What You Need to Know About Flower Preservation – with Peachy Petals

WRITTEN BY Elisabeth Russell, Peachy Petals | PHOTOS BY Abby Byrd Photography

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments. While your photos and memories will last a lifetime, there’s something particularly special about holding onto the physical mementos from that day. And few things carry the same emotional weight as your wedding flowers. From the bouquet you held down the aisle to the blooms that adorned your reception tables, flowers are a tangible representation of the beauty and emotions of your day. But what happens to these precious petals after the celebration? This is where flower preservation steps in — allowing you to hold onto a piece of your wedding forever.

At Peachy Petals, preserving flowers from your wedding is more than just creating a keepsake. It’s about capturing a moment in time and creating an heirloom you can cherish for years. This guide will walk you through the different preservation options available, the logistics of keeping your flowers fresh and how to create lasting gifts from your blooms.

FLOWER PRESERVATION OPTIONS

When considering how to preserve your wedding flowers, you’ll find a variety of methods. Each offers a unique way to commemorate your day, and choosing the method that aligns with your style and vision is essential. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular options:

1. Pressed Flowers

Pressing flowers is a timeless method that involves flattening blooms between layers of paper or within a press to preserve their color and shape. At Peachy Petals, we specialize in pressed flower art, creating stunning frames and displays that turn your bouquet into a work of art.

Pros: A sleek, timeless look that can be readily displayed on any wall and allows for intricate floral details to be showcased well.

Cons: The flat design may not capture the full depth and dimension of larger blooms, such as pincushions or proteas.

2. 3D Arrangements

The 3D Arrangement method keeps bouquets intact by air-drying or freeze-drying the flowers and maintaining their natural shape. The dried flowers are then placed in shadow boxes or dome displays.

Pros: Retains the full shape and texture of your bouquet, creating an authentic representation of your wedding florals.

Cons: Bulkier to display, and some flowers may lose their color or shrink during the drying process.

3. Resin

For this method, flowers are set in a block of resin, preserving their shape and color in a more modern form.

Pros: Keeps the flowers’ shape and texture intact while allowing them to be transformed into functional decor pieces.

Cons: Resin can yellow over time, air bubbles may occur during the process, and this method is typically more expensive than others.

Each method can be customized to your preferences. Whether you prefer a 2D pressed display for your wall or a 3D arrangement in a shadow box, your wedding flowers can live on in a beautiful form that fits your personal style.

LOGISTICS AND FLOWER CARE

Flower preservation is a delicate process, and timing is everything! Make arrangements with your preservationist as soon as possible — definitely before your wedding day. At Peachy Petals, we recommend booking your spot 8 to 12 weeks ahead of your big day so we can discuss your vision and ensure your flowers are handled with care.

Tips for Keeping Flowers Fresh:

• Day-of Care: Keep your bouquet in water whenever you are not holding it. Ensure someone is designated to place the flowers in water during the reception and avoid using your real flowers for the bouquet toss.
• Hydration: Keep the flowers in water for as long as possible before handing them off to your preservationist. This ensures the blooms retain their color and structure.
• Storage: Store your bouquet in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat, which can cause wilting.
  These simple steps will go a long way in ensuring your flowers look just as stunning in their preserved form as they did on your wedding day.

TIMELINE

Decide on flower preservation a few months prior to your wedding. After your big day, the preservation process should begin within a day or two of the event to ensure the flowers are in optimal condition. Waiting until the last minute can be stressful (for you and the preservationist), not to mention artists may be at capacity and unable to accept your flowers.

If you intend to ship your bouquet or schedule a drop-off, make sure you have a plan to keep the flowers hydrated and cool until then. I recommend appointing a trusted bridesmaid or family member to take on “flower duty,” ensuring your bouquet remains hydrated and reaches the preservation studio safely.

FLOWER SELECTION

Incorporating a larger variety of flowers into your bouquet can create a more dynamic and visually interesting preserved piece. Different shapes, sizes and colors work together to enhance the overall aesthetic, adding depth and character to the final product. We suggest three to four different kinds of focal flowers, two to three different kinds of filler flowers, one or two line flowers and one or two varieties of greenery. Of course, single variety arrangements are also beautiful, and at the end of the day, it is really all about what you love!

Not all flowers preserve equally, and knowing which blooms preserve best can help you make informed decisions about what to include in your bouquet. While you should always choose flowers that have personal meaning or match your wedding aesthetic, certain varieties are particularly well-suited for preservation.

Each preservationist has different “rules” about flowers they do and do not press. At Peachy Petals, we will press almost every element of your bouquet, and only occasionally a few elements will be too thick to fit inside your frame. Be sure to check with your preservationist if you have any unique or unusual elements you want preserved (proteas, stems, succulents, etc).

Our favorite flowers to press: Rose, poppy, sweet pea, tweedia, hydrangea, larkspur, snapdragon, spray rose, butterfly ranunculus, ranunculus, peony and chamomile.

Flowers that give us trouble: Calla lily, lisianthus, mums, lily of the valley and tropical florals. It is not to say these flowers cannot be pressed, they just tend to be difficult and susceptible to browning and color change. But by choosing the right flowers and working closely with your florist, you can create a piece that looks just as stunning years after your wedding.

ADD-ONS AND GIFTS

Flower preservation doesn’t have to stop with your bouquet. Many couples preserve additional flowers for sentimental gifts or keepsakes. At Peachy Petals, we offer a range of add-on options to make the most of your flowers. Item like resin ring dishes, ornaments or small pressed flower frames make thoughtful gifts for bridesmaids, parents or in-laws.

When you choose to preserve your wedding flowers, you’re creating a timeless keepsake that holds deep emotional significance. It’s a way to hold onto the beauty of your wedding day and reflect on the love and joy you experienced each time you see your preserved arrangement. At Peachy Petals, we take pride in helping couples preserve those memories with artistry and care. When planning your wedding, consider exploring flower preservation options early — it’s a decision you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

About the Author

Elisabeth Russell, the founder of Peachy Petals, is an Atlanta-based flower preservation artist. Her journey into flower preservation began when she decided to save her wedding flowers, which sparked her devotion to the craft. Balancing her career as an environmental engineer by day, she spent her evenings mastering the art of flower pressing before eventually taking her business full-time. At Peachy Petals, Elisabeth preserves flowers from weddings, memorials, and other special events with care and artistry, ensuring that each piece reflects the whimsical beauty of nature and the unique memory it holds.

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