How to Preserve Your Wedding Flowers

Your wedding flowers represent a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. From your carefully selected bridal bouquet to the stunning centerpieces, these blooms help tell the story of your special day. Rather than watching them wilt and eventually throwing them away, preserving your wedding flowers offers a beautiful way to hold onto these meaningful mementos for years to come.

In this guide, we'll explore various methods to preserve your wedding flowers, from simple DIY techniques you can do at home to professional preservation services. We'll also share tips for preparing your flowers and creative ways to display your preserved blooms.

Why Preserve Your Wedding Flowers?

Before diving into the how-to's, let's consider why preserving your wedding flowers is worth the effort:

• Sentimental value: Your wedding flowers are tied to one of the most significant days of your life.
• Investment protection: With the average couple spending $1,500-$3,000 on wedding flowers, preservation helps you get more value from this expense.
• Decorative keepsakes: Preserved flowers make beautiful home décor items that remind you of your wedding day.
• Heirloom potential: Properly preserved flowers can become family heirlooms passed down through generations.

Planning Ahead for Preservation

The most successful flower preservation begins with proper planning:

1. Research preservation methods before your wedding: Knowing your options helps you make quick decisions after the celebration.
2. Assign a helper: Ask a trusted friend or family member to be responsible for collecting your bouquet and any other flowers you want to preserve.
3. Communicate with your florist: Let them know you plan to preserve your flowers, as they may have recommendations for flower types that preserve well.
4. Consider professional preservation services: If using a professional service, make arrangements in advance as some require you to deliver flowers within 48 hours.

DIY Preservation Methods

1. Air Drying

Air drying is the simplest and most traditional method of preserving flowers.

What you'll need:

• String, rubber bands, or floral wire
• Scissors
• Dark, dry location with good air circulation
• Optional: hairspray (unfragranced)

Steps:

1. Remove any damaged or wilting flowers from your bouquet.
2. Trim stems to desired length (around 6-8 inches works well).
3. Remove any extra foliage from stems.
4. Group flowers in small bunches (3-5 stems per bunch).
5. Secure stems with string, rubber bands, or floral wire.
6. Hang bunches upside down in a dark, dry place with good air circulation.
7. Let them dry for 2-3 weeks.
8. Once completely dry, spray lightly with hairspray for added protection (optional).

Best for: Roses, lavender, baby's breath, statice, strawflower, hydrangeas

Pros: Simple, no special equipment needed, inexpensive Cons: Colors often fade, flowers become brittle, works better with certain flower types

2. Silica Gel Drying

Silica gel is a desiccant that draws moisture out of flowers while helping them maintain their shape and color.

What you'll need:

• Silica gel (available at craft stores)
• Airtight container with lid
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Pour a 1-2 inch layer of silica gel into your container.
2. Cut stems to about 1-2 inches.
3. Place flowers face-up on the silica gel base.
4. Carefully pour more silica gel over and around the flowers until completely covered.
5. Seal the container and leave undisturbed for 3-7 days.
6. Once dried, remove flowers gently and shake off excess silica gel.
7. Apply a clear spray sealant if desired.

Best for: Roses, daisies, carnations, zinnias

Pros: Maintains color and shape better than air drying Cons: Requires special materials, more labor-intensive

3. Pressing

Flower pressing is ideal for creating flat preserved flowers that work well in frames or albums.

What you'll need:

• Heavy books or a flower press
• Absorbent paper (blotting paper, parchment paper, or coffee filters)
• Cardboard pieces (optional)

Steps:

1. Select flowers that are relatively flat (or flatten complex flowers by removing back petals).
2. Place flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper.
3. Place the paper between book pages or in a flower press.
4. If using books, add weight on top.
5. Change the absorbent paper every 3-4 days to prevent mold.
6. Allow to dry for 2-4 weeks until completely flat and dry.

Best for: Delicate flowers like pansies, daisies, larkspur, and small roses

Pros: Creates perfectly flat specimens ideal for framing Cons: Alters the three-dimensional nature of flowers

4. Wax Preservation

This method helps maintain the look of fresh flowers for several weeks to months.

What you'll need:

• Paraffin wax or beeswax
• Double boiler
• Tongs or tweezers
• Wax paper

Steps:

1. Melt wax in a double boiler.
2. Let wax cool slightly (but remain liquid).
3. Hold each flower by the stem and dip the bloom into the melted wax.
4. Swirl to coat evenly and remove quickly.
5. Hold upside down for a few seconds to drain excess wax.
6. Place on wax paper to cool and harden.

Best for: Roses, carnations, zinnias

Pros: Maintains a "fresh" look longer than other methods Cons: Not truly permanent (lasts weeks to months), requires careful handling

5. Glycerin Preservation

This method replaces the water in flowers with glycerin, keeping them soft and pliable.

What you'll need:

• Vegetable glycerin (available at pharmacies)
• Warm water
• Container tall enough for stems
• Optional: food coloring

Steps:

1. Mix 1 part glycerin to 2 parts warm water in your container.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
3. Cut stems at an angle and immediately place in solution.
4. Keep in solution for 2-3 weeks, checking water levels regularly.
5. Flowers are ready when stems and leaves feel soft and pliable.

Best for: Foliage, hydrangeas, eucalyptus

Pros: Maintains flexibility and a natural feel Cons: Changes the color of flowers (usually to amber or brown tones)

6. Microwave Drying

For those short on time, microwave drying offers a quick alternative.

What you'll need:

• Microwave-safe container
• Silica gel
• Microwave

Steps:

1. Place a layer of silica gel in your container.
2. Position flowers and cover completely with more silica gel.
3. Microwave on low power for 2-3 minutes.
4. Let container sit for 24 hours before removing flowers.

Best for: Small, sturdy flowers

Pros: Very quick, good results with certain flowers Cons: Requires precise timing to prevent burning, not ideal for delicate blooms

Professional Preservation Options

While DIY methods are accessible to everyone, professional preservation often yields superior results.

1. Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying is considered the gold standard for wedding flower preservation.

The process:

• Flowers are flash-frozen to lock in color and shape
• Moisture is removed through a vacuum process
• Flowers retain their natural 3D form and about 75-80% of their original color

Pros: Most realistic appearance, maintains dimension and color Cons: Expensive ($150-$700 depending on size), must be arranged quickly after wedding

2. Resin Preservation

This creates stunning paperweights, jewelry, or decorative items with your flowers suspended in clear resin.

The process:

• Flowers are typically dried first
• Arranged in a mold and covered with clear resin
• Cured to create a solid object with flowers inside

Pros: Modern, contemporary look, highly durable Cons: Alters the natural look of flowers, requires skill to do properly

3. Professional Pressing and Framing

Many companies specialize in artistic pressing and framing of wedding flowers.

The process:

• Flowers are carefully pressed to maintain color
• Artistically arranged in a frame, often with wedding photos or invitation
• Sealed to prevent deterioration

Pros: Creates wall-ready artwork, professionally designed Cons: Flowers become flat rather than maintaining 3D shape

Caring for Your Preserved Wedding Flowers

No matter which preservation method you choose, proper care will extend the life of your preserved blooms:

1. Keep away from direct sunlight: UV rays fade colors quickly.
2. Avoid humidity: Bathrooms and kitchens can damage preserved flowers.
3. Dust gently: Use a soft makeup brush or can of compressed air for dusting.
4. Display in cases when possible: Glass domes, shadow boxes, or frames protect from dust and damage.
5. Handle minimally: Each touch can cause damage to delicate preserved flowers.

Best Flowers for Preservation

While most flowers can be preserved to some extent, these varieties tend to maintain their beauty especially well:

Excellent for preservation:

• Roses
• Carnations
• Baby's breath
• Statice
• Strawflower
• Lavender
• Hydrangea (for certain methods)

Challenging to preserve:

• Lilies
• Tulips
• Orchids
• Peonies
• Dahlias

How Much of Your Wedding Flowers Should You Preserve?

You don't need to preserve everything! Consider these options:

1. Bridal bouquet only: The most common choice and often the most meaningful
2. Bouquet plus boutonniere: A lovely pairing that represents both of you
3. Sampling from various arrangements: Take a few blooms from centerpieces, altar arrangements, etc.
4. Just the special elements: Perhaps only the special charm attached to your bouquet or the ribbon

Planning Your Preservation Timeline

The timing of preservation is crucial for success:

Immediately after the ceremony (same day):

• Assign someone to put your bouquet in water if you plan to preserve later
• Begin any professional preservation process that requires fresh flowers
• Take photos of your arrangements for reference

Within 48 hours:

• Begin air-drying, silica gel, or pressing processes
• Deliver to professional preservationists if using freeze-drying

After honeymoon (1-2 weeks later):

• Investigate preservation options for flowers you've kept in water (results may vary)
• Consider professional pressing or resin services that can work with semi-dried flowers

Cost Considerations

Preservation costs vary widely based on method and scope:

DIY Methods:

• Air drying: $0-$10
• Silica gel: $20-$40
• Pressing: $0-$50 (depending on if you purchase a press)
• Wax preservation: $15-$30

Professional Services:

• Freeze-drying: $150-$700
• Resin preservation: $100-$300
• Professional pressing and framing: $150-$500

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting too long: Flowers begin deteriorating immediately after cutting
2. Forgetting to remove water: Excess moisture leads to mold
3. Rushing the process: Proper drying takes time
4. Overhandling: Each touch can damage delicate blooms
5. Exposing to sunlight during preservation: UV rays fade colors quickly

Final Thoughts

Your wedding flowers deserve to be cherished beyond your special day. Whether you choose a simple DIY method or invest in professional preservation, the effort will reward you with a tangible memory that lasts for years to come.

Remember that no preservation method is perfect—each has advantages and limitations. Focus on what matters most to you: maintaining the original appearance, creating artistic displays, or simply keeping a piece of your wedding day close at hand.

With proper care and appropriate expectations, your preserved wedding flowers can become treasured keepsakes that transport you back to your wedding day each time you see them.

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Ready to find the perfect wedding venue to complement your dream flowers? Visit Wedding Venue Finder to discover stunning venues that will provide the perfect backdrop for your floral arrangements. From garden settings that showcase your blooms to elegant ballrooms that complement your bouquet, we'll help you find the ideal location for your special day.