Let’s be honest: when you first start planning your wedding bouquet, you’re thinking about color palettes, floral vibes, and which flowers will match the dress—not necessarily what will happen to them after the last dance. But if you’re someone who wants to keep your bouquet forever (and we get it, so many of us do), knowing which flowers preserve well can make all the difference in how your keepsake turns out.
At Blossom & Rhyme, we specialize in turning those once-in-a-lifetime blooms into resin blocks, pressed flower art, and heirloom jewelry. And after preserving thousands of bouquets, we’ve learned a thing or two about which flowers stay vibrant and beautiful—and which ones, unfortunately, don’t hold up so well.
So, if you’re planning to preserve your bouquet, this guide is for you. Here’s what to consider when choosing flowers that can stand the test of time—literally.
Why Flower Type Matters for Preservation
Not all flowers are created equal—at least not when it comes to preservation. Some blooms maintain their color and shape effortlessly. Others fade, brown, or lose their structure no matter how carefully we handle them. And while we can work with just about any flower, knowing ahead of time which ones perform best can help you (and your florist) plan a bouquet that’s not just beautiful in the moment, but beautiful forever.
When we’re working with resin or pressed preservation techniques, we look at three main factors: structure, moisture content, and colorfastness. Flowers with dense petals and lower moisture levels tend to hold up best. But we also make adjustments along the way, from pre-treatment techniques to special drying processes—because your bouquet deserves every bit of attention and care.
Flowers That Preserve Beautifully
Here’s the good news: some of the most popular wedding flowers also happen to preserve incredibly well. That means you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for longevity—you can absolutely have both.
Roses are hands-down one of the best flowers for preservation. Classic, romantic, and available in just about every color under the sun, roses maintain their shape and color beautifully in both resin and pressed formats. Whether you’re using them in a bold red bouquet or a soft pastel palette, they almost always preserve well.
Ranunculus is another floral favorite we love to work with. With their layers of delicate petals and soft curves, ranunculus flowers look stunning when preserved. They do require gentle handling, but when dried properly, they retain both their color and charm in resin blocks and pressed displays.
Dahlias have a bold, structured look that translates beautifully into preserved art. They’re perfect for brides who love statement pieces in their bouquet. These blooms hold their shape well and can create a dramatic focal point in a resin block or framed piece.
Carnations might not get the same spotlight as peonies or orchids, but they’re one of the most reliable flowers for preservation. They’re sturdy, long-lasting, and maintain their ruffled beauty even after drying. Bonus: they’re available in so many colors and are often a budget-friendly filler with heirloom-worthy results.
Hydrangeas, when used carefully, can be preservation stars. Their color can shift slightly in the drying process, but they hold their overall shape well and bring gorgeous texture to both resin and pressed designs.
Flowers That Can Be Tricky (But Not Impossible)
Then there are the flowers we lovingly refer to as “high-maintenance.” They’re stunning in the moment but can be unpredictable in the preservation process. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them—it just means managing expectations and planning around them is key.
Peonies are a perfect example. They’re a bridal favorite for a reason—soft, full, and totally romantic—but they have a very high water content, which makes them prone to browning or shrinking. That said, we’ve had beautiful results with peonies when pressed. If your heart is set on them, we’ll make it work with special care and technique.
Tulips can be temperamental, especially in resin. Their stems and petals are soft and sensitive, which can lead to wilting during the drying process. We usually recommend pressing tulips rather than using them in 3D preservation.
Lilies and orchids bring incredible elegance to a bouquet, but their delicate structures and high moisture content require extra attention. In some cases, we’ll preserve select petals or incorporate only portions of the bloom into a final design.
Planning Ahead with Your Florist
If you’re even thinking about preserving your wedding bouquet, it’s a good idea to loop your florist in from the beginning. Let them know that certain flowers preserve better than others, and that you’d like to build your bouquet with longevity in mind.
We’ve worked with so many florists who get just as excited about preservation as we do—they’ll often make small tweaks, like choosing a sturdier variety of rose or subbing in a more preservation-friendly filler, to help set you up for success.
Don’t worry if you’ve already picked your blooms or if your bouquet has a few “trickier” flowers. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you preserve the parts that matter most.
Color Considerations: What to Expect
One of the biggest questions we get is about color—will your flowers look the same after preservation?
The honest answer is: not always. Some colors, like deep reds and purples, tend to darken slightly during drying. Pastels often hold their tone beautifully, and whites may soften to ivory or cream. That said, we use careful techniques to preserve as much vibrancy as possible. And no matter what, the final result will reflect the spirit and beauty of your bouquet.
We always share examples of past pieces so you know what to expect—and you’re always welcome to talk with us about what flowers or colors matter most to you.
Filler Flowers & Greens That Shine
It’s not just the main flowers that deserve love—filler flowers and greenery often play a starring role in your final preserved piece.
Baby’s breath, statice, and wax flower all dry beautifully and add texture without overpowering your design. We also love working with eucalyptus and fern fronds—they bring in subtle structure and earthy tones that look stunning in both resin and pressed formats.
These little touches might not be the showstoppers in your fresh bouquet, but they often become the quiet, elegant details that make your preservation piece feel whole.
It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Meaning
At the end of the day, preserving your wedding bouquet isn’t about freezing every bloom in perfect condition—it’s about capturing the emotion and beauty of the day you said “I do.” It’s about turning something fleeting into something forever.
So whether your bouquet is packed with peonies or built around bold dahlias, we’ll help you choose the best path forward. Our goal is always to honor your flowers, your story, and your style.
Preserving wedding flowers is equal parts art and heart—and we’re here for every part of that journey with you.
At Blossom & Rhyme, we specialize in custom floral preservation using both resin and pressed techniques. As a 100% female-owned and operated studio, we serve clients across the U.S. who want to transform their wedding bouquets into lasting keepsakes. Contact us to begin your floral preservation journey.