1. Which flowers press the best?

Roses, ranunculus, anenomes, peonies, cosmos, poppies, hydrangeas, zinnias, most dahlias, daisies, delphinium/larkspur, sunflowers, pansies, sweet peas, baby’s breath, and most greenery, such as eucalyptus, olive branches, and ferns.

The following flower types typically do not preserve well: orchids, lilies, lisianthus, gladiolus, tropicals, and mums

2. How long does it take to press flowers?

It takes about 6-8 weeks for your flowers to dry, and I give myself an additional 1-2 weeks for creating your pieces. That means you can expect to receive your works of art within 10 weeks of me receiving them.

3. What is the process for pressing flowers?

I lay the flowers flat between layers of paper and cardboard in my homemade flower press. Many flowers need to be deconstructed, meaning they are removed from their stems and often each petal is picked off separately. There are special tricks to know for each different type of flower that go a long way in producing the best dried results. Every day during the first full week of pressing, I change out the paper layers to remove built up moisture. This step is extremely important and by far the most time consuming part of the process, requiring every single petal to be moved to a new sheet of paper and re-sandwiched in the press. After 6-8 weeks, the flower will be dry and ready to be carefully selected and arranged into a frame or jewelry piece. A fun process that requires a lot of time, patience, and attention to detail. 

4. Will the flowers fade?

Yes, all flowers fade over time as part of the preservation process, as we are taking living things and making it last forever. The colors will change slightly, with some flowers becoming lighter shades and some becoming darker shades. White flowers turn to a more creamy off-white color, giving a unique antique look. In addition, the moisture leaving the petals causes the flowers to often shrink or wrinkle a bit. After framing, the flowers may fade a bit, especially if the piece is hung in a sunny room. Though the flowers will look different from their fresh state, I think every natural stage of the preservation process is beautiful. Just like our memories and our relationships, your cherished flowers will change with time. The changes show that you weren’t married just yesterday, which I think is a very special thing.

5. How do I ship my flowers?

Check out the Wedding Flower Preservation page and scroll down to the Shipping Your Flowers section for easy step-by-step instructions for how to mail your flowers to me.

In order to have your flowers looking as good as possible, please ensure that they arrive to me in within 3 days of your event. But the sooner the better! Trust me, you won’t regret rushing a little or paying for quicker shipping!

 7. What if my blooms get ruined in the mail?

Even if there is a shipping mishap, there is a high probability that at least some of the flowers are in good enough condition for pressing. We can discuss alternative sizings for your desired piece if there are less useable flowers than expected. Alternatively, I can work with a local florist to get replacement flowers for the ones damaged in transit if that is something you would be interested in.

8. Can I include my wedding invitation, vows, a photo, or ribbon into the frame?

Yes! I am happy to include these special personal touches. Be sure to include these with your flowers in the mail or at drop-off.

9. I got married a while ago and no longer have the flowers. Can I use a recreated bouquet?

Yes! I am excited to help recreate your bouquet with a local florist using a photo of your original bouquet. These pieces can be just as meaningful, especially if it’s to celebrate an important milestone, such as an anniversary! Check out the Wedding Flower Preservation page and scroll down to the Wedding Bouquet Recreation section for instructions to begin. It will involve filling out the custom order form and sending a photo of your original bouquet to carryingflowers.art@gmail.com.

10.  Can I buy a gift card for someone?

Yes! You can purchase a Gift Card on the Shop page. Gift cards go by $50 dollar increments, so add 2 to your cart for $100 gift card, add 3 for $150 gift card, and so on. Make sure you also fill out the form on the product page to ensure smooth delivery of the discount code to your Gift Card recipient. This is a great gift for engaged couples planning a wedding or flower-lovers who would appreciate a unique custom order.

11. Can I preserve already dried flowers?

Yes! I can preserve old flowers that have already dried and become crispy. Even your crunchy dusty wedding bouquet that’s been in the closet for 10 years! It doesn’t matter how old a bouquet is, I can always rehydrate the petals and press them flat to make a beautiful preserved piece of art. 

Do you have other questions?