Losing a loved one is hard, and the flowers from their funeral hold deep sentimental value. Instead of letting those beautiful arrangements wither away, you can give them a second life as cherished keepsakes
In this guide, we'll explore practical ways to preserve funeral flowers – both DIY methods you can try at home and professional services for a flawless finish. (And yes, we'll sprinkle in a touch of wit to keep things hopeful – after all, we're giving these blooms an afterlife of their own!)
Why Preserve Funeral Flowers?
Funeral flowers often represent love, support, and remembrance. Each bloom may symbolize a special memory or a final goodbye. Preserving them allows you to hold onto that memory in a tangible way
Instead of ending up in the compost, those roses from Grandma’s service could adorn your shelf or wall for years, reminding you of her warmth on a tough day.
Before You Begin: Key Tips for Successful Preservation
Act fast and pick the best blooms. Flowers don't last forever (that's why we're here!). For the best results, start the preservation process within 24-48 hours after the service. However, at Bouquet Casting Co we can often work with flowers up to 5-7 days after your event.
Keep the flowers in water and away from direct sun or heat until you're ready to preserve them. This keeps them fresh and less likely to brown.
Choose hardy flowers. Not all flowers dry equally well. Roses, carnations, lilies, lavender, and ferns tend to preserve nicely without losing their shape or color.
Delicate petals like orchids or tulips are more challenging – they bruise and wilt easily, which can make preservation tricky.
Focus on blooms that still look perky and undamaged. (If a flower has already fainted like a Victorian heroine, it might not survive preservation.)
Prep the blooms. Remove any wilting petals or excess foliage. If it's a bouquet, take off ribbons or floral foam. Single stems are easier to work with. Pat the flowers dry if they're wet – you don't want extra moisture when preserving, as that invites mold.
Now, let's dive into how to actually preserve these flowers. We'll start with DIY methods you can try at home, then cover professional options for when you want museum-quality results.
Looking for white-glove flower preservation services? Get started with Bouquet Casting Co.
DIY Methods to Preserve Funeral Flowers
You don't need to be a crafting genius to save your flowers. Here are some DIY preservation methods, ranging from old-school techniques to quick hacks. Roll up your sleeves and let's get to work!
Pressing Flowers
Pressing flowers is a timeless classic when it comes to preservation. It's exactly what it sounds like – flattening the blooms under weight to dry them out.
The result? Lovely pressed flowers you can frame, put in a scrapbook, or turn into art. Pressing is great for creating two-dimensional keepsakes, like a floral arrangement sealed behind glass.
How to press: Place each bloom between sheets of absorbent paper (think parchment, blotting paper, or even coffee filters). Avoid paper towels with texture or printed newspaper that can transfer ink. Once your flowers are sandwiched in paper, put them inside a heavy book (your old phone book is finally useful!) or under a flat heavy object. Leave them be for a few weeks. In about 2-4 weeks, you'll have dried, flat flowers
Pro tip: change the paper every few days to avoid mold from any residual moisture
Pressed flowers tend to keep their color nicely and won't take up much space. You can arrange pressed funeral blooms in a frame alongside a photo of your loved one – a simple yet heartfelt display. (Just handle them gently; once pressed, they're delicate, even if they look immortal.)
Air Drying (Hanging Bouquets)
How to air-dry flowers: Gather the flowers into small bunches and tie the stems together with string or a rubber band. Hang each bundle upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight.
A closet or attic works well – just make sure there's some air flow to prevent mildew. Now, play the waiting game. In a couple of weeks (sometimes a bit longer), the flowers will dry completely – you'll know they're done when the petals feel papery and the stems are stiff.
While they dry, leave them alone (resist the urge to poke!). It's normal for colors to darken or deepen; reds can become burgundy, whites may turn ivory. This "vintage" look has its own charm. Once dried, you can spray the flowers lightly with unscented hairspray or a clear sealant to help reduce brittleness and shedding. Then display them in a vase or shadow box. They'll look like a lovely antique bouquet, frozen in time.
Wit tip: Hanging flowers upside down might look odd, but it's the floral equivalent of a spa treatment. Gravity helps keep the blooms' shape while they slowly dehydrate – basically, they're doing yoga while drying out.
Silica Gel Drying
For better color preservation and a faster result than air drying, silica gel is your secret weapon. Despite the name, silica gel isn't actually a liquid or goo – it's a sandy crystal substance (often found in those "do not eat" packets) that absorbs moisture like a champ. Drying flowers in silica gel can retain their original shape and color remarkably well.
How to dry with silica gel: You'll need a container with a tight lid and enough silica gel crystals to bury your flowers. Gently place the blooms (typically just the heads) in a layer of silica, then pour more silica on top to cover them completely. Make sure the petals hold their shape as you bury them – you can trick stubborn petals into position as you add silica, since it will "freeze" them in that pose. Seal the container and let it sit.
Drying time can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the flower thickness. Many flowers dry in about 4 weeks this way; thicker flowers (like large roses) might take closer to 6 weeks.
When you gently uncover the flowers, you'll find them dry, preserved, and often surprisingly vibrant. Brush off any remaining silica (wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust).
These flowers are quite fragile but perfect for showcasing in frames, domes, or resin (more on resin soon!). Save your silica gel – it's reusable; just dry it out in an oven per the package instructions.
Microwave Drying (Quick Silica Hack)
Short on patience? Microwave drying to the rescue. This method is essentially an express version of silica gel drying. By using the microwave, you speed up the moisture evaporation. It's great for when you want results today instead of next month, though it requires some finesse to avoid cooking the petals.
How to microwave-dry flowers: Prepare a microwave-safe container with silica gel, similar to the normal silica method (layer of silica, place flower, cover completely with silica).
Important: place a small cup of water in the microwave along with your container – this helps absorb excess microwave energy and prevents the flowers from scorching.
Microwave in short bursts (start with 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time, depending on your microwave's power). Check between bursts until the flowers are dry. This could take a few minutes total.
Microwave drying is fast – you might dry a flower in under 2-3 minutes of heating (plus some cool-down time) instead of weeks. However, be cautious: it's easy to overdo it and accidentally toast your blooms. Always use the lowest heat setting that gets the job done.
The silica gel will be very hot, so let everything cool before fishing out your now-preserved flower.
This method isn't foolproof, but it's a handy trick if you’re preserving just a bloom or two and need them ready ASAP. And yes, the flowers will still hold sentimental value even if you dried them next to last night's leftover pizza.
Wax Dipping (Short-Term Preservation)
Wax dipping is a lesser-known, quirky method that can temporarily preserve flowers and keep them looking almost fresh.
The idea is to coat the petals in wax, sealing in moisture and maintaining the appearance of the bloom.
The catch? It's more of a short-term fix – waxed flowers can last a few months (or up to a couple of years) but aren’t truly “forever” preserved.
How to wax-preserve a flower: Melt paraffin wax in a pot (use low heat and be careful – wax is flammable!). Once the wax is liquid and slightly cooled (you want it warm, not boiling hot), gently dip the flower head in.
Pull it out and let the wax harden. The flower will emerge with a thin wax coat, appearing freshly dew-kissed and vibrant. It’s like giving your bloom a wax sculpture makeover.
Waxed flowers make pretty displays for a while, but eventually the wax can crack or the flower might discolor. Think of this method as putting your flowers in suspended animation rather than permanent preservation.
It's a neat DIY experiment and can be fun for keeping a rose from a service looking good through, say, an entire season.
Wit bonus: If anyone asks, you can say you've "candled" your flower. When they look confused, just tell them it's a new form of aromatherapy décor.
DIY Resin Flower Preservation
Ever see those paperweights or jewelry pieces with real flowers encased inside clear resin?
That's another way to immortalize funeral flowers in a beautiful, artistic form. Resin preservation involves embedding the dried blooms in epoxy resin, which hardens into a crystal-clear piece of art. You can make anything from resin paperweights and blocks to resin jewelry like pendants or rings.
The key here is that flowers must be completely dried first (using one of the above methods) before going into the resin.
Any moisture left will cause them to rot inside the resin (a fate you definitely want to avoid after all your hard work). Assuming you have dried flowers ready:
How to preserve flowers in resin (DIY approach): You'll need a two-part epoxy resin kit, a mold or frame of your choice, and patience for curing time. Mix the resin according to instructions (usually equal parts resin and hardener). Pour a small layer in the mold, position your dried flowers in the arrangement you like, then gently pour more resin to cover them
You might do this in layers if you're making a thick piece, to avoid the flowers floating or trapping big bubbles. Pop any air bubbles that rise (a toothpick or heat gun on low can help). Then, cover and let the resin cure for the recommended time (often 24-48 hours).
The result? A gorgeous glass-like block or trinket that permanently encases your memorial flowers.
Resin protects the flowers from air and moisture, meaning they won't further degrade, and it showcases their shape and color in vivid detail.
Resin crafting can be a bit messy and does involve working with chemicals, so always follow safety instructions (gloves, ventilation, etc.). If done right, though, you'll have a one-of-a-kind keepsake. For instance, you could create a resin paperweight with a bloom from the casket spray, or make resin pendants for family members as a sentimental gift. (Yes, carrying Nana's favorite daisy in a necklace is totally a thing!)
If DIY resin sounds intimidating, don't worry – that's where professionals come in, which brings us to...
Professional Preservation Methods
Sometimes, you want to leave it to the experts – especially for irreplaceable flowers. Professional preservation services use advanced techniques (and save you the DIY stress) to ensure your flowers last a lifetime.
Here are the main professional options for funeral flower preservation:
Freeze-Drying (High-Tech Preservation)
Freeze-drying is a process typically done by specialists with the right equipment. If you've ever seen those perfectly preserved wedding bouquets in a glass case, they might have been freeze-dried.
How freeze-drying works: In simple terms, the flowers are first frozen at very low temperatures (well below 0°C). Then they're placed in a vacuum chamber. Under vacuum, the frozen moisture in the flowers sublimates – meaning it goes from solid ice directly to vapor – and is drawn out, without going through a liquid stage.
This removes nearly all water from the flower while keeping the flower's shape and cellular structure intact.
It’s like drying the flower out completely without shrinking or warping it.
The result is almost magical: flowers that look just about the same as when they were fresh, in terms of shape and color, but are totally dry and preserved. Freeze-dried flowers can maintain their original vibrancy and even subtle details for decades.
They are, however, very fragile (a preserved rose petal can crumble if you squeeze it), so they are usually sealed in a display afterward.
Pros and cons: The obvious pro is the lifelike result – freeze-dried blooms are as close to “forever fresh” as you can get for real flowers.
They won’t mold or rot, since all moisture is gone, and they won't noticeably fade if kept out of harsh light.
The con? It’s one of the more expensive methods, and you can't really do it at home without a pricey freeze-drying machine. It can take several weeks to complete, and you’ll likely need to send your flowers to a professional preservationist. However, many people find it worth the cost for very precious flowers, because you get to keep them indefinitely without much change.
If you're considering freeze-drying, look for a reputable flower preservation service or ask your funeral director for recommendations. Once freeze-dried, you can have the flowers arranged in a frame, shadow box, or display case. It's often coupled with a custom arrangement service – for example, positioning the flowers in an attractive layout before the process "locks" them in that state.
Fun fact: NASA used freeze-drying to preserve food for astronauts. If it can preserve macaroni in zero-g, imagine what it can do for your carnations.
Professional Flower Preservation Services (Resin, Pressing & More)
If DIY isn't your style, or you want a truly polished keepsake, professional preservation services have you covered. Companies like Bouquet Casting Co specialize in turning meaningful flowers (from funerals, weddings, etc.) into lasting mementos. The big perk here is you hand over the blooms and get back a beautiful finished product without lifting a finger (except to ship the flowers).
What professionals offer: Many pros combine multiple techniques. For example, at Bouquet Casting Co, the team carefully dries each bloom over about five weeks to ensure all the moisture is removed while preserving its beauty.
Once fully dried (often using silica gel drying or pressing), the flowers can be artistically arranged and encased in resin or framed under glass.
Bouquet Casting Co offers over 50 creative ways to preserve memorial and funeral flowers.
That means you have options: from elegant resin blocks that display entire blooms, to pressed flower frames, jewelry, holiday ornaments, even resin ring holders or paperweights. The variety lets you choose a keepsake that fits your style and the way you want to remember your loved one.
For instance, they can take a few petals and create a set of resin necklace pendants for family members, or use the whole bouquet in a large display piece. (If you're curious about some unique ideas, check out their range of preservation products like pressed bouquet frames or floral resin jewelry for inspiration.)
Why go pro? Professional preservationists have honed their methods to avoid common pitfalls like color loss, mold, or bubbles in resin. They use quality materials (e.g., UV-resistant resin that won't yellow, archival mats and frames, etc.). Plus, you get an expert design eye – your flowers will be arranged or cast in a way that’s visually pleasing and structurally stable. Essentially, you get a ready-to-display keepsake that's made to last.
Another benefit is guidance and assurance. Reputable services often provide instructions on how to ship or deliver your flowers to them and can advise on what’s possible. And if you're not sure which method suits your flowers, they can recommend the best approach (sometimes certain flowers do better pressed than in resin, for example).
One more thing: preservation companies often cater to both celebratory and memorial occasions, so don't hesitate to reach out just because your flowers are from a funeral. The sentiment is the same – preserving memories.
Bouquet Casting Co, for example, has worked with thousands of clients to preserve blooms from all occasions (these folks know what they're doing.)
Finally, professional services save you time and worry. Grieving is hard enough; handing off the preservation can actually be a relief. It ensures you won't accidentally ruin the one rose you desperately wanted to save. As the experts put it, your flowers are in safe hands – they'll come back looking even better than you remembered, transformed into a piece of art.
Displaying and Enjoying Your Preserved Flowers
No matter which preservation route you choose, think about how you want to display or use the preserved flowers. Here are some popular (and creative) ideas:
Framed Tribute: Mount pressed flowers in a frame with a photo, a poem, or a name plaque. It's a flat piece you can hang on the wall, keeping memories in sight every day.
Shadow Box: Arrange dried 3D flowers in a shadow box (a deep frame) along with other mementos like a prayer card or ribbon from the service. This protects them from dust and tells a little story.
Resin Art & Keepsakes: If you've preserved in resin or have resin pieces made, showcase them! A resin block can sit on a mantle or shelf, catching the light. Resin ring holders or paperweights are both pretty and functional. There are also resin bookends, pyramids, and other shapes.
Wearable Jewelry: Tiny blooms or petals can be set into resin necklaces, rings, or bracelets. This way, you (and other family members) can carry a piece of the memorial with you. For example, Bouquet Casting Co creates resin rings that hold fragments of your flowers as a wearable treasure.
Candles and Potpourri: If you have lots of petals, you can make memorial candles (embed dried petals in the sides of a pillar candle) or potpourri sachets with the dried petals to keep a subtle fragrance around. These are simple ways to share pieces of the flowers with others, too.
Bookmarks & Cards: Laminate a pressed flower in a bookmark, or use them to decorate thank-you cards for those who sent support. It adds a personal touch and extends the flowers' presence into other aspects of remembrance.
Whatever you choose, make sure to keep preserved flowers away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent fading or moisture damage over time. Occasional dusting or cleaning of display cases will also keep them looking their best.
Essentially, treat them like the delicate antiques they are (even if they’re not that old).
In short, don't let those heartfelt blooms go from vase to waste. With a little effort (or the help of preservation pros like Bouquet Casting Co), you can transform funeral flowers into lasting tributes. It's practical, it's sentimental, and it's even a bit therapeutic.
After all, flowers are meant to bring comfort. By preserving them, they can continue to do so long after the ceremonies are over – a gentle reminder that love endures, and memories never truly fade, even if the flowers do (with our help, they won't!).
Looking for white-glove flower preservation services?
Get started with Bouquet Casting Co.
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