The 5 Best Ways to Preserve Roses from Your Wedding

After putting so much time and energy into choosing the perfect roses to complete the vision of your wedding day, it’s no wonder you're wondering how to preserve them. The most obvious way to remember the magic your blooms brought to the day is through photos, but preserving them allows you to do something different and meaningful—and you get to have them forever.

“No matter how the flowers may change over the years, they will still be the same exact flowers that you held in your hands, decorated your table, or surrounded you in an arch,” says Lacie RZ Porta, founder of Framed Florals. “The flowers that adorned your special day can live on through a piece of art.”

There are several ways to preserve roses so you can enjoy them forever. “My number one tip for preserving roses is to try a few different methods,” says Lacie. “When dealing with organic material like flowers, they can be unpredictable, so it’s best to air dry a few stems upside down and press some of the petals, that way you’re ensured to have a preserved rose.” Regardless of the method you choose, you’ve got to move fast. “Couples oftentimes don’t think about preservation until after the wedding, when they realize how much sentimental value they hold.” The sooner you preserve them, the better so that they appear as fresh as possible.

Read on to learn about the best way to preserve those romantic wedding roses.

How to Press Roses

Pressing is probably the most common way to preserve roses, but because of the flower's thick base and stem, it can be challenging, so exercise patience.

1. Decide if you want to press the roses with their stems, without, or just the petals (hint: Just the petals will be easiest). If your roses are large, you can cut them in half using sharp scissors for easier pressing. 
2. Once you’ve got your roses exactly how you want them, remove any imperfect outer petals and fluff the remaining petals by spreading them out. 
3. Arrange the roses on wax paper and place them inside a large book weighted down with something heavy, or use a flower press.
4. It should take two to three weeks for the roses to fully dry. From there, arrange and frame as desired. 

You may want a professional to expertly press and arrange your roses for you, especially if you’re taking a honeymoon directly after your nuptials. “Clients will choose flower preservation through pressing and framing if they know they want something that is a bit of a nod to their wedding day within the art itself,” says Lacie.

How to Hang Roses to Dry

Another way to preserve your roses is by hanging them upside down to dry.

1. Unwrap your bouquet and separate the flowers. Hang them individually to best preserve their shape and prevent breakage later on.
2. Tie a string around each rose and hang them upside down someplace cool, dry, and away from sunlight. 
3. It should take two to three weeks for them to fully dry. Because they’re fragile when dried, arrange the roses in a vase with care.

How to Use Resin

“If clients are looking for functional pieces like coasters or a tray, they may opt for resin preservation,” says Lacie. Because roses are thick, this is a great option. 

1. Purchase clear epoxy resin and a mold online or from a craft store in a shape you like.
2. Fill the mold halfway with resin, then carefully arrange the flowers inside the liquid.
3. Fill the rest of the mold and let dry. Remove the resin from the mold and you’ll have a beautiful rose memento.

How to Use Silica Gel

Preserving roses in silica gel keeps them looking the most like they did on your wedding day. Like resin, you can purchase silica gel in sand form from your local craft store.

1. Creating a base by pouring a layer of silica gel 1.5 inches thick into a container.
2. Place flowers face up in a container and add more silica around the flowers without submerging them completely. 
3. Seal the container and place it somewhere dry. In seven days, your roses will be dried. Spray them with hairspray to make them last.

How to Use Glycerin

Glycerin isn’t just for skincare, it also helps roses retain their shape and feel.

1. Combine one part glycerin and two parts lukewarm water in an empty pitcher.
2. Place the roses with their stems inside the pitcher.
3. Once roses have a rubbery feel, after about two to three weeks, take them out and let them air dry.