How to Prepare Your Flowers for Shipping
A step-by-step guide to safely sending your flowers for preservation
After your wedding day, your bouquet begins to change quickly. Proper preparation and shipping ensures your flowers arrive in the best possible condition for bouquet preservation, allowing them to be carefully transformed into a lasting keepsake.
When to Ship Your Bouquet
Timing is one of the most important factors in wedding bouquet preservation.
Your bouquet should be:
shipped within 1–3 days of your event
kept in a cool environment until shipment
sent using priority or express shipping
The fresher your flowers are when they arrive, the better they will preserve — both in colour and structure.
Before You Package Your Bouquet
Before placing your bouquet in a box, take a moment to prepare it properly.
1. Remove excess moisture
Gently pat stems dry and remove any standing water.
Your bouquet should be slightly hydrated, but not wet, as excess moisture can lead to mould during transit.
2. Trim the stems slightly (optional)
Trim about ½ inch from the stems to keep them fresh before shipping.
3. Wrap the stems
Wrap the stems in a damp (not dripping) paper towel, then cover with a plastic bag secured with an elastic band.
This helps maintain hydration during transit without oversaturating the flowers.
How to Package Your Bouquet for Shipping
Proper packaging protects the flowers from movement, crushing, and temperature fluctuations.
4. Choose the right box
Use a sturdy cardboard box that allows a few inches of space around the bouquet.
Avoid boxes that are too tight or oversized.
5. Secure the bouquet
Wrap your bouquet loosely in:
tissue paper
kraft paper
or unbleached packing paper
Then place it in the box and gently fill empty space with:
crumpled paper
tissue
or soft packing material
The goal is to prevent shifting, not compress the flowers.
6. Keep the box breathable
Do not seal your bouquet in airtight plastic or containers.
Flowers need airflow during shipping to prevent condensation and premature decay.
Shipping Your Bouquet
When your bouquet is ready:
Ship using priority or express delivery
Avoid weekend delays when possible
Drop off your package early in the day
If temperatures are very warm or cold, consider timing your shipment to minimize exposure.
What to Expect After Shipping
Once your bouquet arrives, it will be carefully assessed and prepared for preservation.
Some natural changes may already begin:
slight colour softening
gentle wilting
subtle shape changes
These are expected and part of the process of transforming fresh flowers into a preserved piece.
A Thoughtful Process
Shipping your bouquet can feel like an important step — and it is.
Taking the time to prepare it properly allows for the best possible outcome, whether your flowers are preserved in a pressed frame or a shadowbox arrangement.
If you have any questions before shipping your bouquet, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’m happy to guide you through the process to ensure your flowers arrive safely and are ready for preservation.