A Message For Florists: Let's Team Up

Little things that make a big difference when it comes to pressing your flowers beautifully.

If you’re hoping to turn your wedding bouquet into a piece of floral artwork for your home, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing to preserve their flowers as a way to hold onto the feeling of the day, not just through photos, but through something real and lasting.

But here’s the thing I wish more couples (and florists!) knew:
The way your bouquet is made can make or break how well it presses.

I’ve pressed hundreds of bouquets, some that come in and press like a dream, and others that are beautiful but need a bit of extra care behind the scenes to work as lasting pressed flower framed keepsakes.

That’s why I always say: when the couple, florist and preservation artist are on the same page, the result is something truly special.

Here’s what I wish more florists (and brides!) kept in mind:

Keep the Stems On

I can’t say this enough: stems matter!
They help your flowers stay hydrated on the day and on their journey to me. When stems are trimmed off too early, the flowers can wilt really quickly, and that makes them trickier to press.

Stems = water = fresher flowers = better results.

Skip the Floral Foam

Bouquets made in floral foam (Oasis) don’t hold up as well. The flowers usually arrive limp, a bit dehydrated, or already starting to brown.

Sometimes, cascading bouquets are done with a foam handle to make them easier to hold, but in most cases, your florist can still create that look as a hand-tied bouquet. It keeps your flowers in much better condition for pressing.

It’s also worth mentioning that floral foam isn’t the most sustainable option. It’s a single-use plastic that doesn’t break down naturally, and tiny microplastics can end up in water systems. A hand-tied bouquet is not only better for preservation, it’s better for the planet too. The Sustainable Floristry Network offer ideas for Floral Foam Alternatives.

Keep Wiring Light

Ranunculus are one of my favourite blooms to press, but they’re notorious for flopping, which is why florists often wire them for structure.
That’s totally fine! Just try not to push the wire too deep into the bloom. It can bruise the petals or cause the middle to go a bit mushy, which means it won’t press well.

A light touch with wiring goes a long way.

Reflexed Roses: Beautiful but Tricky

You know those roses with the outer petals pulled back for that soft, open look? They’re called reflexed roses, and while they look gorgeous in a bouquet, they’re not always the easiest to press.

They can show creases, fade unevenly, or bruise, especially if they’re pale in colour.
If you love that look (and I totally get it), ask your florist to include a few non-reflexed ones just for pressing. They can be tucked into the bouquet or sent along separately.

Avoid Dyed or Painted Flowers

Painted foliage or dyed blooms like rainbow gyp might look striking on the day, but they don’t hold up well in the press.
Spray paint can flake off, and dyed petals often bleed or end up looking patchy when dried. Natural colour always presses best.

Press-Friendly Flowers Make All the Difference

Some flowers are just made for pressing. They hold their colour beautifully, flatten well, and bring such lovely detail into your frame.

If you’re planning your bouquet, or you’re a florist working with a couple who wants to preserve theirs, these are some flowers I always love working with:

Strawflower

Cosmos

Ammi

Orlaya

Astrantia

Larkspur

Daisies

Scabiosa (especially the caucasica variety, so dreamy!)

These work so nicely alongside bigger blooms like roses, peonies and ranunculus, which are pressable too; they just need a bit more care.

Don’t Wrap Too Tightly

Tightly bound bouquets can squash delicate petals and hold in moisture, especially on warm days. That can lead to bruising or even mould before they arrive with me.

A slightly looser wrap gives the bouquet room to breathe and helps everything arrive looking much fresher.

If You’re a Bride…

Let your florist know early if you’re planning to preserve your bouquet. They’ll often be happy to adjust the design slightly using more pressable flowers, skipping the foam, or wrapping things a bit looser.

Even just flagging it early gives them a chance to support you in keeping those blooms long after the big day.

And If You’re a Florist…

I’d absolutely love to work with you.
Your designs are the start of something so special. With just a few thoughtful tweaks, your work can become a piece of nature decor for someone’s home, something handmade, heartfelt, and full of memories.

Ready to Preserve Your Flowers?

This work is about more than just petals; it’s about keeping hold of moments that matter. With a little planning, your bouquet can become a frame you’ll treasure for years, full of detail, colour, and meaning.

If you’re looking to preserve your wedding flowers, or you’re a florist wanting to support your clients with that extra step, I’d love to chat. You can get in touch through my contact page, or follow along on Instagram for pressed flower tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, and the occasional love letter to daisies.