How to Protect Your Flowers and Memories with Expert Guidance
Your wedding day flies by in a whirlwind of excitement, emotion, and love—and while the photos capture the moment, your bouquet holds a tangible piece of the day itself. If you’re planning to preserve your wedding flowers, knowing what to do immediately after the celebration is just as important as picking the right preservation method.
With nearly five years of experience preserving flowers through resin, shadow boxes, and pressed frames, I’ve seen how proper planning (and a little post-wedding care!) makes all the difference in the final result. Here’s everything you need to know to give your bouquet the best chance of becoming a lasting keepsake.
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Step 1: Plan Ahead (Before the Wedding)
Before your wedding even arrives, here’s what you can do to set yourself up for success:
• Book your preservation artist early. My schedule, like many preservationists, fills up months in advance—especially during peak wedding season.
• Let your florist know. They can design your bouquet with preservation-friendly flowers that dry and hold color well.
• Decide on your style. Whether you’re leaning toward resin, a shadow box, or pressed flowers in a frame, your artist may have specific flower preferences or packaging tips.
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Step 2: Protect the Bouquet After the Ceremony
After the party ends, your flowers are still very much alive—and delicate. Treat them with care:
• Keep it cool and dry. Store your bouquet in a cool room or refrigerator (NOT a freezer) until it can be dropped off or shipped.
• Don’t wrap tightly in plastic. This traps moisture, which can cause mold. If you need to travel with it, wrap it loosely in paper towels or tissue, and place in a box with airflow.
• Avoid sun and heat. Direct sunlight or a hot car can wilt the flowers in hours.
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Step 3: Contact Your Preservation Artist Immediately
Time is of the essence. Most flowers begin to degrade within 24–48 hours, so get your bouquet into the hands of your preservation artist as quickly as possible.
• Drop-off or shipping instructions: I offer both local drop-offs and nationwide shipping options. If you’re shipping, I’ll send a prep and packing guide to make it as easy as possible.
• Communicate any changes. If travel plans shift or you’re headed straight to your honeymoon, make arrangements for a trusted friend or family member to handle your bouquet.
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Step 4: Let the Creative Process Begin
Once your flowers are safely with your preservation artist, we’ll begin carefully drying and designing your piece. This process can take several weeks, depending on the style and complexity.
• Drying: Each flower type is treated differently—some air dry, others are silica dried to maintain shape and color.
• Design & Curing: Whether you choose resin, a shadow box, or pressed art, I’ll work with you to finalize layout, colors, and custom details like nameplates or wedding dates.
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Bonus Tips for a Seamless Experience
• Save your bouquet, not your stress. Assign someone to be in charge of your bouquet at the end of the night—maid of honor, parent, planner, etc.
• Consider preserving boutonnières or corsages too. These smaller pieces make great add-ons and gifts.
• Ask about additional keepsakes. Many couples also love having floral coasters, ornaments, or ring holders created from leftover flowers.
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Your bouquet is more than just flowers—it’s a piece of your story. When handled with care and preserved professionally, it becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake you can display, cherish, and remember for a lifetime. With the right timeline and a little planning, those blooms will stay beautiful long after the last dance.
