Your Step-by-Step Guide to Preserving Your Precious Wedding Varmala

What is Varmala and its Significance in Indian Weddings

The varmala, or jaimala, is the floral garland exchanged between the bride and groom during the varmala ceremony, one of the most significant rituals in a Hindu wedding. More than just a wedding accessory, the varmala represents the couple's acceptance of each other as lifelong partners.

The flowers used in the varmala often have symbolic meanings. Marigolds signify brightness and positive energy, roses symbolise love and purity, while jasmine stands for auspiciousness. The varmala's design is carefully chosen to complement the bride and groom's wedding outfits.

Why Preserve Your Wedding Varmala

Your wedding varmala holds within its petals the precious memories of the moment you and your partner said "I do". By preserving your varmala, you create a beautiful keepsake to fondly look back upon for years to come.

A preserved varmala makes a meaningful anniversary gift, a unique home decor piece, or even a family heirloom to pass down to future generations. It's a tangible way to relive the romance and joy of your big day, long after the last of the wedding shehnai notes have faded.

Choosing the Right Preservation Method

There are several ways to preserve wedding varmalas, from simple air-drying to professional framing. The method you choose depends on factors like the type of flowers, your intended use for the preserved varmala, and your budget.

• Air-drying: Best for sturdy flowers like roses and carnations. Simply hang the varmala upside down in a cool, dark, dry place for a few weeks until completely dry.
• Pressing: Ideal for delicate flowers. Place the varmala between layers of absorbent paper and press under heavy books for a few weeks.
• Silica gel drying: Preserve wedding varmala with this technique to achieve the best colour retention. Bury the varmala in silica gel crystals for a week, then remove and dust off the excess gel.
• Glycerin treatment: Gives the flowers a soft, supple feel. Soak the varmala in a glycerin-water solution for 2-3 days, then allow to air dry.
• Resin coating: Provides a high-gloss, glass-like finish. Carefully coat the varmala with clear epoxy resin and allow to cure.

No matter which method you choose, it's important to take the time to properly preserve wedding varmala so it remains a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Preparing Your Varmala for Preservation

Whichever preservation method you opt for, a bit of prep work helps achieve the best results for wedding varmala preservation:

1. Start the process as soon as possible after the ceremony, while the flowers are still fresh, to ensure the best results in wedding varmala preservation.
2. Gently shake the varmala to dislodge any loose petals, pollen or dirt. You can also use a soft brush.
3. If the flowers appear limp or dehydrated, mist them lightly with fresh water and allow to air dry for 30 minutes before starting the preservation.
4. Remove any plastic/metal wires, pins or tapes holding the varmala together, as these may rust or degrade over time.

Preserving Your Varmala at Home

With a few easily available supplies, you can preserve your wedding varmala yourself:

• For air-drying, hang the varmala upside down from a hook or hanger in a cool, dark cupboard or room. Avoid humid bathrooms or damp basements.
• To press your varmala, open it out and place it between layers of non-waxy paper like parchment or craft paper. Then press within the pages of a heavy book, or under a flat weight.
• For silica gel drying, get packets of silica gel (easily available online or at craft stores). Pour a layer into an airtight container, nestle in sections of the opened-up varmala, and cover completely with more gel. Seal the container tightly.
• To make a glycerin solution, mix 1 part glycerin with 2 parts warm water. Submerge the varmala for 2-3 days, then remove, shake off excess solution and hang to dry.

Professional Wedding Varmala Preservation Services

For a truly expert touch, consider enlisting the services of a professional for your wedding varmala preservation. Many online and local businesses specialise in preserving floral memorabilia using advanced techniques.

• Resin preservation services can coat your varmala in crystal-clear resin, suspending the flowers forever in their original glory. You can opt to have it set within a frame or a freestanding block.
• Some companies offer freeze-drying, where the varmala is flash-frozen to -40°C, then placed in a vacuum chamber to extract all moisture, leaving the flowers looking eternally fresh.
• Experienced framing services can mount your varmala within a custom shadow box, along with other wedding keepsakes like your wedding invite or photographs.

Tip: Look for preservationists who use museum-grade, archival materials to ensure your varmala stays pristine through the ages.