Preservation Tips from a Pro with Nearly 5 Years of Experience
Your wedding bouquet is more than just flowers—it’s a symbol of your love story, style, and the emotions that filled your big day. That’s why preserving it is such a meaningful keepsake. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom resin piece, a timeless shadow box, or a delicate pressed flower frame, choosing the right flowers from the start can make all the difference in how your bouquet transforms after the big day.
As someone who has spent nearly five years preserving bridal bouquets, I’ve learned which flowers tend to hold up best—and which ones can be a little trickier. So here are my top five favorite flowers to preserve, along with a few helpful tips.
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1. Roses
Why we love them: Roses are classic, romantic, and incredibly versatile. They hold their shape and color beautifully in all preservation methods—especially resin and shadow boxes.
Pro tip: White roses may yellow over time, so if you’re set on all-white, consider adding a touch of blush or soft color to balance the look once preserved.
2. Orchids
Why we love them: Orchids have an exotic elegance and preserve wonderfully when pressed. Their structure and subtle color gradients create stunning art pieces in frames.
Pro tip: Because they’re delicate, orchids are best suited for pressed frames or small resin inclusions—not ideal for full 3D preservation unless reinforced properly.
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3. Peonies
Why we love them: Peonies are lush, bold, and full of personality. Their layered petals create dimension in resin blocks and add softness to shadow boxes.
Pro tip: Peonies must be handled carefully and dried properly to avoid browning. If you’re getting married during peony season, you’re in luck!
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4. Hydrangeas
Why we love them: Hydrangeas add texture and color variety, especially blues and purples. While their petals are delicate, they look incredible when pressed or used as background fillers in shadow boxes.
Pro tip: These flowers can be moisture-heavy, so proper drying and spacing are crucial to preserving their look.
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5. Ranunculus
Why we love them: These beauties have a tight, ruffled shape that mimics miniature peonies. They preserve well in both 3D resin and shadow box formats.
Pro tip: Lighter colors like cream or peach retain their beauty, while deep reds may darken slightly over time—but still look rich and romantic.
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Honorable Mentions
• Delphinium (perfect for pressing)
• Lisianthus (great shape and color retention)
• Strawflower & Baby’s Breath (ideal for fillers or accents)
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Plan Ahead for the Best Results
If you’re already thinking about bouquet preservation, talk to your florist early. Let them know you’re planning to preserve your flowers, and ask if they can include more preservation-friendly varieties. I also offer consultations to help you plan and make sure your bouquet is designed with long-term beauty in mind.
Preserving your bouquet isn’t just about saving flowers—it’s about saving memories. When you choose flowers that are as long-lasting as your love, the end result is a piece you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
