How to Make Your Own Dried Bouquet

Dried flowers are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, whether as home decor or a thoughtful gift for your loved ones. With their low-maintenance charm, eco-friendly credentials, and earthy aesthetic, it’s no wonder that dried floral arrangements are becoming a go-to for stylish homes across the UK. Whether you’re drawn to muted neutrals or bold bursts of colour, a dried bouquet adds natural beauty that lasts for months, if not years.

Creating your own dried flower bouquet at home is satisfying and surprisingly easy. Using tips from our lead florists here at Dried, we’ll walk you through the process, from selecting the right stems to styling a finished arrangement that reflects your personality. 

Step 1: Choose the Right Flowers to Dry

Not all flowers dry equally well. Some retain their shape and colour beautifully, while others wilt or lose vibrancy quickly. When choosing blooms to dry at home, choose flowers with sturdy petals and strong stems. Great options include:

• Lavender
• Statice 
• Roses
• Billy buttons 
• Bunny tails (Lagurus)

Avoid high-moisture flowers like tulips and lilies, which are more prone to mould and browning.

Step 2: Drying Your Flowers

There are several ways to dry flowers; each method offers a different texture and effect. Here are the most common techniques:

Air Drying (suited to beginners)

1. Gather stems into small bunches and tie them with twine or string.
2. Hang upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated space, such as a loft, airing cupboard, or unused wardrobe.
3. Leave for 2-3 weeks until completely dry.

Top tip: Keeping the bunches small helps air circulate more easily, preventing mould.

Silica Gel Drying (suited to delicate blooms)

• Purchase silica gel from a craft store or online.
• Fill a container with a base layer, add flowers, then gently cover them.
• Seal and leave for 1–2 weeks.

Silica preserves the shape and colour more vividly, especially for flowers like roses and peonies.

Pressing (suited to flat floral art)

While not ideal for bouquets, pressing is perfect for cards or framing. Place flowers between sheets of parchment paper and insert into a heavy book for 2–4 weeks.

Step 3: Prepping for Arrangement

Once dried, trim the stems to your desired length, around 30-50cm is ideal. Strip off any excess leaves or foliage.

Have your tools ready:

• Floral scissors or secateurs
• Twine or floral tape
• A vase or jug

You may also want floral wire for more delicate stems or to add structure.

Step 4: Arranging Your Dried Bouquet

Now for the fun part! Start by choosing a focal flower, like a dried rose or large hydrangea head, and build around it. Add texture with grasses and filler blooms such as:

• Oat grass
• Ruscus
• Nigella pods
• Achillea

For an elegant look, stick to a cohesive colour palette. Earthy tones, soft whites, and pops of rust or blush are especially popular. Try a spiral technique, which involves holding the stems at a diagonal angle and rotating as you add more. Secure the base with twine, trim the stems to length, and place in your vase of choice.

Step 5: Styling and Caring for Your Bouquet

Dried flowers require almost no upkeep, but here are a few tips to help them last:

• Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
• Avoid humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
• Dust gently with a soft brush or hairdryer on a cool, low setting.

Natural shedding is normal over time, but your bouquet can last over a year with proper care.

Step 6: Creative Uses and Gifting Ideas

Beyond simple vases, dried flowers work beautifully in:

• Wreaths
• Wedding arrangements
• Gift wrapping
• Centrepieces

Wrap your bouquet in kraft paper and twine for a thoughtful handmade gift, or create smaller posies for favours or thank-yous.

Final Thoughts

Making your own dried bouquet is a brilliant way to celebrate the natural world, add character to your home, and embrace a slower, more sustainable way of decorating. Whether for your dining table, desk, or a loved one’s doorstep, a handmade dried arrangement always brings beauty that endures.

For more inspiration and to browse our hand-crafted, pre-arranged designs, visit Dried.co.uk.