The Freeze Dry Process

First Step: The original bouquet is photographed with digital camera. 

Once we receive a bouquet,  we inspect it carefully, documenting any damage, wilting or browning that might be visible before the bouquet is processed. The bouquet is going to be completely disassembled, preparing for the next step.

Because we're going to take it apart, the bouquet is now photographed with several pictures and stored in your file for reassembling the bouquet just as it was. We'll also make notes about any special features of the bouquet or other flowers, including how the ribbon is tied around the stems.

Second Step: The bouquet is disassembled, then individual flowers are inspected and inventoried.

The bouquet is disassembled. As a backup to the pictures, a list is made of the flowers that make up the bouquet. Damaged flowers are noted and can be replaced at this step.

Third Step: They may look the same, but each of these flowers has been dipped or sprayed with the appropriate pre-treatment, based on size, color, and type of flower.

The individual flowers are set out on a tray, and each individual flower is dipped or sprayed with a water-based pre-treatment that contains a large amount of cross-linked polymers. After drying, this allows the flower to resist water reabsorption. The water-based polymers also help eliminate petal-shedding and increase softness of the dried petals. Antioxidants are added to reduce browning, as are color-setting agents to reduce fading. Different flowers and different colors require different pre-treatments -- this is why the bouquet must be taken apart instead of just being dipped or sprayed as a whole. Ribbon, pearls or other decorative items are set aside in a box with the bride's name and the flower inventory to await reassembly.

The tray can be moved directly to the freeze-dry machine. If the machine is in mid-cycle with other flowers (which is usually common), the tray is placed in a storage freezer to await its turn in the machine.

Fourth Step: Trays of flowers are placed in the freeze-drying unit as soon as a new cycle can be started -- about once every 12 days.

The freeze-drying machine consists of two chambers and a vacuum system. The top chamber of our machine contains several trays on which flowers are placed. Once this chamber is loaded, a cycle is started that freezes the flowers to -20° F. At the same time, the vacuum system begins to bring the top chamber down to a hard vacuum, which removes moisture from the flowers. The moisture transfers to the lower chamber which is kept at -55° F. There, the moisture reforms into ice.

This step usually takes 12 days to complete the cycle. After the moisture is removed from the flowers, the temperature in the upper chamber is slowly raised. By the final day, the top chamber is at 70° F. The flowers are now back at room temperature, all moisture has been removed, and they're ready to be taken out of the machine.

Fifth Step: The flowers are removed from the machine and inspected.

After about 12 days, the freeze-dry process is complete. All moisture has been extracted from the flowers, and they've returned to room temperature. The flowers are now inspected, and color enhancement is applied to most flowers. Please note: almost all greenery fades to a pale silver-green color when dried, therefore we use artificial greenery when possible.

*As noted, flowers will change color slightly. The age and the condition of the flowers at the time we receive them plays a role in how well they preserve. Freeze drying a flower does not improve its appearance. It captures exactly what is there. Most colors darken after the water has been removed. Depending on the base shade, some peaches will show pink tinges. Reds could become burgundy or show some slightly pink hues. Pinks could become deeper pink or even mauve. Whites,  especially in roses, are ivory when fresh, therefore, they may become darker ivory or parchment. Over time, you may notice the colors mellow, taking on a shading reminiscent of Victorian hues.

Final Step: The flowers are arranged for display in Shadowbox, Traditional Frame or Table Top Displays (local customers only).

Finally, the flowers are arranged, which means putting the bouquet back together as it was when received noted from our documented photos and inventory. It is now placed in the display that the bride has chosen. Brides are encouraged to offer any suggestions on how placement and arrangement is completed. We will send photo per email of placement before securing if requested.