When it comes to preserving bouquets we can wish that paper flowers, fake blooms and all the jewels in the world will suffice–but if you want real, gorgeous, bountiful and beautiful blooms go for it! Want to keep them? Hire a Pressed Flower Artist. Header image photo credit

Some of the coolest things I’ve seen by far in this wedding business are the tradespeople and artists that can take something sentiment from your magical day and make it a kick-ass memory. “Sorry, single ladies!” Tell them you’re keeping your wedding bouquet.

How To Save Your Bouquet

Here’s the deal: you’re going to need to appoint the most responsible person available at the party, who isn’t boozing, to get your bouquet to your artisan within 1-3 days. Most pressed flower artists require a deposit, and usually it isn’t all too expensive. An average deposit is just $100, but it also depends on what you choose to do with your flowers. Here are a few beautiful ideas, courtesy of PressedGarden.com:

Add on Accessories and Jewelry

Some pressed flower artists can take additional, unused blooms or petals from your bouquet and create wearable art. If possible, consider adding on the service of turning your blooms into precious heirloom rose jewelry. You might want to even consider this as a ‘thank you’ to your bridesmaids and use their bouquets!

What Flowers Press Best

According to Austin, Texas Pressed Flower Artist Annie Fentz Smith who runs PressedGarden.com, the fresher the bouquet when delivered to her, the better. She has some killer recommendations for flowers that really fit the bill for pressing: Alstroemeria, Anemone, Babies Breath, Daisy, Delphinium, Calla Lily, Carnation, Chrysanthemum (not all), Dusty Miller, Fern, Freesia, Gerbera Daisy, Heather, Hydrangea, Ivy, Larkspur, Lavender, Lily, Lisianthus, Orchid, Peony, Queen Anne’s Lace, Rose, Ranunculus, Statice, Stock, Sunflower, Tulips.

Annie also recommends some flowers that can be pressed, but she has found they don’t always yield consistent pressing results: Artichoke, Asparagus Fern, Billy Balls, Chrysanthemums (not all), Gardenias, Scabiosa Pods, Stephanotis, Succulents.

So choose wisely if you really want a bouquet that can go from this gorgeous bouquet of roses, lilies and orchids to a gorgeous piece of pressed flower artwork like this:

Oh, yeah. I know. Right!? The detail alone is absolutely fabulous!

What To Look For In A Pressed Flower Artist

• When it comes to choosing the artist or artisan that is going to be preserving your bouquet, check out their art. If you are pressing your whole bouquet and expect it to look almost identical to the one you walked down the aisle with make sure the person you trust can provide a portfolio with original photos. Some artisans might only use a few petals.
• Talk to them about how much time they will spend with your flowers. Ask them about the type of flowers they do press and check back to your list above. If they answer some that are hard, ask how they do that. Ask what type of process they use. The artist we mentioned above, Annie Fentz Smith, finds vacuum sealed art holds color a lot longer than laminated art, so I’d follow her lead on this one.
• Be sure to ask your artist what kinds of fees are associated with the art you commission and/or the package you might design for your bridal party. That way you know each and every cost up front and aren’t surprised after spending too much on your honeymoon.