What I Wish More Florists Knew About Bouquet Preservation

Tips that make all the difference for lasting pressed flower art

If you're dreaming of turning your bouquet into a piece of art after the big day, you’re not alone - bouquet preservation is a beautiful way to hold onto the memory of your flowers long after the wedding.

But here’s something many couples don’t realise:
The way your bouquet is made can seriously impact how well it preserves.

As a floral preservation artist, I’ve seen hundreds of bouquets, some that press beautifully... & others that, despite their beauty, need a little more help to translate into long-lasting keepsake art. That’s where a little collaboration between me, you & your florist can make all the difference.

Here are the key things I wish more florists (& their brides!) knew - simple details that help me turn your blooms into something you’ll treasure forever.

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Why Wedding Bouquet Preservation Matters

Your bouquet holds memories - the way it looked, how it felt in your hands, the moment you walked down the aisle. Pressed flower art lets those memories live on, not just in photos, but in something tangible & lasting. To create the best results, it’s helpful when florists can design with preservation in mind.

1. Keep the Stems On

Leaving stems intact helps flowers stay hydrated through the wedding day & during their journey to the preservation artist. If stems are removed too early, flowers can wilt quickly, which makes them more difficult to preserve. Stems = hydration = fresher flowers

2. Avoid Floral Foam (Oasis)

Bouquets arranged in oasis or floral foam do not keep as well as hand tied bouquets & are often wilted when I receive them. Flowers in foam often arrive limp, dehydrated, or browning - making them harder to work with for pressed flower art.

Cascading bouquets are sometime arranged in floral foam handles to make them easier to hold but your florist may be able to create this look as a hand-tired bouquet which will have the same aesthetic but helps keep your flowers in better condition for pressing.

3. go easy on the wire

Wiring helps with structure & flowers with stems that can go floppy (looking at you ranunculus!) but when wires are pushed too far into flower heads, they can bruise or puncture petals & cause the centre of the flower decay prematurely. If wiring is necessary, keep it shallow or consider alternative mechanics.

4. Skip Reflexed Roses (or Add Extras)

Reflexed roses, where petals are folded back to create a fuller look, are popular in modern bouquet styles. But for preservation, they can leave visible lines or bruises once pressed, especially in light-colored blooms.

Bride tip: If you love reflexed roses, ask your florist to include a few non-reflexed ones specifically for preservation, either in your bouquet or kept separate to be sent with your bouquet.

5. Avoid artifical colours

Artificially colored flowers (like spray-painted foliage or dyed lisianthus) may look striking, but they don’t hold up well in the press. Paint can peel or transfer, & dye often bleeds or results in blotchy colours once dried.

6. Choose Press-Friendly Flowers

Some flowers simply press better than others. For the best outcome, include flatter-faced flowers alongside your statement blooms - these preserve their shape & colour beautifully & can really add to your piece of art.

Great flowers for pressing:
Cosmos, Strawflowers, Ammi, Orlaya, Astrantia, Larkspur, Daisies, Scabiosa caucasica etc

Florist tip: Add a few press-friendly stems to complement larger, fluffier blooms like roses & peonies.

7. Don’t Wrap Too Tightly

Tightly bound bouquets can crush soft petals & limit airflow, which can lead to bruising or even mold by the time they arrive with your preservation artist. A looser wrap gives your bouquet room to breathe - & will allow them to arrive in fresher condition for preservation.

For Brides: Talk to Your Florist Early

If you're planning to preserve your bouquet, let your florist know early in the planning process. Most florists are happy to adjust mechanics & flower choices to support a long-lasting keepsake. You can even share this guide to help start the conversation!

For Florists: Let’s Preserve Your Work

Your designs are the starting point for heirloom art & a few thoughtful choices can help them last for years to come. If your client wants to preserve their bouquet, I’d love to collaborate with you to ensure their blooms press beautifully.

Final Thoughts on How to Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet

Preserving your wedding bouquet is about more than flowers - it's about memories & emotions. With a little planning & some florist-friendly adjustments, your bouquet can become a treasured work of art that lasts long after the last dance.

Want to learn more about pressed flower preservation or book a spot for your bouquet? Contact me using the button below or follow along on Instagram for tips, transformations, & behind-the-scenes peeks.