Using Dried Flowers in Gift Packaging (Without the Mess)

Dried flowers offer a romantic and beautiful feel to any gift. In many ways, they whisper elegance with their muted tones and delicate textures. But dried flowers can also become very messy, very fast. Petals shed, stems crumble, and that Pinterest-perfect image you had in your mind quickly becomes a chaotic scatter of flower pieces and bits.

So, how can you incorporate dried flowers into your gift packaging, without the headache of cleaning up afterward? 

Mess-Free Tips to Use Dried Flowers in Your Gift Packaging

Dried flowers bring an aesthetic appeal that’s hard to match. They offer that coveted rustic-meets-premium vibe that fresh flowers simply can’t sustain. While fresh blooms wilt within days, dried varieties maintain their beauty for months.

The sustainability factor is huge, too. Dried flowers reduce waste and align with eco-conscious gifting trends. They also work well for various occasions, including intimate bridal showers, wedding favors, birthday gifts, and corporate holiday packages. 

It’s undeniable that they also bring a bit of vintage charm, elevating your gift from ordinary to extraordinary! So, with that in mind, here are our top tips to making your gift truly shine when using dried flowers.

1. Use Clear Lids or Window Boxes

Window gift boxes are perfect for showcasing dried elements while keeping them securely contained. The clear panel lets the flowers be the star while preventing any shedding mishaps.

This approach also adds instant elegance without sacrificing the structural integrity of your packaging. Your recipients can further admire the natural beauty without worrying about clean-up!

2. Secure With Ribbons or Twine

Gently tie dried stems directly to your box or tissue layer using rustic twine or velvet ribbon. Consider choosing ribbon colors that complement your flower selection. For instance, cream twine pairs beautifully with lavender. Meanwhile, deep burgundy ribbon complements dried roses really well.

When deciding on the type of dried flower and ribbon, also consider who the gift is for and the occasion. Staying on theme when wrapping everything up is always key!

3. Choose Smaller, Low-Shed Varieties

For zero mess, select lavender, baby’s breath, statice, or strawflowers, which maintain structure well and shed minimally.

In contrast, avoid pampas grass and hydrangea; they’re notorious for creating debris. And keep in mind that less is more with dried flowers. A few carefully chosen stems create more impact than an overwhelming bouquet.

4. Use Protective Inserts or Compartments

All in all, sectional gift boxes are ideal for keeping dried flowers separate from other gift items and, ultimately, limiting a mess! This means placing the flowers in their own dedicated section or layer. In turn, this prevents cross-contamination while maintaining the visual appeal.

The compartments of sectional gift boxes also provide structure that prevents the flowers from shifting during transport. Alternatively, if using a window gift box, you could also secure the flowers to the back of the window, also giving way to a beautiful aesthetic finish.

How To Make Your Own Dried Flowers

Making dried flowers at home is easier than you think. Here’s how to create beautiful blooms for your gift packaging:

• Air drying method: Cut fresh flowers at peak bloom and remove excess leaves. Bundle stems with rubber bands and hang upside down in a dry, dark space. Allow two to three weeks for complete drying.

• Silica gel method: For faster results, bury flowers in silica gel crystals in an airtight container. Most flowers dry within two to seven days using this method.

• Microwave technique: Place flowers in silica gel and microwave in 30-second intervals. Check frequently to prevent over-drying or burning.

If you decide to do this from scratch, ensure you harvest the flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the day gets too hot. This ensures optimal moisture content. Once dried, store in airtight containers away from light and humidity. Properly dried flowers can last six to 12 months, giving you ample opportunities to use them.

When adding them to your gift packaging, don’t overfill your arrangements or squish the flowers. Their delicate nature requires space to maintain shape and texture! For extra security, lightly spritz with unscented hairspray to reduce shedding. However, it’s a good idea to test this on a small sample first to ensure it doesn’t affect the color or texture.

At the end of the day, a little planning can save you cleanup time and ensure your gift arrives looking exactly as intended. When done right, dried flowers create an experience that recipients will remember long after the gift is opened.