Last Updated on September 23, 2023
Plan on using fresh rose petals in your wedding? Here are five good reasons to use freeze-dried rose petals instead.
This past week, I bought some freeze-dried rose petals we need for an upcoming wedding.
The couple has purchased a custom silk damask aisle runner they are using and planning to donate to the church afterward.
They are worried about staining it if they use fresh petals. And they don’t like silk petals because they “look fake.”
So they asked if I could check with my suppliers for freeze-dried petals, which I agreed to do.
After checking my local suppliers to no avail, I ordered some online.
What Are Freeze-Dried Rose Petals?
Freeze-dried rose petals are natural rose petals picked and preserved by first freezing the petals (we are talking temperatures around -20°F). Once frozen, the petals are dried, so all of the moisture evaporates. Drying time varies from several hours to a full day.
What Are the Benefits of Using Freeze-Dried Rose Petals?
There are several advantages to using them rather than fresh rose petals for weddings. Here are 5 reasons why I like using them.
- Unlike real rose petals, you can get them several weeks in advance of your wedding, and they last without wilting.
- They can be stored at room temperature; no refrigeration or freezing is necessary.
- They are 100% biodegradable, making them perfect for outdoor use.
- Since they aren’t perishable, you can take advantage of lower-cost shipping.
- You can decorate hours or even days in advance, with no last-minute rushing to finish.
All the reasons I cited are enough to consider using freeze-dried petals instead of real petals for your wedding or special events, especially if you are a DIYer.
Here’s a pic of a rose petal heart we did for a client’s engagement party using these red rose petals.
Any Downsides to Using Freeze-Dried Rose Petals?
Not really. Just more of a personal bias. Look, I admit it. I’m a fresh flower guy.
I’ve worked with freeze-dried flower petals before but was never a huge fan. Most of them didn’t have good color compared to a fresh rose petal. They looked better suited to making potpourri than being used at a wedding.
But as the technology has improved, the freeze-drying process has improved, so I have changed my tune and come around a bit.
When the freeze-dried rose petals I ordered arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. They were very high-quality petals, much nicer than those I’d seen before.
They weren’t the least expensive rose petals I found, but they were a good value for the money, given the quality.
And because they are good for the environment and won’t stain fine linens, I now have more good reasons to recommend using them.
If you plan on using rose petals in your wedding decor, you might be wondering…
Where Can I Use Freeze-Dried Petals In My Wedding?
Freeze-dried petals are a versatile wedding decor item. How you use them is only limited by your imagination.
Here are a few examples of how they can be used.
- Aisle petals – to frame or form a wedding aisle or pathway
- Wedding Petals – to fill the flower girl’s basket
- Petal Confetti – to shower the bride and groom as they make their grand exit
- Table Decorations – for use on the guest tables, the cake table, sweetheart table, or other tabletops at your reception
These are just a few ideas to showcase the versatility of including freeze-dried petals in your wedding decor.
For a very romantic touch, you could even have a rose petal heart in your wedding night hotel room, like the one pictured above.
How Many Petals Will I Need?
Whether you plan to sprinkle a few petals on a tabletop or decorate an entire aisle, a good rule of thumb to follow is one cup of petals per square foot provides light coverage. The “average” number of petals per cup is about 35-40.
However, two to three cups or more per square foot might be required for moderate or heavy coverage.
As an example, the heart pictured above that we did took about 3 cups.
No one can tell what the magic number is for your situation. The only way to know for sure how many petals you’ll need is to test this yourself and see how many petals it takes to get the look you want.
Once you’re satisfied, you can adjust your budget or modify your decor plan accordingly.
How Long Do Freeze-Dried Petals Last?
While it’s true that freeze-dried petals can last for up to a year or so, it depends on storage conditions, the quality of the flowers, and freeze-drying process. It’s best to store freeze-dried rose petals in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, in a sealed container.
Over time, exposure to light and humidity will cause the color to fade and the petal to deteriorate. For optimum petal color and quality, plan to use your freeze-dried petals within two to four weeks after receiving them.
Where Can I Buy Freeze-Dried Rose Petals?
Unlike fresh rose petals, freeze-dried rose petals are a specialty item. Most local florists and wholesale cut flower suppliers don’t carry them. Many online floral suppliers don’t carry them either.
I found freeze-dried rose petals on Amazon, and at Etsy, where I bought mine.
Freeze-dried petals can be a significant investment. If you’re unsure about the color or quality, check to see if the vendor has available petal samples before purchasing them.
One Last Tip When Using Freeze-Dried Petals
If you’re thinking about using freeze-dried petals at your event, here’s a quick tip: You can soften the petals by placing the open container in a steamy bathroom for 20-30 minutes before using.
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