The wedding is over, the cake has been eaten, and your inbox is full of “Send me pics!!” messages. But now you’re staring at your gorgeous wedding flowers, wondering… what do I do with these?
Do you preserve them and turn them into a keepsake? Donate them? Toss them (gasp)? If you’re not sure, here’s a guide to help you decide.
1. Preserve Your Bouquet as a Keepsake
If you’re the sentimental type, you don’t have to say goodbye to your flowers just yet. There are a few ways to keep them forever:
Press them – Flatten your flowers in a book (between parchment paper) and let them dry for a few weeks. Once pressed, you can frame them or use them for DIY projects.
Turn them into resin art – Ever seen those stunning resin blocks with real flowers inside? You can do the same with your bouquet—think coasters, jewelry, or ornaments.
Hang them to dry – Air-dry your flowers by tying them upside down in a dark, dry space. Once dried, you can display them in a vase or shadow box.
- Hang them to dry – Air-dry your flowers by tying them upside down in a dark, dry space. Once dried, you can display them in a vase or shadow box.
- Freeze-dry them – A professional service can freeze-dry your bouquet, keeping its shape and color almost perfectly intact. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s great if you want to keep your flowers looking fresh.
Professionals Who Can Preserve Your Wedding Flowers
If you’d prefer to have your wedding flowers preserved by a professional, there are plenty of talented artisans and services across Canada who can help. Here are a few options:
Local Florists – Many florists either offer flower preservation services or can recommend local specialists.
Wedding Preservation Services – There are several businesses dedicated to preserving flowers in unique ways like pressing, resin art, or freeze-drying. Here are a few across Canada:
- Bouquet & Frame (Ottawa, Ontario) – Specializes in both resin and pressing preservation techniques.
- Pressed In Time (Niagara, Ontario) – Offers custom shadow box preservation services for your bouquet.
- Preserved Petals (Canada-wide) – Offers a range of flower preservation options, including resin and freeze-drying, with shipping across Canada.
- Oxeye Floral Co (Vancouver, British Columbia) – Specializes in custom floral preservation, including pressing and resin designs.
- Shop Flowered (Canada-wide) – Creates beautiful flower keepsakes through custom framing and pressing, with services available across Canada.
- Illy Press (Toronto, Ontario) – Offers high-quality pressed flower keepsakes, including framing, bookmarks, and custom designs.
Etsy Artists – There are many independent artists on Etsy who offer custom flower preservation in resin or pressed flower art. Simply search for hashtags like #WeddingBouquetPreservation or #ResinFlowers to find unique options.
Social Media – Instagram is a great place to discover local artisans offering flower preservation. Look for hashtags like #PressedFlowers or #WeddingBouquetArt to find talented professionals in your area.
How Long Will Your Preserved Flowers Last?
The lifespan of your preserved flowers depends on the preservation method and care. Here’s a breakdown:
Pressed Flowers:
- Can last decades if stored properly.
- Keep in UV-resistant frames or shadow boxes.
- Avoid sunlight and moisture for best results.
Resin Flowers:
- Extremely durable, lasting many years or longer.
- Protects flowers from fading or damage.
- Store in cool, dry places and avoid heat.
Freeze-Dried Flowers:
- Typically last 1-3 years.
- More fragile than pressed or resin options.
- Keep in dry, cool environments and handle gently.
To maximize longevity, store in cool, dry spaces and keep away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Other Creative Flower Preservation Ideas
If you’re looking for unique ways to preserve your wedding flowers, here are some creative ideas that go beyond the usual resin and pressing:
Floral Jewelry:
Have your flowers turned into personalized jewelry like necklaces, rings, or earrings. Companies can encapsulate flowers in resin to create timeless, wearable keepsakes that keep your wedding memories close.Flower-Embedded Art:
Turn your preserved flowers into art pieces. Whether it’s a painting, canvas, or glasswork, incorporating flowers into your artwork can create stunning, one-of-a-kind decor for your home.Floral Candles:
Create custom floral candles by embedding your flowers into wax. This allows you to preserve the beauty of your flowers in a functional and aesthetic way—perfect for adding a personal touch to your home decor.Floral Coasters and Trays:
Use your flowers to make coasters or serving trays. The flowers can be pressed into the design and then sealed, creating functional pieces that remind you of your special day.Glass Terrariums or Domes:
For a more rustic look, you can place your preserved flowers inside glass terrariums or domes. These create a beautiful display while protecting your flowers from dust and damage.Customized Perfume:
Some companies specialize in creating custom perfumes using the fragrance of your preserved wedding flowers. It’s a creative way to keep the scent of your flowers around long after your wedding day.
These unique ideas allow you to celebrate your wedding flowers in different forms and make lasting memories that can fit your style.
2. Repurpose Your Wedding Flowers
Not into long-term keepsakes but still don’t want to waste them? Give your flowers new life with these ideas:
- Donate them – Some organizations take wedding flowers and deliver them to hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice care to spread some joy. Look into local charities like Repeat Roses or Petals for Hope.
- Make potpourri – Dry out the petals, add essential oils, and boom—you’ve got a beautiful, fragrant keepsake.
- Create floral paper – If you’re crafty, you can blend petals into handmade paper for thank-you cards.
Use them for a post-wedding event – Hosting a brunch or dinner the next day? Repurpose your centerpieces instead of buying new decor.
3. Toss (But Make It Sustainable!)
If you don’t want to keep or repurpose your flowers, no worries—just be mindful of how you dispose of them:
- Compost them – Flowers are biodegradable! If you have a compost bin, toss them in.
Don’t bag them in plastic – If you’re throwing them out, skip the trash bag and put them directly into your yard waste bin.
Check for local flower recycling programs – Some florists and organizations will take back used flowers for composting or donation.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding flowers don’t have to go to waste! Whether you press them, turn them into a keepsake, donate them, or let them go responsibly, there’s a way to honor their beauty beyond the big day.
So, what will you do with yours?
FAQ: Wedding Flower Preservation & Disposal
How long do wedding flowers last after the wedding?
If kept in water, they’ll last about a week. Without water, they start wilting in 24 hours.
Can I preserve my flowers myself, or do I need a professional?
You can press, dry, or make potpourri at home, but freeze-drying and resin art are best done by professionals.
Where can I donate my wedding flowers?
Check for local charities, hospitals, nursing homes, or organizations like Repeat Roses that redistribute flowers.
Are there flowers that don’t preserve well?
Delicate flowers like tulips and lilies don’t dry easily, while roses, peonies, and daisies hold up well.
What’s the most eco-friendly way to dispose of wedding flowers?
Composting! If that’s not an option, look into flower recycling programs or donate them.
