The Ultimate Guide to Flower Preservation
Everything you need to know about flower preservation, in one place.
Discover comprehensive insights and expert knowledge on preserving wedding bouquets and flowers. This reference sheet compiles our most informative articles, showcasing methods, tips, and creative display ideas to help you create stunning keepsakes. Whether you're looking for professional services or DIY inspiration, you'll find everything you need to master the art of flower preservation. Dive in to learn from the experts and preserve your precious memories beautifully.
All About Flower Preservation
Flower preservation is a beautiful and meaningful way to capture the essence and memories of special occasions, particularly weddings. Preserved flowers help you hold onto the joy, love, and happiness of your special day, allowing you to cherish these moments for years to come. But how exactly does flower preservation work, and why is it so adored? At its core, flower preservation involves the removal of moisture from the flowers, preventing decay and maintaining their vibrant colors and delicate structures. Various techniques achieve this, each with its own unique process and benefits. By understanding these methods, you can select the best approach to preserve your flowers and create stunning keepsakes.
Ways to Display Preserved Flowers
1. Pressed Flower Frames
Pressed flower frames are a timeless and elegant way to display your preserved flowers. This method involves pressing the flowers between sheets of parchment paper and applying pressure to remove moisture. Once the flowers are dried and flattened, they can be arranged artistically and placed in a frame. Pressed flower frames not only protect the flowers from UV light but also create a professional, museum-quality display. This method is perfect for showcasing the intricate details and vibrant colors of your wedding bouquet in an elegant and stylish manner.
Professional Service: Around $295 - $998 depending on size and frame type.
DIY: Approximately $50 - $150 for materials (flowers, frames, mounting supplies).
2. Resin Encapsulation
Preserving whole flowers in resin creates sleek, contemporary keepsakes that are both stunning and durable. The resin encases the flowers, preventing them from aging and keeping their vibrant colors intact. This method is perfect for creating decorative pieces like paperweights, coasters, and even jewelry. However, keep in mind that resin can yellow over time if exposed to UV light, so it’s best to display these pieces in areas away from direct sunlight. Resin encapsulation can be a bit tricky to do yourself due to the precision required in the pouring and curing processes, but the results can be very rewarding.
Professional Service: Typically $480 - $1310 depending on size and complexity.
DIY: Around $100 - $300 for resin, molds, and other materials.
3. Shadowbox/Glass Dome
Preserving whole flowers and displaying them in a shadowbox or glass dome is a popular way to showcase your wedding bouquet. Shadowboxes and glass domes provide a protective environment for the flowers, keeping them safe from dust, moisture, and physical damage. They also allow you to create a three-dimensional display that adds depth and dimension to your floral keepsake. While creating these displays yourself can be fun, it requires careful handling to ensure the flowers remain intact. Additionally, these displays lack UV protection, and the higher volume of air inside can lead to humidity and temperature issues.
Professional Service: Approximately $416 - $998 depending on size and design.
DIY: Around $200 - $500 for shadowbox or glass dome, plus additional costs for flowers and mounting.
4. Other DIY and Creative Displays
Explore other creative ways to display preserved flowers, such as embedding them into candles, creating wreaths and garlands, or incorporating them into handmade paper for unique stationery. These projects allow you to incorporate your wedding bouquet into your everyday life, adding a touch of beauty and sentimentality to your home. While these DIY projects can be cost-effective and personalized, they require time and creativity to achieve the best results.
Professional Service: Varies widely based on the specific project and materials used.
DIY: Costs can range from $50 - $200 depending on the complexity and materials chosen.
Common Flower Preservation Methods
Microwave pressing is a highly effective and efficient method for bouquet preservation. This technique quickly removes moisture from the flowers, maintaining their vibrant colors and delicate structures. It's perfect for creating pressed flower frames and other keepsakes.
2. Traditional Flower Pressing
Pressing flowers using a traditional flower press or heavy books is a timeless method that creates flat, elegant keepsakes. This process involves placing the flowers between sheets of parchment paper and applying pressure to remove moisture. It's a simple and affordable method that works best for flowers with flat petals.
Freeze-drying is a professional-grade method that preserves the flowers' shape, color, and texture exceptionally well. This process involves freezing the flowers and then placing them in a vacuum chamber where the ice sublimates, bypassing the liquid phase. While it can be more costly and the flowers remain fragile, the results are stunning and long-lasting.
Air drying, or hang drying, involves hanging flowers upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area. It's an easy and cost-effective method that takes a few weeks but can preserve the flowers' shape and color beautifully.
5. Using Silica Gel to Preserve Flowers
Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the flowers, preserving their shape and color. This method is versatile and effective for various flower types, although it can be time-consuming.
How to Press Your Favorite Flowers:
Check back soon - we’re working on detailed pressing guides for your favorite flowers and we’ll post them here as we make hem!
Take This Knowledge and Go Create Beauty!
Flower preservation is a delightful art that allows you to keep the beauty and memories of special occasions alive. By understanding the different preservation methods and creative display ideas, you can work towards creating stunning keepsakes that bring joy for years to come. Explore the comprehensive guides linked throughout this post to dive deeper into the art of flower preservation and become an expert in creating beautiful floral memories. For professional bouquet preservation services, visit For Keeps Florals’ flower preservation shop and let your love blossom forever!