How to Preserve Wedding Flowers: All Methods

The best way to preserve wedding flowers is freeze-drying for professional results ($200-$600) or silica gel for DIY ($20-$50). Act quickly—start preservation within 24-48 hours of your wedding for optimal results. Most professional services take 6-12 weeks to complete, while DIY methods require 1-4 weeks depending on your chosen technique¹.

Wedding bouquet preservation has become increasingly popular, with couples seeking meaningful ways to hold onto their special day. Whether you choose professional services or a hands-on approach, this guide covers every method available in the US, UK, and Australia.

Quick Comparison: All Preservation Methods

Professional Preservation Methods

Professional preservation offers superior results and hands-off convenience, though at a higher cost. These methods are ideal for complete bouquet preservation and lasting keepsakes.

Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying produces the most lifelike results and is considered the gold standard for wedding flower preservation². The process removes moisture through sublimation while maintaining the original shape, colour, and sometimes even scent of your blooms.

How it works:

1. Flowers are frozen at extremely low temperatures
2. A vacuum chamber gradually raises the temperature
3. Ice crystals sublimate directly into vapour over 12-15 days
4. Flowers retain their 3D shape with minimal shrinkage

What to expect:

• Processing time: 2-4 months (longer during peak wedding season)
• Results: Excellent colour and shape retention
• Longevity: Decades when properly displayed
• Ideal for: Full bouquets, buttonholes, corsages

Regional costs:

In Australia, specialists like Precious Posies in South Australia offer freeze-drying with UV-protective framing. UK providers such as Smart Floral Art include colour sealing and enhancement treatments as standard³.

Professional Pressing

Professional pressing creates elegant flat artwork perfect for framing and display. Artists carefully arrange individual petals and blooms to create visually striking compositions.

What to expect:

• Processing time: 4-8 weeks
• Results: Beautiful flat designs, some colour fading possible
• Longevity: Decades with UV-protective glass
• Ideal for: Framed wall art, delicate flowers

Regional costs:

Resin Encapsulation

Resin preservation encases dried flowers in clear epoxy, creating modern keepsakes like paperweights, coasters, serving trays, or decorative blocks⁴. The glass-like finish protects flowers while providing a contemporary aesthetic.

How it works:

1. Flowers are first dried (pressing or silica gel)
2. Dried blooms are arranged in moulds
3. Clear epoxy resin is poured and cured
4. Finished pieces are polished

Important considerations:

• Flowers must be completely dry before resin application—fresh flowers will rot
• Resin naturally yellows (ambers) over time
• Small air bubbles may be visible
• Processing takes 4-7 months due to drying and curing time

Costs: $200-$700+ depending on size and complexity. Larger pieces and custom shapes cost more.

DIY Preservation Methods

DIY preservation offers significant cost savings and the satisfaction of personally preserving your wedding memories. Results vary by method, flower type, and technique.

Silica Gel Method (Recommended DIY)

Silica gel is the most reliable DIY method for maintaining three-dimensional flower shapes and vibrant colours⁵. The desiccant crystals absorb moisture quickly while supporting the flower's structure.

Supplies needed:

• Silica gel crystals (available at craft stores): $15-$40 for 5-10 lbs
• Airtight container large enough for your flowers
• Soft paintbrush for cleaning
• Floral sealant spray: $8-$15
• Optional: Protective gloves and mask

Step-by-step process:

1. Prepare quickly. Begin within 24-48 hours of your wedding. Flowers must be fresh and firm—wilted blooms won't preserve well⁶.

2. Trim stems. Cut stems to approximately 1cm below the flower head. This small stem helps when removing flowers later.

3. Pour base layer. Add 3-5cm of silica gel to the bottom of your container.

4. Position flowers. Place flowers face-up on the gel. Ensure blooms don't overlap or touch the container sides.

5. Cover carefully. Gently pour silica gel around and over the flowers. Use a soft brush to work crystals between petals, maintaining the natural shape.

6. Seal and wait. Close the container tightly. Store in a dark, dry place for 1-2 weeks. Thicker flowers like roses need the full two weeks.

7. Remove and clean. Gently brush away all silica crystals using a soft paintbrush. Pay attention to petal crevices.

8. Seal and display. Spray with floral sealant or hairspray to protect against humidity. Display in a glass dome or shadow box.

Pro tips:

• Recharge used silica gel by baking at 120°C (250°F) for 5 hours
• Check silica gel colour—blue crystals turn pink when saturated
• Work in a well-ventilated area; silica dust can irritate airways

Air Drying

Air drying is the simplest and most affordable preservation method, producing a rustic, vintage aesthetic. While colours will darken or fade, air-dried flowers have timeless charm.

Best for: Baby's breath, lavender, eucalyptus, roses, statice, hydrangeas

Step-by-step process:

1. Remove excess foliage. Strip leaves from the lower portion of stems.

2. Bundle stems. Group 3-6 stems together. Tie with twine or rubber bands—bands work better as stems shrink.

3. Hang upside down. Use hooks, hangers, or a drying rack in a dark, dry location with good air circulation.

4. Wait patiently. Drying takes 2-3 weeks depending on flower type and humidity.

5. Seal when complete. Spray with hairspray or floral sealant for protection.

Avoid: Hanging flowers in direct sunlight (causes severe fading) or humid areas like bathrooms.

Book Pressing

Traditional book pressing creates flat, delicate preserved flowers perfect for framing or incorporating into crafts.

Best for: Flat flowers, individual petals, delicate blooms like pansies and violets

Step-by-step process:

1. Disassemble if needed. Separate complex flowers into individual petals. Flat flowers like daisies can be pressed whole.

2. Prepare pressing surface. Place parchment or blotting paper inside a heavy book.

3. Arrange flowers. Lay flowers flat on the paper. Ensure petals don't overlap.

4. Add weight. Close the book and stack additional heavy books on top.

5. Change paper regularly. Replace damp paper every 2-3 days to prevent mould.

6. Wait 2-4 weeks. Check progress after two weeks. Flowers should feel papery and dry.

Microwave Method

The microwave method uses silica gel with heat for rapid drying—ideal when time is short⁷.

Step-by-step process:

1. Prepare container. Use a microwave-safe container. Pour silica gel and arrange flowers as described above.

2. Place in microwave. Set container (without lid) in the microwave. Add a small glass of water alongside to prevent overheating.

3. Heat in intervals. Microwave on medium power in 30-second increments. Most flowers require 1-3 minutes total.

4. Cool completely. Let the container sit for 20-30 minutes before opening.

5. Remove and clean. Carefully brush away silica gel and apply sealant.

Caution: Overheating can scorch petals. Start with shorter intervals and add time as needed.

Glycerin Preservation

Glycerin preservation replaces the water in flowers with glycerin solution, creating soft, pliable preserved blooms that won't shatter like dried flowers.

Best for: Foliage, eucalyptus, hydrangeas, roses

Step-by-step process:

1. Mix solution. Combine one part glycerin with two parts hot water. Stir until fully dissolved.

2. Cut stems. Make fresh diagonal cuts at stem ends.

3. Submerge stems. Place stems in the glycerin solution. Ensure cut ends are fully submerged.

4. Wait 2-6 weeks. Flowers will gradually absorb the solution. Leaves may darken slightly.

5. Remove and dry. Pat stems dry and display as desired.

Timing: When to Start Preserving

Acting quickly is crucial for successful flower preservation⁸. Here's what to do before, during, and after your wedding:

Before the wedding:

• Book professional preservation services in advance—popular providers fill quickly
• Purchase DIY supplies so they're ready when you return from your honeymoon
• Designate someone to handle flower care at the reception

During the reception:

• Keep your bouquet in water in a cool location away from sunlight
• Avoid floral preservatives (they can cause browning during drying)
• Consider skipping the bouquet toss to keep flowers intact

After the wedding:

• Refrigerate flowers immediately if you can't begin preservation within hours
• Start within 24-48 hours for best results
• Never wait more than 4 days—flowers weaken significantly

Shipping to professionals:

• Most preservation artists request flowers within 1-2 days of your wedding
• Use overnight shipping with ice packs in warm weather
• Wrap bouquet loosely in damp paper towels and place in a plastic bag

Which Flowers Preserve Best

Not all flowers take equally well to preservation. Understanding your blooms' characteristics helps set realistic expectations.

Flower-specific tips:

• Roses: Preserve beautifully with any method. Remove outer petals if damaged.
• Peonies: Best freeze-dried while partially open. Fully open blooms may lose petals.
• Hydrangeas: Air-dry or glycerin-preserve for best results. Colour may shift to blue/green tones.
• Lavender: Air-drying works perfectly and maintains fragrance.
• Baby's breath: Virtually any method works; extremely hardy when dried.

Display and Keepsake Ideas

Once preserved, how you display your flowers matters for both aesthetics and longevity.

Popular Display Options

Shadow boxes: Classic three-dimensional frames that showcase entire bouquets or arrangements. Look for UV-protective glass to prevent fading.

Glass domes/cloches: Elegant Victorian-style display that protects flowers from dust and humidity. Available in various sizes from tabletop to floor-standing.

Pressed flower frames: Modern or traditional frames displaying pressed petals in artistic arrangements. Often include calligraphy with names and wedding dates.

Resin items: Coasters, paperweights, serving trays, or decorative blocks that incorporate flowers into functional pieces.

Ornaments: Christmas baubles, jewellery (pendants, earrings), and decorative spheres containing small flower portions.

Display Care Guidelines

To maximise longevity of your preserved flowers:

• Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays cause fading even through protective glass.
• Control humidity. Keep displays in climate-controlled rooms. Avoid bathrooms or kitchens.
• Dust carefully. Use a soft brush or compressed air for exposed flowers. Enclosed displays rarely need cleaning.
• Handle minimally. Preserved flowers become fragile. Move displays carefully and infrequently.

Costs by Region

Professional preservation costs vary significantly by location, method, and provider. Below are typical price ranges for 2025.

United States

United Kingdom

Australia

Sources and References