How to Transport Flowers Safely, No Wilting Necessary

It's a common flower lover's dilemma: How do you transport flowers safely without compromising their beauty? Such moves can be perilous. Without the proper packaging, things can get pretty challenged and messy!

If you've ever been the recipient of a gorgeous wedding floral arrangement, then you know exactly what we're talking about. Imagine water all over your car's floor mats. Or a crushed bouquet of flowers that you were trying to bring as a gift for a dinner party host.

Here's the good news: You don't need to be an expert to guarantee that your flowers will get from one destination to the next without a casualty. All you need is to follow a few simple tips.

For a bouquet

Do not store flowers in the trunk

Although you may think your trunk is secure, the lack of ventilation can damage your flowers' ability to thrive, and they won't look as healthy after a long trip. However, if you must use your trunk, it should only be done if outdoor temperatures are relatively mild — if it's too hot or too cold, the flowers may wilt or freeze.

Avoid the dashboard

The dashboard is another place you shouldn't place a bouquet during a drive. Although it is a flat surface, it is in direct line of the sun, which isn’t necessarily ideal for freshly cut flowers. You wouldn't want your beautiful bouquet to wind up faded and sagging, would you? Also, it obstructs your view as you're driving and can be very dangerous and hazardous.

Store in a water-filled bucket

The optimum method to transport anywhere from one bouquet, two bouquets, or too many to count is in a bucket filled with water. That way, they will be hydrated and can remain in an upright position. Keep in mind that you won't want to fill the bucket with too much water, as this could lead to a spill if you hit a bump in the road; filling it just enough to wet your flowers' whistle will do. But, even with minimal water, you can make sure that the bucket doesn't get too jostled around by placing weights or sandbags on each side.

Pro tip: If you aren't traveling too far, you can do away with the water altogether and just keep your bouquet(s) standing upright in the bucket — just be sure to arrange the flowers in a vase as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Transporting floral arrangements in a vase

Place on the floor

Although you may want to keep your floral arrangement next to you thinking that you can keep a better eye on it, placing a vase on a surface that isn’t necessarily flat could be an invitation for trouble. Therefore, you may want to choose the floor instead.

But let’s talk about what you should do with the water that’s in the vase when you receive your arrangement; to ensure that your flowers’ stems don’t need to be recut by the time your trip is over, keep approximately one-third of the vase filled before placing it on the ground. And even though this is quite a minimal amount of water, don’t forget to wrap an item like a blanket or sweatshirt around the vase’s base to keep it in place as you drive.

Pro tip: If you must keep your arrangement on a seat, whether front or back, be sure to use your seat belt for added protection.

Safeguard flowers in a box

If you anticipate that you'll be bringing home a vase or two from an event, prepare yourself for the trip by packing a few cardboard boxes in the car. But, before you do, cut some openings in the top of the box in the shape of a star — this can help keep your arrangement sturdy as you drive. (Remember to place the box on the floor.)

Although this method is a surefire way to protect your arrangement regardless of the size, to be extra prepared, also pack newspaper that can be used to fill in each hole in case the cut-out seems to be a bit roomier than desired.

Secure blooms in your cup holder

Other than to store drinks, you may use your cup holders to collect change or temporarily hold your GPS while you drive. However, did you know that they can also safely transport floral arrangements from one place to the next?! That is, as long as the vase is small enough, of course. Should you choose this approach, we recommend using the cup holders in the back seat of your car so that they don't become a distraction.

While a few of the above methods may require some extra preparation on your part, the end result will preserve your arrangements. By the time you get your flowers to their destination, they'll still look freshly picked.