Your wedding bouquet looked stunning, smelled like heaven, and probably photobombed half your ceremony shots. Now what? If you want to keep it forever-ish (because, hello, memories), you’ve got options—some luxe, some DIY, all legit.
Let’s get your blooms from “one-day wonder” to “cherished keepsake” without turning them into crumbly sadness.
Pressed Flowers: The Classic, Framed Favorite
Pressing keeps your bouquet elegant and flat—perfect for framing or slipping into an album. It works beautifully for delicate blooms like ranunculus, anemones, and roses. How to do it:
- Disassemble the bouquet and lay petals or whole blooms between parchment or coffee filters.
- Sandwich between heavy books or a flower press. Add more books.
Add your cat for moral support.
- Leave for 2–4 weeks, changing paper if it feels damp.
Why it’s great: It’s budget-friendly, easy to display, and looks chic in a shadow box with your vows or a photo. Watch-outs: Colors can shift (reds to burgundy, whites to cream). Thick flowers like peonies don’t always press evenly.
Pro tip: Frame like a designer
Arrange pressed blooms on acid-free mat board. Add your ribbon or a small nameplate.
Use UV-protective glass so your colors don’t fade faster than wedding trends.
Silica Gel Drying: The DIY That Looks Pro
Silica gel (available at craft stores) dries flowers while keeping their shape. It’s the upgrade from air-drying that your bouquet deserves. How to do it:
- Snip stems short. Use an airtight container.
- Pour a layer of silica gel, nestle blooms in, then gently cover completely.
- Seal and wait 5–10 days.
Brush off crystals carefully after.
Why it’s great: You’ll keep more color and shape than pressing. You can display the actual blooms in domes, cloches, or shadow boxes. Budget note: Silica gel costs, but you can reuse it. IMO, it’s worth it for showpiece flowers like garden roses or dahlias.
Display ideas
- Arrange dry blooms in a glass cloche with your veil ribbon.
- Create a small dried bouquet for your dresser—a little daily swoon.
Resin Casting: The TikTok Darling
You’ve seen this: blooms suspended in glossy resin blocks, trays, or coasters.
It basically time-capsules your bouquet. How it works:
- Pre-dry flowers (silica gel works best) to prevent mold.
- Set flowers in a silicone mold. Pour resin in layers to avoid heat damage and bubbles.
- Cure for 24–72 hours depending on brand and size.
Why it’s great: It’s durable, modern, and display-ready. Makes amazing gifts for parents or your partner too. But FYI: Resin can yellow over years if exposed to sunlight.
Use high-quality, UV-stabilized resin and display away from direct light.
Best shapes to try
- Bookend blocks featuring your signature bloom
- Ring dish with petals and a tiny charm
- Serving tray for brunch flexes forever
Air-Drying: Zero Fuss, Very Vintage
Air-drying works best for hardy varieties like eucalyptus, lavender, roses, and strawflower. The vibe: romantic, slightly wild, and intentionally imperfect. How to do it:
- Remove excess foliage.
- Tie stems with twine and hang upside down in a dry, dark spot with airflow.
- Wait 2–3 weeks until fully dry.
Why it’s great: It’s free, easy, and keeps that organic look. Heads-up: Flowers shrink and darken. If you want pristine, choose another method.
If you like moody cottagecore? Chef’s kiss.
Make it last
Lightly mist with a clear matte floral sealant once dry. Keep away from steamy bathrooms and sunny windows unless you enjoy crunchy confetti.
Professional Preservation: Outsource the Stress
If you want museum-level results and zero mess, hire a pro.
Many studios specialize in bouquets. Options pros offer:
- Pressed arrangements framed behind UV glass
- 3D domes or shadow boxes
- Resin blocks, trays, and ornaments
Why it’s great: Consistent results, custom design, and archival materials. Cost range (ballpark): $200–$1,200 depending on size and method. Timing tip: Book before your wedding. Ask your florist to package stems for overnight shipping to the studio.
What to ask when booking
- How do you preserve color long-term?
- What’s the turnaround time?
- Do you return extra petals for keepsakes?
Wax Dipping: The Short-Term Stunner
Dipping blooms in paraffin or floral wax creates a dewy, almost fresh look—great for display for a few weeks to a couple months. How to do it (carefully):
- Melt floral wax in a double boiler until just liquid.
- Dip blooms quickly, let excess drip, and hang to set.
- Keep away from heat once finished.
Why it’s great: Fast, pretty, and surprisingly forgiving. Reality check: It’s not truly long-term preservation. Consider it a bridge while you decide on a permanent method.
Freeze-Drying: The Splurge That Looks Fresh
Freeze-drying removes moisture in a vacuum so petals keep their shape and color with minimal distortion.
It’s the closest to “day-of” bloom magic. How it works (in a lab, basically):
- Florists or preservation studios prep and pre-treat the bouquet.
- A freeze dryer pulls moisture over days to weeks.
- The bouquet gets arranged in a display case or dome.
Why it’s great: Stunning realism, excellent color retention. Downside: Pricey and pro-only. Book early because slots fill fast.
Budget-Friendly Preservation Ideas That Still Slap
You don’t need a trust fund to keep your bouquet memories alive. Mix and match these wallet-friendly moves.
- Press a highlight bloom and frame it with your date and a vow snippet.
- Silica-dry a few favorites for a small cloche instead of the whole bouquet.
- Make petal confetti by air-drying and storing in a pretty jar.
- DIY resin coasters with petals and gold flakes—cute and practical.
- Turn ribbon into a keepsake by wrapping a candle or journal with it; add a pressed bloom sticker.
Prioritize your “hero” flowers
Can’t preserve everything?
Choose 3–5 blooms with the most meaning—your grandma’s garden rose, the first peony your partner picked—then build your keepsake around those.
How to Prep Your Bouquet Right After the Wedding
You’ll set yourself up for success by treating your bouquet like a tiny diva.
- Rehydrate ASAP: Pop stems in clean water as soon as you can.
- Refrigerate lightly (not freezing!) if possible. Think cool pantry or basement.
- Skip the sun and car trunk sauna. Heat wilts, and wilted petals don’t preserve well.
- Communicate with your florist: Ask them to provide a preservation-ready wrap and care instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s prevent heartbreak, shall we?
- Waiting too long. Start preservation within 48 hours for best results.
- Skipping the drying step before resin. Moisture equals bubbles and mold. Hard no.
- Using hairspray indiscriminately. It can yellow and get sticky.
Use a proper floral sealant.
- Overcrowding in silica gel. Give each bloom personal space; this isn’t a subway at rush hour.
FAQs
Can I preserve my bouquet if it’s already wilted?
You can try, but lower your expectations. Pressing wilted petals still looks romantic, and air-drying herbs or greenery works fine. For anything 3D, pick the best survivors and focus on a smaller display.
How long do preserved flowers actually last?
Pressed flowers can look great for years in UV-protected frames.
Silica-dried and freeze-dried blooms last several years if you keep them dry and out of direct sun. Resin lasts the longest, but even then, avoid bright windows to limit yellowing.
What flowers preserve best?
Roses, ranunculus, peonies, hydrangea petals, strawflower, eucalyptus, and baby’s breath usually behave. Succulents and very fleshy blooms struggle.
FYI, white flowers show browning more easily—handle gently.
Should I DIY or hire a pro?
If you love crafts and don’t mind a learning curve, DIY pressing or silica drying can turn out beautifully. If your bouquet includes tricky blooms or you want a “wow” 3D display, a pro delivers consistency. IMO, mix them: DIY a small piece, pay for one statement keepsake.
How do I keep colors from fading?
Limit light exposure, use UV-protective glass, and choose gentle sealants labeled archival.
For resin, choose a high-quality, UV-stabilized brand. Store extras in a dark, dry box with silica packets.
What about preserving just the petals?
Great idea. Dry petals flat or in silica, then use them for resin jewelry, ornaments, or framed art.
Petals also make gorgeous potpourri with a few drops of essential oil.
Conclusion
Your bouquet deserves better than a dusty vase and a slow fade. Choose a method that fits your vibe and budget—press a few stars, silica-dry the showstoppers, or go big with resin or freeze-drying. Start early, keep things cool and dry, and protect from light.
Do that, and your wedding flowers won’t just be a memory—they’ll be a conversation piece you actually love looking at, IMO the best kind of souvenir.