The Process of Preserving Your Wedding Bouquet

Your wedding flowers are more than just a bouquet—they hold memories of one of the most special days of your life. Whether it’s your favourite flower, a colour that holds significant meaning, or the roses your mother carried in her bouquet, these blooms tell a story. That’s why I take great care in preserving them, turning your fresh flowers into lasting artwork that you can treasure forever.

If you’re a Nova Scotia or East Coast bride looking for a way to preserve your wedding bouquet long after the petals naturally fade, pressed flower art is a beautiful and sustainable keepsake option.

If you're wondering what happens after your flowers leave your hands and arrive at my studio in the Annapolis Valley? Let’s walk through the process from fresh to forever.

The First Few Weeks – The Pressing Process

As soon as your bouquet arrives, I carefully take it apart, inspecting each flower and piece of greenery to determine the best method for pressing. Some flowers press beautifully, while others require special handling or adjustments.

I love working with locally grown flowers, and many of my brides choose blooms from Two Birds One Stone Flower Farm or other flower farms here in Nova Scotia. Locally grown flowers not only support small businesses but also press beautifully since they are fresh and haven’t been transported long distances.

Once placed in my presses, your flowers begin the slow drying process. For the first couple of weeks, I check on them daily to ensure they dry properly. Moisture is the biggest threat at this stage—any trapped moisture could cause mould, so I take every precaution to prevent this.

After the initial monitoring phase, the flowers remain in the press, transforming into their delicate, preserved state. This process can take four to six weeks, depending on the flowers and their density.

Selecting the Best Blooms

One of the most common questions I get is, “Will every flower from my bouquet be in the final artwork?”

The truth is, not all flowers press well, and some may not be suitable for the final piece. While every bloom holds its own beauty, I carefully select the best-preserved flowers to create a design that truly captures the essence of your bouquet.

Some flowers may change colour slightly, while others might become more brown, translucent or take on a different texture. I embrace these natural changes, using only the most vibrant and well-preserved blooms to bring your artwork to life.

If you’ve chosen seasonal field flowers or garden-style bouquets, you might notice that some blooms become even more intricate and beautiful once pressed. This is part of what makes wedding flower preservation so unique—no two flowers are ever the same.

Arranging Your Forever Flowers

Once the flowers are fully dry, I begin the most creative part of the process—arranging them into a one-of-a-kind composition. Every design is custom-made, meaning no two pieces are ever the same.

I carefully plan the layout, ensuring that the colours, shapes, and textures work together beautifully. Your flowers aren’t just placed randomly—they are arranged with intention, reflecting the original beauty of your bouquet while also creating a balanced and visually stunning piece of art.

This stage takes time, as I want every detail to be just right before securing them permanently in place.

The Finishing Touches & Timeline

Once the arrangement is complete, I frame your artwork in a custom-finished, handmade wood frame that protects the delicate pressed flowers. The final piece is sealed and ready for you to display in your home.

From the day you send me your bouquet to the moment you receive your finished artwork, the entire process typically takes 8-12 weeks. During peak wedding season, it may take a little longer, but I always work to ensure a smooth turnaround without compromising on quality.

I understand how eager you are to see your wedding bouquet transformed into art, which is why I communicate throughout the process and work hard to keep things moving efficiently while still allowing time for the careful attention each piece requires.

Credits:
Wedding Photography: Sarah Levy Photography
Bouquet: Two Birds One Stone Flower Farm
Venue: Healy Farms, Kentville
Flower Preservation: Seek & Bloom Creative Co.