Floral Preservation — Frequently Asked Questions
A warm, handcrafted keepsake starts with a few simple steps. Browse the questions below, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’re always welcome to get in touch.
Booking & Reservations
The first step is to fill out the Reserve Your Date form on my website. Once I confirm availability for your date, I’ll send you the information needed to submit your $50 reservation deposit. Your date is officially secured once your deposit is received.
I recommend reserving your date as soon as you know you’d like to preserve your flowers. This allows time to plan your piece and order your frame and dome if needed. I accept reservations for weddings both near and far, depending on availability.
That’s completely okay! You don’t need to have every detail figured out when you first inquire. If you aren’t sure which size will work best, you can share inspiration photos, your planned bouquet style, and the types of flowers you’ll be using. I can help you determine which option may work best.
Yes! Last-minute inquiries are welcome, and I’ll do my best to accommodate your date. However, frames and domes can take approximately two weeks to arrive after ordering, so availability and timing are especially important for weddings coming up soon.
Pricing depends on the preservation style, frame or dome size, and materials selected.
- Pressed flower frames: $160–$200, plus $15 return shipping.
- Dimensional dome preservation: Pricing varies depending on the frame and dome selected. A 16×20 dome is $350, with the overall project cost depending on the additional items and services needed.
- Epoxy resin preservation: Pricing depends on the piece and design requested.
Please reach out for a quote specific to your flowers and the keepsake you have in mind.
I offer pressed flower frames, dimensional dome preservation, Victorian-style frames, and epoxy resin preservation. Each style offers a different way to display and cherish your flowers. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, I’m happy to help you explore the possibilities.
Yes! Artificial flowers can be arranged and preserved in select frames and domes. Since faux flowers do not require drying, the preservation process differs from that of fresh flowers. The preservation service fee for faux flowers is $130, with the frame or dome and shipping priced separately.
Depending on the design and available space, additional keepsakes may be incorporated into certain pieces. Wedding invitations, ribbons, and other meaningful details may be possible. Please reach out with your ideas so we can discuss what will work best for your chosen style.
Shipping & Preparing Your Flowers
The Preservation Process
Once your flowers arrive, I’ll assess their condition and begin the preservation process. Fresh flowers are dried, which can take approximately one to four weeks depending on the flower varieties and their condition. Once dried, the flowers are arranged and prepared for your selected preservation style.
For dimensional domes, flowers are dried, treated with an acrylic floral preservative, and carefully secured to the backing.
For pressed frames, the flowers are pressed and arranged into the design. Resin pieces follow a different process.
Yes! If your bouquet has been dried for months or even years, it may still be possible to preserve it. The outcome depends on the flowers’ condition, how they were stored, and the preservation style you choose. Send me a few photos, and I can help determine what may be possible.
I can assess flowers that have begun to wilt, dry out, or change color. The final results depend on their condition and the flower varieties. Some color correction may be possible, but I cannot guarantee that every flower can be restored to its original appearance.
Longevity & Caring for Your Keepsake
Preserved flowers are intended to be long-lasting keepsakes, but they are not completely permanent. Natural flowers can fade, become brittle, or change in color and texture over time. The rate of change depends on the flowers, preservation method, and conditions in which the piece is displayed.
To help protect your keepsake, display it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and humidity. Avoid placing it near windows with strong sun exposure or in bathrooms and other damp areas. Handle your piece carefully and avoid unnecessary movement.
After your date is reserved, I’ll provide instructions for sending your bouquet. I strongly recommend shipping fresh flowers using expedited shipping as soon as possible after your event to give them the best chance of being preserved in good condition.
I do my best to preserve the natural beauty of your flowers, but exact color retention cannot be guaranteed. Some flowers change color during drying, and colors may gradually shift over time. White, blush, and other delicate shades can be particularly sensitive to changes during the preservation process.
For the best results, your bouquet should ideally be shipped the day after your wedding, within approximately 24 hours. Keep it in a cool, dry place until it can be shipped, and avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight.
The cost of shipping your bouquet to me generally ranges from $60–$160 for expedited shipping, depending on your location, box dimensions, weight, and shipping service.
Return shipping is separate and is currently $15 for pressed flower frames and $30 for dome preservation. Additional packaging or shipping requirements may affect the total cost.
I work with clients beyond my local area, including clients who ship their flowers from other states. If you are shipping internationally or from a U.S. territory, please contact me before booking so we can review shipping restrictions, delivery timing, and return-shipping options.
Because I can’t guarantee how the finished piece will be handled during shipping, I do not seal the frame to the backing. This allows you to carefully fix anything that may have shifted or fallen to the bottom of the dome during transit. Please handle the piece gently and contact me if you have any concerns when it arrives.
The timeline varies depending on the preservation method, flower varieties, drying time, design complexity, and arrival of materials. Drying alone can take one to four weeks, and frames and domes may require approximately two weeks to arrive after ordering. I recommend allowing ample time for the entire process.
Some flowers may be more difficult to preserve while maintaining their original appearance.
- Mums (Chrysanthemums): Their dense centers and tightly packed petals can make them more challenging to dry evenly.
- Calla lilies: These flowers can develop brown or dark discoloration during drying, making it difficult to maintain their original color and appearance.
- Orchids: Orchids can take a long time to dry and become extremely fragile during the process. Their delicate petals require extra care when handling and arranging them.
These flowers are not necessarily impossible to preserve, but results can be less predictable. If your bouquet includes them, I recommend discussing your options with me before your wedding.
If your bouquet includes any of these flowers, don’t worry! They don’t automatically have to be excluded from your preservation piece. I simply want you to understand the potential challenges and have realistic expectations for the finished result.
If you’re still planning your wedding flowers, feel free to share your floral inspiration or flower list with me ahead of time. I’d be happy to discuss which varieties may work best for your chosen preservation style.
Flowers that tend to preserve beautifully include:
- Roses: Retain their layered shape and create beautiful dimension.
- Hydrangeas: Dry wonderfully and add beautiful volume and texture to preserved arrangements.
- Peonies: Their full, layered blooms create gorgeous dimension when dried.
- Carnations: Their layered petals can maintain a lovely shape after drying.
- Statice: A great filler flower that often retains its color and shape well.
- Baby’s breath: Adds delicate texture and softness to preserved arrangements.
Still Have Questions?
Every bouquet is unique, and I understand how meaningful these flowers are. If you have questions about your bouquet, sizing, pricing, or which preservation style would work best, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you find the right way to keep your flowers as a lasting keepsake.