How To Preserve Wedding Flowers: 10 Simple & Beautiful Methods

Your wedding flowers hold precious memories, but their beauty is often fleeting. Instead of letting them wilt and fade, why not keep them as a lasting reminder of your special day? Whether you want to turn your bouquet into a keepsake or display it in your home, there are plenty of ways to keep your blooms fresh for years to come. 

Here’s how to preserve wedding flowers using 10 practical and creative methods.

1. Air Drying

Air drying is one of the simplest and most traditional methods of flower preservation. To do this, gather your wedding bouquet or individual flowers and tie them with a string. Hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dark, and dry space (such as a closet or attic). 

Keeping them out of direct sunlight prevents excessive fading. Depending on the flower type, this process can take two to four weeks. Once dried, spray them with hairspray or floral sealant to minimise breakage and keep them intact for a longer time.

2. Pressing The Flowers

Pressing is a fantastic way to preserve flowers while keeping them flat, making them ideal for framing or scrapbooking. Start by placing the flowers between two sheets of parchment or blotting paper to absorb moisture. 

Then, insert them inside a heavy book (like a dictionary) and add extra weight on top to ensure even pressing. Leave them for two to three weeks to dry completely. Once done, you can frame them, turn them into greeting cards, or even incorporate them into handmade gifts.

3. Silica Gel Drying

Silica gel is a powerful moisture-absorbing agent that helps flowers retain their shape and colour better than air drying. Fill an airtight container with a layer of silica gel, place your flowers inside, and gently cover them with more silica gel. Seal the container and leave it for a few days to a week, depending on the flower type. Once fully dried, gently brush off the gel, and your flowers will look almost as fresh as the day you got them.

4. Wax Dipping

Wax dipping is a great way to keep flowers looking fresh and soft for an extended period. Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler and let it cool slightly until it reaches a lukewarm temperature (too hot, and it can damage the petals). 

Carefully dip each flower into the wax, ensuring full coverage, then lift it out and hang it upside down to dry. This technique works best for sturdier flowers like roses and orchids, as delicate flowers might not hold up well in the wax.

5. Resin Preservation

Encasing flowers in epoxy resin is a creative way to transform wedding flowers into long-lasting keepsakes. You can embed flowers in resin to make paperweights, jewellery, coasters, or decorative pieces. 

The process involves pouring a small layer of resin into a mould, placing the dried flowers inside, and covering them with more resin. Allow it to harden over several days, and you’ll have a stunning, transparent display that preserves the beauty of your blooms forever.

6. Freezing Your Flowers

If you want to temporarily preserve flowers for aesthetic or celebratory purposes, freezing them in ice cubes is a unique idea. Trim the petals or whole flowers, place them into an ice cube tray, fill it with distilled water, and freeze. 

This works well for special occasions like anniversaries, where you can use the floral ice cubes in drinks. While not a permanent preservation method, it’s a creative way to reuse flowers for sentimental moments.

7. Glycerin Preservation

Preserving flowers in glycerin keeps them soft and flexible rather than dry and brittle. Mix one part glycerin with two parts warm water, trim the stems, and place the flowers in the solution. 

Over two to six weeks, the flowers absorb the glycerin, replacing the natural moisture in the petals. This method works particularly well for roses, hydrangeas, and eucalyptus, making them last for years with a natural feel.

8. Turning Flowers Into Potpourri

Transforming wedding flowers into potpourri allows you to preserve both their appearance and fragrance. Start by drying the petals using air drying or silica gel, then mix them with essential oils and dried herbs like lavender, cinnamon sticks, or orange peels. 

Store the potpourri in decorative sachets or glass bowls to enjoy a sentimental and beautifully scented keepsake.

9. Creating A Shadow Box

A shadow box display is a timeless way to preserve and showcase wedding flowers. To do this, dry your flowers using air drying or silica gel before arranging them inside a deep-set frame with other keepsakes like wedding invitations, ribbons, or photos. 

This method not only keeps the flowers protected but also turns them into a personal piece of wall décor that tells the story of your special day.

10. Transforming Flowers Into Artwork

If you love creative projects, consider turning your preserved flowers into artwork. Pressed flowers can be arranged on a canvas, photo frame, or even inside glass lockets for a modern touch. 

You can also paint or sketch over them to create unique floral designs. Whether you use them to decorate furniture, greeting cards, or bookmarks, transforming wedding flowers into art ensures they remain part of your home for years.

Conclusion About Preserving Wedding Flowers

Your wedding flowers don’t have to fade away after the big day. With these 10 preservation methods, you can keep your blooms looking beautiful and meaningful for years to come. Whether you choose to dry, press, or encase them in resin, preserving your flowers ensures that the memories attached to them live on. 

If you’re looking for fresh, high-quality blooms for any occasion, Singapore Florist offers the best flower delivery in Singapore. Let your floral journey continue with the perfect bouquet for your next special moment!

Take the beauty of flowers to your home regularly with our flower subscription service today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Preserving Wedding Flowers

How Long Do Preserved Wedding Flowers Last?

Depending on the preservation method, wedding flowers can last anywhere from several months to years. Methods like resin preservation and glycerin treatment keep them looking beautiful for a long time.

What Is The Best Way To Preserve A Wedding Bouquet?

Air drying, pressing, and silica gel drying are some of the best ways to preserve a bouquet. If you want a modern touch, resin preservation or framing can turn your flowers into decorative keepsakes.

Can I Preserve My Wedding Flowers At Home?

Yes, many preservation methods, such as air drying, pressing, and creating potpourri, can easily be done at home with simple materials. More advanced methods like resin preservation may require additional tools.

Do Preserved Flowers Lose Their Colour?

Most preservation methods cause flowers to fade slightly, but silica gel drying and resin preservation help retain their colour better than air drying or pressing.

Can I Use Glycerin To Preserve Any Type Of Flower?

Glycerin works best with sturdy flowers like roses and hydrangeas. Delicate flowers may not absorb the solution as effectively, which can affect the final result.

How Do I Prevent Preserved Flowers From Getting Dusty?

Store preserved flowers in a glass case or shadow box to keep them fresh. You can also gently remove dust with a soft brush or a can of compressed air.