A wedding flower mala holds immense sentimental value as it symbolizes the sacred bond between two individuals. Whether it's a traditional var mala for engagement or the grand jai mala exchanged during the wedding ceremony, preserving this floral garland can be a beautiful way to keep those cherished memories alive. If you’re wondering how to preserve these blooms, we’ve rounded up some creative and practical ways to ensure your var mala flowers remain timeless.
Why Preserve Your Varmala?
The wedding var mala represents the union of two souls and is one of the most significant rituals in Indian weddings. Many couples choose to keep their garland as a keepsake, not just as a reminder of their special day but also as a symbol of the promises they’ve made. Whether it’s for an anniversary, home décor, or simply for nostalgia, wedding var mala preservation allows you to cherish this emblem of love for years to come.
1. Pressing the Flowers for Framing
One of the most elegant methods for jai mala preservation is pressing the flowers. Here’s how you can do it:
- Remove the fresh flowers from the wedding flowers mala carefully.
- Place them between sheets of parchment paper or blotting paper.
- Press the flowers by placing a heavy book or weight on top for about 2-3 weeks.
- Once they are dry, frame the flattened flowers with a photo of the varmala for an engagement or wedding ceremony for a personalized touch.
This technique not only keeps your varmala flowers intact but also transforms them into an artistic piece for your home.
2. Create a Resin Keepsake
Preserving flowers in resin has gained immense popularity, and it’s a stunning way to eternalize your varmala flowers. Resin keepsakes can be turned into photo frames, coasters, or paperweights. Here’s what you need to do:
- Dry the flowers from the wedding varmala by hanging them upside down for about a week.
- Once dried, pour the resin into a mold of your choice.
- Arrange the flowers from your jai mala creatively before letting the resin set.
- This process ensures that your garland preservation results in a functional yet sentimental keepsake.
3. Turn Flowers into Potpourri
Transforming your varmala flowers into potpourri is a delightful way to keep the fragrance of your special day alive. The dried flowers can be mixed with essential oils, herbs, and spices to create a personalized blend. Potpourri is not only a lovely way to preserve your wedding flower's mala but also serves as a refreshing addition to your living space.
4. Preserve the Garland in a Shadow Box
For a three-dimensional display, consider storing your varmala for engagement in a shadow box. This method works well for couples who want to preserve the full garland rather than individual flowers. Simply arrange the varmala flowers in a shadow box along with other mementos, such as wedding invitations or photographs, to create a beautiful memory collage.
5. Flower Petal Jewelry
Another innovative way to use your wedding var mala is by turning the petals into jewelry. Craftsmen can crush and mold the petals into beads, which are then strung together to create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. This allows you to carry a piece of your jai mala wherever you go, adding a sentimental touch to your everyday accessories.
6. DIY Floral Candles
If you enjoy crafting, use your varmala flowers to create decorative candles. To do this:
- Dry the flowers thoroughly.
- Melt some wax and pour it into a candle mold.
- Add petals from your wedding flower mala as the wax begins to set.
Not only does this preserve your varmala flowers, but it also provides a unique and personalized piece of home décor.
7. Transform It into Art
For a creative keepsake, consider using the petals from your garland preservation to create artwork. Arrange the dried flowers on canvas to form a design or even spell out meaningful words. This method of jai mala preservation allows you to display your love story in an artistic and visually appealing way.
8. Freeze-Drying Flowers
Freeze-drying is a professional method of preserving your wedding varmala that retains the flowers’ natural shape and color. This process involves using a vacuum chamber to remove moisture from the blooms. Once preserved, you can display the entire varmala for engagement in a glass dome or case. While this method may be costly, the results are long-lasting and stunning.
9. Floral Scrapbooking
For couples who love journaling or scrapbooking, include the dried flowers from your wedding flowers mala in a scrapbook. Alongside photos, notes, and invitations, the petals from your varmala flowers will add a tactile and personal element to your wedding memories.
10. Professional Preservation Services
If DIY methods aren’t for you, many professional services specialize in wedding varmala preservation. They use advanced techniques to ensure your jai mala remains as beautiful as the day you wore it. From freeze-drying to encasing the garland in acrylic, these services provide high-quality preservation options tailored to your needs.
11. Keep it Simple: Dried Flower Arrangement
If you prefer minimalism, simply hang the varmala flowers upside down in a dry, dark place for a week. Once dried, use the preserved flowers in a vase or as part of a floral arrangement. This is an easy way to keep your garland preservation low-maintenance while adding a touch of elegance to your home.
Tips for Effective Preservation
- Start Early: Begin the preservation process as soon as possible after the wedding or engagement ceremony to maintain the freshness of the varmala flowers.
- Choose the Right Method: Different techniques work for different purposes. Decide whether you want to preserve individual petals or the entire wedding flower mala.
- Store Properly: Ensure your preserved flowers are stored away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent damage.
Preserving the Varmala for Generations
The beauty of wedding varmala preservation lies in its ability to keep cherished memories alive. Whether it’s the varmala for engagement or the grand jai mala from your wedding, these flowers carry emotions, traditions, and stories that deserve to be treasured. With so many creative methods to choose from, you can find the perfect way to eternalize this meaningful piece of your big day.
By putting in a little effort to preserve your garland, you can relive those special moments every time you see, touch, or even smell your lovingly kept varmala flowers.