capturing those special moments.

• With Friends Package: Their most popular option includes catering, professional photography, and up to three hours of ceremony and micro reception time.

• Ultimate Package: For couples wanting to cover all bases, including a ceremony, micro reception, and additional amenities like a photo booth and coordination services.

Tognoli Florist will help you plan your floral decorations to complement your picturesque venue setting, ensuring your micro wedding is unforgettable. Contact us today or fill out our wedding consultation form.