A bouquet from a special day is more than just flowers. It is a living memory, filled with laughter, love, and the small details that make the moment unforgettable. Perhaps you still recall the scent or how the colors mirrored the day's joy. Preserving your bouquet is a way to hold onto that feeling long after the fresh petals fade. It turns a fleeting gesture of love or celebration into something you can treasure for years, whether you frame it, dry it, or simply keep it close as a reminder of a meaningful time. Here’s how to dry and preserve your bouquet from your special day. 

Benefits of Preserving Your Wedding or Event Flowers

Flowers symbolize emotion, joy, love, and new beginnings. When you take time to preserve them, you’re capturing a piece of that feeling. Dried flowers can be displayed in a shadow box, arranged in a decorative vase, or used in craft projects that remind you of your favorite memories.

Preserved flowers don’t just hold sentimental value. They also make sustainable, long-lasting décor. A carefully dried bouquet from your wedding day or a special event can become part of your home’s story.

Best Methods to Dry and Preserve a Bouquet at Home

Now, it’s time to explore how to do it yourself. Each method offers unique results depending on your tools, time, and personal style, allowing you to choose the approach that best fits your preferences.

There’s no single right way to preserve flowers. Each technique gives a different look and level of detail depending on your time, tools, and patience. Here are some of the most effective methods to help your blooms stay beautiful long after the celebration.

1. Air Drying Flowers (Simple and Traditional)

The most timeless method for preserving flowers is also the simplest: air drying. Start by gathering your bouquet into smaller bundles and tying the stems loosely with twine or ribbon. Hang the flowers upside down to dry in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space.

Keep them away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading, and let them air dry until the petals feel crisp to the touch. Roses, eucalyptus, and other sturdy flowers dry beautifully this way. Once fully dry, arrange the flowers in a vase or frame them for a lasting display.

Drying time varies depending on the flower type, humidity, and size. Most flowers will take one to three weeks to fully dry, though thicker blooms may need longer.

2. How to Press Flowers for Art and Keepsakes

If you love delicate, flat keepsakes, pressing is the perfect technique. Place your flowers between the pages of a heavy book or inside a flower press, layering them with paper towels or parchment paper to absorb excess moisture.

After two to four weeks, the flowers will dry completely, becoming paper-thin and beautifully preserved. You can use them to decorate cards, create framed art, or design a keepsake featuring flowers from your wedding day. This classic method works best for smaller blooms such as lisianthus, anemones, or individual petals from larger flowers. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive guide on how to press flowers, check out our article all about it!

3. Preserve Flower Color and Shape with Silica Gel

If you want to keep your flowers’ natural color and shape, silica gel is an excellent option. Available at most craft stores, silica gel gently removes moisture while preserving details that air drying may lose.

To use it, fill a container with a layer of silica gel, place your fresh flowers on top, and gently cover them with more gel until they’re completely buried. Seal the container and let the flowers rest for five to seven days. When they’re ready, carefully brush off the remaining silica. For safety, wear gloves or a mask when handling silica gel and avoid reusing the container for food. This method is perfect if you want to preserve your bouquet in its original form.

4. Creating Resin Keepsakes with Dried Flowers

For a creative way to display your dried flowers, try using epoxy resin. Once your flowers are completely dried using air, press, or silica gel methods, you can arrange them in resin molds to make paperweights, ornaments, or coasters.

Pour resin slowly over the flowers to avoid air bubbles, then let it harden for 24 to 48 hours. The result is a stunning, glass-like finish that locks your dried wedding flowers in time. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated space and wear protective gear while handling resin.

5. Preserve Fresh Flowers with Paraffin Wax (Advanced Method)

If you want to experiment with a more advanced preservation method, paraffin wax offers an elegant finish. Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler until smooth, then gently dip your fresh flowers into the liquid for just a few seconds. Carefully remove them, letting the excess wax drip off onto a paper towel.

This technique seals in color and shape, giving the flowers a delicate, glass-like appearance. Some delicate flowers may not hold their shape well in wax, so test one before dipping the entire bouquet. Once cooled, these preserved blooms can be used in centerpieces, keepsake boxes, or artistic displays.

Creative Ideas for Displaying Preserved Bouquets

Once your flowers are preserved, you can display them in countless creative ways. Here are a few ideas to help showcase your keepsakes:

• Shadow Box: Arrange your dried flowers with a photo, ribbon, or invitation from your wedding day to create a timeless memory display.

• Framed Art: Pressed flowers look stunning in minimalist frames for a modern and sentimental touch.

• Dried Arrangements: Arrange dried flowers in a ceramic vase for a soft, natural texture that lasts all season.

• Craft Projects: Combine your preserved blooms with resin, wax, or even candles for meaningful handmade décor.

Preserved flowers also make thoughtful gifts, especially when paired with a note about their original occasion.

Flower Preservation Tips and Best Practices

Before you start preserving your flowers, keep a few helpful guidelines in mind. Taking a bit of extra care in the process can make a big difference in how well your flowers retain their beauty over time. These tips will help ensure your preserved bouquet looks stunning for years to come:

• Choose the right time to preserve. Start while your flowers are still fresh and not fully open. They will continue to open slightly as they dry.

• Be patient. Let air-dried or pressed flowers sit for at least two weeks before handling to ensure all moisture is gone.

• Avoid humidity. Keep preserved blooms away from bathrooms, kitchens, or windows with direct sunlight.

• Experiment. Each drying method brings a different result. Try a mix to see what best suits your flowers and style.

• Know your blooms. Some flowers dry better than others. Thicker or moisture-rich flowers may lose color faster or take longer to dry.

Your wedding flowers or celebration bouquet represent one of life’s most cherished moments. Drying and preserving them keeps that feeling alive as a reminder of beauty, love, and the meaning behind each bloom. Whether you choose to air dry, press, or use silica gel, preserving your flowers lets you enjoy their story long after the event ends.

Ready to make your memories last?

At Viola Floral, we believe every flower tells a story worth remembering. From fresh flowers designed for your most meaningful moments to tips for preserving them beautifully, our goal is to help your blooms live on. Explore our floral collection and discover arrangements made to be remembered long after the petals dry.