When thinking about wedding flower preservation, a common question we hear is "how long does it take?"
With our meticulous, hand-crafted process, it usually takes 12-16 weeks to perfectly preserve and frame your bouquet.
But the answer can vary depend on the preservation method you chose. This post will take a look at the things you need to know when it comes to the time taken to preserve a wedding bouquet.
First up, act quickly
Time is of the essence when it comes to preserving wedding flowers. Ideally, flowers should begin their preservation journey within a week of your special day.
Beyond this time-frame, flowers are likely to start deteriorating in quality and may not be suitable for preservation. It's another one of our most frequently asked questions and the best thing to do to keep your flowers in the best condition is store them in clean, cool water and place them in a cool location away from direct sunlight. This will maintain their freshness as much as possible.
If you're umming and ahhing about saving your bouquet, check out this blog on the reasons why you should preserve your wedding flowers. It's also worth reading this one on how much does it cost to preserve your bouquet.
Timeline for Different Preservation Methods
Hand pressing and framing
We may be biased, but the best method to preserve your wedding flowers in our opinion is to hand press and frame them. It's a traditional method that we have mastered through dedication and perseverance. Everything is natural, we don't use any chemicals or artificial ingredients. The end result looks sublime and will last you for decades.
Because this technique is hand-crafted, it requires patience and expertise. On average, it takes us 12-16 weeks to perfectly preserve your flowers.
This time sometimes depends on the season. For example, during the height of peak wedding season (April-October), it may take a little longer than between November and February. This is due to the volume of flowers we receive as we have to prioritise handling the fresh arrivals to then get the best possible results for you.
Other Common Methods
While various preservation techniques exist, each comes with its own timeline and considerations:
Air drying takes 2-3 weeks but often results in significant colour loss and fragile flowers.
Silica gel drying requires 1-2 weeks but needs careful handling and specific materials.
Freeze-drying can take 2-4 weeks and requires specialist equipment
Resin preservation usually takes 1-2 weeks but permanently alters the flowers' natural state.
It is possible to preserve your own wedding flowers, but as we explain in this post, it's not something we recommend as it's more difficult than you think and the fact that you only get one chance!
What the preservation timeline looks like
If you're ahead of the game, it's always best to book your preservation service well in advance
Order your flowers and have the best wedding ever!
Once your wedding is finished, keep your bouquet in water and cool conditions away from direct sunlight.
Send your flowers for preservation as soon as possible after your wedding
Be patient during the preservation process and trust that the wait will be worth it for a lasting keepsake - as far as Smart Floral Art goes, we keep you up to date throughout the process to discuss framing options, etchings and any other personalisations. As your preserved flowers near completion, we'll work with you to select the perfect frame and design layout.
We'll send you a design for pre-approval before final assembly, ensuring every detail meets your vision.
We'll carefully package up and post your frame and preserved wedding flowers out for you
Hang it up somewhere you'll see it everyday and enjoy for decades to come!
Why does it take a long time?
While three to four months might seem a long time, it's essential to understand that proper preservation can't be rushed. It might be tempting to seek quicker solutions, but we don't think the result will be quite as good. It's also a brilliant boost to get your preserved flowers back a few months after the wedding so you can relive the memories.
Our chemical-free, sustainable approach makes sure your flowers retain their natural beauty without harmful preservatives or glues. Though colours may naturally fade slightly over time, but a well-cared-for frame can last for decades - it may even become a cherished family heirloom!
With over 100 five-star reviews, we're confident that the end result is worth the wait!
If you're considering preserving your wedding bouquet, we encourage you to start planning early. The sooner you arrange preservation, the better the chances of achieving stunning, long-lasting result. For some inspiration, take a look at our preserved bouquet gallery.
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