How to Preserve a Wedding Bouquet: Keep the Magic Alive
Your wedding bouquet is more than just a bunch of flowers — it's a symbol of love, commitment, and the memories you made on your special day. Whether you married in a grand manor, a secret garden, or a romantic Georgian townhouse like Stone Court House, knowing how to preserve a wedding bouquet lets you hold onto those memories forever.
In this guide, we'll explore the most popular and effective ways to preserve your bouquet, from DIY drying methods to professional keepsake services. Plus, we'll explain how Stone Court House's wedding packages support couples in creating beautiful, lasting memories — right down to the final petal.
Why Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet?
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a meaningful way to:
- Capture the emotion of the day
- Keep your flowers as a physical keepsake
- Display your bouquet creatively in your home
- Incorporate blooms into anniversary gifts or artwork
Many couples who marry at Stone Court House choose to preserve their bouquet as part of a broader effort to keep the atmosphere of their big day alive — something we fully support in our intimate wedding packages.
Air-Drying: The Classic Way to Preserve a Wedding Bouquet
One of the simplest and most popular ways to preserve a wedding bouquet is air-drying.
How to air-dry your bouquet:
- Remove any wilting or damaged petals.
- Tie the stems tightly with string or twine.
- Hang the bouquet upside-down in a cool, dry, and dark place (like a cupboard or wardrobe).
- Leave it for 2–3 weeks until the flowers feel crisp to the touch.
Best for: Wildflower bouquets, roses, lavender, baby's breath
Top tip: Spritz with unscented hairspray to help the petals keep their shape.
Pressing Flowers: Turn Your Bouquet into Art
Another timeless method is flower pressing, which works especially well for flat-petaled flowers like pansies, daisies, and orchids.
How to press your bouquet:
- Disassemble the bouquet into individual blooms and leaves.
- Place flowers between two sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book.
- Add extra weight on top and leave for 7–10 days.
- Once dry, mount them on paper or frame them for display.
Best for: Creating framed artwork or personalised wedding albums
Silica Gel Drying: The Professional Finish
If you want vibrant colours and detailed petal preservation, silica gel drying is a smart choice. Silica gel draws moisture out of the flowers without flattening them.
How it works:
- Place flowers in an airtight container filled with silica gel crystals.
- Cover completely and seal the container.
- Wait 5–7 days for the drying process.
- Carefully remove and spray with a sealant.
Best for: More structured bouquets and exotic flowers
Cost: Moderate to high, depending on whether you do it yourself or use a preservation specialist.
Resin Preservation: A Stunning Modern Option
For a modern, long-lasting keepsake, consider having your bouquet preserved in resin. Flowers are suspended in clear resin and shaped into objects like:
- Paperweights
- Jewellery trays
- Photo frames
- Coasters
This technique preserves the 3D shape and colour of your blooms beautifully.
Best for: Couples who want an artistic keepsake with a contemporary feel
Stone Court House tip: Include petals from your bouquet, a copy of your vows, or dried confetti in the resin design for a personalised touch.
Bouquet Preservation Tips from Stone Court House
As a venue that hosts elegant, intimate weddings year-round, we know how important the little details are. Here are our top bouquet preservation tips for couples:
Plan ahead
Decide on your preservation method before the big day. Some techniques (like freeze-drying or resin) work best when started within 48 hours.
Tell your florist
Ask your florist to use blooms that dry well if you're planning preservation. Seasonal flowers available in Kent work beautifully.
Store safely after the ceremony
If you're celebrating your wedding at Stone Court House, our team will ensure your bouquet is safely stored until you're ready to take it home.
Need wedding planning tips? Read our ultimate wedding planning guide!
Make Memories That Last at Stone Court House
Preserving your wedding bouquet is one way to keep the romance of your big day alive — but the magic starts with choosing the right venue.
At Stone Court House, we offer boutique wedding packages tailored to couples looking for historic charm, elegance, and exceptional service. Our Grade II* listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Kent provides a stunning backdrop for intimate celebrations — and unforgettable flowers.
Whether you're planning a small ceremony with close family or a stylish elopement, we'll help you create meaningful moments — from vows to blooms to lifelong memories.
Enquire About Weddings at Stone Court House
Ready to plan a wedding that's beautiful, personal, and unforgettable? Speak to our hotel in Maidstone today about available wedding dates, pricing, and bespoke packages.
Email: reservations@stonecourthouse.com
Call: 01622 200391