Emergency Fixes: Keeping Your Flowers Fresh & Photo-Ready

You’ve picked up your blooms from the farm, prepped and arranged everything, and you’re just hours—or minutes—from walking down the aisle. But nature doesn’t always cooperate. A wilted bloom here, a droopy stem there… don't panic!

Here are my go-to tricks for reviving tired flowers, troubleshooting last-minute issues, and keeping your arrangements looking their absolute best through “I do” and beyond.

Wilting Flowers?

If your blooms are drooping or looking sad:

Recut the stems at an angle (even if you already did once). Use clean, sharp snips.
Place in lukewarm water — not ice cold — for 1–2 hours.
Wrap loosely in newspaper to help support them upright while rehydrating.
If it's hot and you're in a pinch, a cool, dark closet or bathroom is your best friend.

Droopy greenery or filler?

Foliage needs hydration too!

Soak greenery stems in a deep bucket of cool water.
Some greens (like eucalyptus or ferns) can also be revived with a light misting and rest time in a plastic bag in the fridge or basement.

Corsage or boutonniere looking dry?

Lightly mist with water (not soaking!) and pop it into a sealed container or bag in the fridge.
Don’t freeze them or put them near a fan or direct cold air — they’ll brown.

Broken or snapped stems?

Use floral wire to splint the stem, then wrap tightly with floral tape.
For soft stems (like dahlias), cut the bloom and place it in a short cup or bud vase—instant accent!

Heat emergency?

Move arrangements out of direct sun ASAP.
Add crushed ice to vases and mist with cool water.
Portable fans can help airflow in indoor spaces, but avoid aiming them directly at delicate blooms.