Your Most Asked Questions About Pressing and Preserving Flowers
A little welcome into my world at Earth Tone
If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably thinking about saving some very special flowers. That makes me so happy.
At Earth Tone, I spend my days pressing flowers and turning them into keepsakes that can live on your walls for years to come. I’m often asked how everything works, how early to book, and whether flowers will survive the post. So I wanted to put everything in one place for you.
This guide answers the questions I’m asked most, whether you’re hoping to preserve your wedding bouquet or create a pressed flower framed piece from a meaningful moment in your life.
Why do so many people choose to preserve their flowers
Saving your flowers is about so much more than keeping the blooms.
When I press and preserve flowers, I’m holding onto a moment. The joy, the love, the people who were there. Your bouquet is never just a bouquet. It marks the start of something, or celebrates someone, or remembers a moment that mattered deeply.
Turning those flowers into a flowery frame means they don’t end up forgotten in a box. They become part of your home and your everyday life. Something you see often. Something that quietly reminds you of that day.
There’s also something very comforting about slowing down and caring for flowers in this way. Pressing and preserving them has been done in the UK for generations. The Victorians kept petals in books and frames to mark love and life events. I like to think that every piece I create carries that same feeling forward, made by hand and with care for the materials I use.
How early should I book?
I always recommend booking as early as you can, especially for weddings.
Spring and summer dates fill quickly, and I only take on a certain number of bouquets at a time so I can give each one the attention it deserves. Booking early means your date is safely in my diary and you can relax knowing everything is in place.
The best time to book is as soon as you have your event date. Even if you’re not sure about frame size or layout yet, that can all be decided later. I’ll guide you through it step by step and help you choose something that feels right for your home and your flowers.
Will my bouquet last four days in the post?
This is one of the questions I hear most, and I completely understand why.
The good news is that in most cases, yes, your bouquet will be absolutely fine.
Flowers travel better than people expect. As long as they are looked after before posting, they usually arrive in lovely condition. Keep the stems in water and store them somewhere cool, like a garage or utility room. If your event is over a weekend, aim to send them Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
If some petals have dropped or the flowers look a little tired, please don’t worry. That’s completely normal after a big day. I always say to send everything you have, even loose petals. I can often rebuild and restore more than you might think during the pressing process.
Nothing has to be perfect to become beautiful again.
How does the process work?
I keep everything simple and reassuring from start to finish.
Step one: Booking your piece
Once you’ve booked your pressed flower framed piece, you can tell me about your flowers and any ideas you have. You can leave notes at checkout or email me. Every order is personal and created just for you.
Step two: Sending your flowers
I’ll send clear guidance on how to package and post your flowers safely. As soon as they arrive with me, I begin pressing them straight away to keep as much colour and shape as possible.
Step three: Pressing and designing
This is the slow and careful part. I dry your flowers and then begin designing your floral artwork by hand. I take time to place each bloom so it feels balanced and true to your bouquet.
Step four: Framing and finishing
Your pressed flowers are then framed in FSC-certified oak with UV-resistant acrylic to help protect them over time. Everything is packaged carefully so it arrives safely with you.
Step five: Receiving your piece
Most custom pieces take around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the design. Once it arrives, all you need to do is find the perfect spot for it. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from humidity, and it will stay beautiful for many years.
How long will my pressed flowers last?
With the right care, your pressed flower framed piece can last for many years.
Some gentle fading over time is natural and part of working with real flowers. I actually think it adds to their story. These are not factory-made pieces. They are real blooms from a real moment in your life, carefully preserved so they can live on your walls and be seen every day.
Sustainability and materials at Earth Tone
Being thoughtful about materials is very important to me.
I use FSC-certified European oak frames and UV-resistant acrylic to help protect your flowers. Wherever possible, I choose options that are kinder to the environment and built to last. When you choose a piece from Earth Tone, you are choosing something made slowly, by hand, and with real care behind it.
Bringing your flowers into your home
One of my favourite parts is imagining where your frame will live once it arrives.
Pressed flower pieces work beautifully with natural textures like wood, linen and ceramics. They sit softly in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways, bringing a calm and personal feeling to your space. Many people tell me it becomes the first thing they notice when they walk into the room.
It’s not just something to store away. It’s something to live with.
Closing thoughts
Your flowers hold memories worth keeping. Pressing them means those moments stay with you, not packed away but gently displayed in your home.
If you’re thinking about saving your bouquet or flowers from a meaningful day, you’re always welcome to message me. Even if you’re just exploring ideas or feeling unsure, I’m here to talk it through with you and help you decide what feels right.