After obsessing over the perfect bridal bouquet, are you left wondering what to do with wedding flowers after the wedding day? I totally understand. After the whirlwind of your wedding day, your bouquet holds so much meaning; it’s a symbol of the day you said “I do”, the walk down the aisle, and every tender moment in-between. I remember holding mine the next morning, not quite ready to part with it. If you’re like me and wondering how to preserve wedding flowers, here are 10 unique ideas to turn them into lasting keepsakes.
Quick Answer: What Can You Do With Wedding Flowers After the Wedding?
You can preserve your wedding bouquet by drying, pressing, framing, turning it into resin art, or making keepsake items like jewelry, ornaments, coasters, bookends, or trays. These methods help you cherish your special day for years to come. (We’ll dive into how to preserve wedding flowers using these techniques below.)
Let’s get started!
1. Dry and Frame Them
This is a classic method and for good reason. You can carefully dry your bouquet and have it arranged in a custom frame, either as a flat lay or with some three-dimensional texture. Hang it in your bedroom or hallway as a daily reminder of your love story. Learn how to preserve your wedding flowers into an art piece here.
Here’s one example of how to preserve your wedding flowers by StagRidgeMercantile.
And another by WhitePoppyPresses.
2. Turn Them Into Resin Art
I absolutely love this one. There are artists that will help you to cast your flowers in resin. Think a custom tray made from your flowers, bookends, ring dish, or a resin photo frame. You can even get a custom end table made! It’s modern, chic, functional, and incredibly sentimental.
3. Preserve in a Shadow Box
Shadow boxes are perfect if you want to keep your bouquet intact. You can add extra touches like your vows, invitations, or even a piece of your veil. It’s a stunning display piece and an emotional time capsule. Turn yours into one-of-a-kind art like this one made for you by EverafterKeepsakesUS.
4. Create a Floral Jewelry Piece
Some artists can take petals from your bouquet and preserve them into necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. It’s a subtle and beautiful way to wear your memories daily or on anniversaries. This one is beautifully-made by BotaniaJewellery
5. Press Them for Wall Art or Stationery
Pressed flowers are simple and timeless. You can use them to create custom artwork, bookmarks, or even thank-you cards for guests. It’s a lovely touch that keeps the theme of your wedding alive. This one is a popular go-to: it’s so gorgeous!
6. Make a Candle with Your Petals
This idea stole my heart. Imagine lighting a candle made with your actual bouquet petals on your first anniversary. There are small businesses that do this here.
7. Craft a Christmas Ornament
Take some dried petals and tuck them inside a clear glass ornament. It’s such a sweet tradition to hang it on your tree each year and be reminded of that magical day. Get one custom-made by LonelyPine.
8. Make Potpourri
If you love scents, potpourri is a simple way to reuse your flowers. Mix them with essential oils, herbs, or spices to create something that smells as beautiful as it looks.
9. Use in a Memory Book or Scrapbook
Tuck some pressed petals into your wedding album between the pages. You can add them next to your favorite photos or written vows. It makes flipping through the book even more meaningful.
10. Donate or Gift to Loved Ones
Not everyone thinks of this, but you can dry and gift part of your bouquet to your mom, your maid of honor, or even someone who couldn’t attend your wedding. It’s a touching way to share a piece of the day with others.
Wedding Flower Keepsake Checklist
- 🌸 Dry and Frame Your Bouquet
- 🕯️ Make a Candle with the Petals
- 🎁 Gift Dried Flowers to Loved Ones
- 💍 Turn Flowers Into Jewelry
- 🖼️ Create a Shadow Box or Pressed Frame
Bonus Ideas: Even More Ways to Use Your Wedding Flowers
- 💌 Use pressed petals in anniversary cards
- 🎨 Commission a custom painting or custom embroidered replica of your bouquet
- 📸 Include dried petals in your wedding photo album
FAQs About Preserving Wedding Flowers
Can I preserve my wedding flowers at home?
Yes! Air drying, pressing, and using silica gel are all popular DIY methods. Resin casting and candle-making are a bit trickier, but there are kits available online.
How long do preserved wedding flowers last?
With proper care, dried or resin-preserved flowers can last for years… sometimes decades. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture for best results.
What’s the best method to preserve a wedding bouquet?
It depends on your personal style. For an elegant display, framing or shadow boxing is ideal. For something wearable or modern, resin or jewelry keepsakes are perfect.
Where are the best places to get flowers preserved near me?
Most places online serve anywhere in the United States. You ship your bouquet and they take care of the rest! Read: Where to Get Your Wedding Bouquet Preserved (Before It’s Too Late).
Final Thoughts
It’s okay to feel a little sentimental about your flowers! They were with you through one of the most meaningful days of your life. Whether you choose to preserve, display, or repurpose them, there’s no wrong way to honor the memories they hold. I hope these ideas inspire you to give your bouquet the second life it truly deserves.
If you have your own special way of preserving your wedding flowers, I’d love to hear about it! Share your ideas on how to preserve wedding flowers in the comments below 💐
► After the wedding, don’t forget to preserve your wedding dress! Read: Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation: What Every Bride Needs To Know.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
Tags: preserve wedding bouquet, how to preserve wedding flowers, what to do with wedding flowers, wedding bouquet preservation, dried wedding flowers, keep wedding bouquet, wedding flower preservation, bouquet preservation, reuse wedding flowers, bouquet keepsake
Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
