How To Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet: Tips and Techniques

After the dress and the vows, your bouquet is what you’ll hold onto in every photo, every memory, and maybe even for the rest of your life if you preserve it properly. Wedding bouquet preservation has become a meaningful part of modern weddings, not just for aesthetic reasons, but because it’s one of the few physical things that lasts after the big day is over. More couples are looking into how to preserve a wedding bouquet to create lasting keepsakes that feel personal, not generic. 

Learning how to preserve your wedding bouquet means holding onto part of the day in a way that feels real. A preserved bouquet can be displayed, gifted, or tucked somewhere meaningful, something tangible that stays with you well after the guests have gone. You can frame it, turn it into jewellery, or display it as part of your home décor. Preservation keeps the sentiment intact, no matter how you choose to use it.

So if you're wondering how to preserve a wedding bouquet, you're not alone. At Dried Flowers & Decor, we’re all about helping you turn your bouquet into a lasting memory with the right tools, flowers, and inspiration.

 

 

  

What Are The Best Wedding Flowers to Preserve?

Not all flowers dry the same. If you’re thinking about preserving wedding flowers, it helps to know what works and what doesn’t from the start. Choosing the right blooms can make the difference between a beautiful dried flower bouquet and a wilted mess.

Best Flowers to Preserve

These flowers are known to retain shape, colour, and structure:

• Lavender: Holds its shape, scent, and iconic deep purple.

• Eucalyptus: Keeps its form and soft green tone.

• Bunny Tails: The ultimate in texture, and very durable.

• Statice: Great for pops of colour that won’t fade too quickly.

• Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath): Dries fast and keeps its airy look.

Flowers That Are Difficult to Preserve

Some flowers are too delicate or moisture-heavy to dry well:

• Tulips and Lilies: Tend to collapse or brown quickly.

• Orchids: Gorgeous fresh, but often shrivel unevenly.

• Hydrangeas: Hit or miss—can fade or crumble unless professionally handled.

If you're still planning your bouquet, keep preservation in mind. A mix of hardy stems and a few delicate highlights works better than going all-in on fragile blooms.

Also Read: A-Z Guide to Wedding Flowers: Best Picks, Tips, and Hacks Revealed

 

 

 

Quick Prep Tips: What to Do Right After the Wedding

If you're serious about preserving your bridal bouquet, timing matters. The faster you prep your flowers, the better they’ll look once dried.

Quick Steps to Take:

• Keep it hydrated: Place the bouquet in water until you're ready to begin drying.

• Cool, not cold: You can refrigerate it for a day or two, but avoid freezing or trapping it in plastic.

• No sunlight: Direct sun speeds up fading. Store it in a shaded spot.

• Airflow matters: Avoid sealing it in bags or airtight boxes—this traps moisture and can cause mold.

Doing these simple things gives you a better chance at a well-preserved keepsake made of sturdy dried flowers. It also gives you flexibility to choose between different bouquet drying methods later on. 

 

 

 

Air Drying Method

Air drying is one of the simplest ways to create a dried wedding bouquet. It’s great for hardy stems like lavender, bunny tails, or wildflowers that already have a rustic look. While it won’t keep vibrant colours, it holds shape and detail if done right.

How to air dry your bouquet:

• Strip extra leaves: Remove excess foliage to let air circulate.

• Tie in small bundles: Use twine or rubber bands to group stems without crushing them.

• Hang upside down: Choose a dry, dark room with good airflow to avoid mould and fading.

• Wait it out: Drying takes about 2–3 weeks. Don’t rush it with heat or sun exposure.

• Seal it (optional): Use a clear floral sealant for extra durability once dried.

Best for: Dried bridal bouquets with wildflowers, lavender, bunny tails, and eucalyptus.
Pros: Cost-effective, no tools required.
Cons: Colour fades, shape may shift slightly.

 

 

 

Flower Pressing Method

If you want a flat keepsake or want to use your preserved wedding flowers in frames, cards, or wall art, pressing is your go-to. This method works best with smaller, naturally flatter flowers.

How to press your wedding flowers:

• Choose your blooms: Trim petals and leaves to reduce moisture.

• Place in paper: Sandwich flowers between parchment or blotting paper.

• Weigh them down: Use heavy books or a flower press for even pressure.

• Leave them alone: Press for 7–14 days in a cool, dry place.

• Display creatively: Frame them in glass, make bookmarks, or mount them in a journal.

Best for: Bouquets with delphinium, gypsophila, or smaller accent flowers.
Pros: Compact, frame-friendly results.
Cons: Flowers flatten completely and can be fragile.

 

 

 

Silica Gel Drying Method

This is one of the most effective ways to retain the original colour and shape of your flowers. Silica gel isn’t a gel; it’s a type of drying crystal that pulls moisture out gently over time. It’s ideal for anyone looking to create a preserved wedding bouquet with professional-level results at home.

How to dry wedding flowers with silica gel:

• Pick a container: Use an airtight box or tub.

• Layer the gel: Pour silica crystals at the bottom, about 1–2 inches deep.

• Add the flowers: Place blooms face-up, then gently cover with more crystals.

• Seal and wait: Keep the container closed for 5–10 days.

• Gently remove: Brush off crystals with a soft paintbrush to avoid damage.

Best for: Pampas Grass, Gomphrena, Helichrysum—flowers with layered petals.
Pros: Great colour retention and shape.
Cons: Slight learning curve and cost (silica gel kits needed).

You can find silica gel kits easily online or in craft stores across the UK.

 

 

 

Freeze Drying Method (Professional Only)

If you want to go all-in with preserving your bouquet exactly as it looked on the day, freeze drying is the best method. But it’s not a DIY route, it requires specialised equipment and trained florists.

What freeze drying involves:

• Bouquet is frozen: The florist freezes the flowers immediately to lock in colour and moisture.

• Vacuum process begins: Moisture is drawn out slowly using a special machine.

• Shape is preserved: Flowers keep their full form, texture, and vibrancy.

• Final touch-up: Each bloom is hand-finished, sometimes sealed for extra durability.

Best for: Bridal bouquets with sentimental value and complex flower mixes.
Pros: The most realistic finish.
Cons: Expensive, needs advance planning, can take weeks.

Look for UK-based wedding flower preservation services if you’re going this route. Some also offer framing or shadow box packaging.

Ideas for Reusing and Styling Your Dried Wedding Flowers

Once your preserved wedding flowers are ready, they don’t need to sit in a box. There are plenty of ways to turn them into long-term décor or gifts that still feel personal. Here’s how to make something beautiful and lasting from your bouquet.

Framed Floral Art

Pressed flowers work well in thin glass frames. Lay small flowers from your dried flower bouquets out in a flat, balanced design. Include a few petals, sprigs of greenery, or even your name and wedding date for a personal touch. These frames are lightweight and easy to hang in bedrooms, hallways, or over your dressing table.

Resin Jewellery

If you want to carry your wedding bouquet keepsake with you, resin is the way to go. Dried flower petals can be set into earrings, pendants, or even rings. The clear resin holds colour well, especially with small blooms like mimosa, lavender, or preserved eucalyptus. You can either DIY with a kit or work with a local maker.

Shadow Boxes and Domes

For bouquets with a lot of shape and volume, shadow boxes keep everything intact without squashing the design. Add extras like your wedding invite, place cards, or a photo. For a more minimal option, glass domes (or cloches) can hold a few key stems and sit neatly on a shelf or mantle.

Custom Bookmarks or Candle Décor

If you’ve got leftover pressed petals or leaves, turn them into practical keepsakes. Slide them into clear laminate for simple bookmarks, or add them to the tops of wax candles before they set. These make great gifts for guests or bridesmaids, or just something small for yourself.

Mini Keepsake Bouquets

 

 

 

Not every bouquet needs to stay whole. Separate a few small bunches from your dried bridal bouquet and tie them with ribbon or twine. These mini versions can be framed, placed on bedside tables, or given as keepsakes to close family members.

Also Read: Ideas to Repurpose Wedding Flowers: 8 Genius Ways You've Never Thought Of!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preserving your wedding bouquet sounds simple, but a few wrong moves can leave your flowers crumbling, mouldy, or colourless. Here’s what to avoid from the start.

• Preserving wet flowers: Moisture is your biggest enemy. Never begin the process until your bouquet is completely dry. Wet stems can mould fast.

• Using hairspray or craft glue: These might seem like quick fixes, but they stiffen petals and often leave sticky residue. Skip the shortcuts.

• Leaving flowers in the sun: Direct light fades colour fast. Always preserve in a cool, dry, dark place.

• Sealing too early: Don’t seal your preserved wedding flowers until you’re sure they’re fully dried. Otherwise, you trap moisture inside.

• Trying to save everything: Focus on the most meaningful or hardiest blooms. Some delicate petals just don’t last no matter what you do.

• Ignoring flower type: Not all blooms dry well. Know what works (eucalyptus, dried palms) and what doesn't (tulips, gardenias).

Buy A Preserved Wedding Bouquet That's Ready To Be Cherished 

If you want wedding flowers that look beautiful on the day and last long after, skip the fresh stems. Buy a preserved wedding bouquet that’s ready to be cherished from the start, no drying, no fuss.

At Dried Flowers & Decor, we offer beautifully arranged dried bridal bouquets and preserved wedding flowers that are ready to ship across the UK. Choose from classic favourites like lavender, mimosa, gypsophila, and eucalyptus or rare beauties like protea and star flowers. They hold their colour, last for years, and don’t need any special handling.

Perfect for late celebrations, anniversaries, vow renewals, or just because you want something beautiful to remember the day.

Recommended Reads

• Top 3 Foolproof Ways to Dry Flowers at Home!
  
• 10 Reusable Flowers For Spring Wedding (Wedding Planner Approved!)
• Ultimate Wholesale Dried Flowers Guide for Wedding & Event Planners
  

Conclusion

Preserving your wedding bouquet is about more than keeping flowers. It’s about holding onto a part of the day that meant something. With the right method, air drying, pressing, silica, or freeze drying, you can create a keepsake that feels as personal as the ceremony itself.

If you didn’t get to preserve your original bouquet or want something just as special without the work, we’ve got you. Dried Flowers & Decor has a curated collection of preserved wedding flowers ready to shop. These bouquets are built to last and made to feel beautiful no matter how you display them.

Shop our bestselling dried and preserved flowers today to find your dream wedding flowers!  

FAQs

What is the best way to preserve a wedding bouquet?
Air drying is a popular DIY method, but for colour and structure retention, silica gel or professional freeze drying gives better results.

How long does a preserved wedding bouquet last?
Properly preserved flowers can last 6–12 months or longer, depending on the method and how they’re displayed or stored.

Can I preserve my bouquet myself at home?
Yes, with methods like air drying, pressing, or silica gel, you absolutely can! Just be sure to prep your flowers quickly after the wedding.

What flowers preserve best from a bridal bouquet?
Sturdy blooms like eucalyptus, bunny tails, and gypsophila hold up well during drying.

How do I keep my bouquet fresh before preserving it?
Keep it in water, away from sunlight and heat. Refrigerate if possible, and avoid sealing it in an airtight container.

How much does it cost to preserve wedding flowers?
Professional preservation can range from £150 to £400+. DIY methods are cheaper but may not preserve the same level of detail.

Can I turn my preserved bouquet into jewelry or wall art?
Yes. Use pressed flowers for resin jewellery or frame layouts. Shadow boxes and glass domes also work beautifully.

Is silica gel drying better than air drying for wedding flowers?
Yes, silica gel helps retain shape and colour better. It’s ideal if you want the bouquet to look fresh after drying.

Can I preserve a bouquet if it's already wilting?
If the flowers are only slightly wilted, you may still be able to dry them. Severely wilted blooms usually don’t preserve well.

What’s the difference between dried and preserved flowers?
Dried flowers are air- or silica-dried. Preserved flowers are treated with a glycerin-based solution to retain softness and shape.

Where can I buy preserved bridal bouquets in the UK?
Right here at Dried Flowers & Decor! We ship UK-wide and offer a range of dried bridal bouquets and preserved wedding flowers.

How do I press my wedding bouquet into a frame?
Disassemble the bouquet, press each flower flat, then lay them out in a frame. Use acid-free backing to protect the colours.

Can I add my preserved bouquet to a shadow box?
Yes. Shadow boxes are great for bulkier blooms and 3D arrangements. Just make sure the flowers are fully dry before sealing.

Do dried bouquets work well for anniversary gifts?
Absolutely. They make thoughtful, personal gifts that carry the same sentiment as your original wedding bouquet.