You've just said "I do," celebrated a milestone, or received the most beautiful arrangement — and now you want to preserve it forever. But what happens in the hours or days before you can get your bouquet to a preservation artist? Proper storage is everything. Here's how to keep your blooms in the best possible condition before preservation.

1. Keep It Cool

Heat is the enemy of fresh flowers. Store your bouquet in a cool room, ideally between 34–38°F (1–3°C). A refrigerator works well — just keep it away from fruits and vegetables, which release ethylene gas that accelerates wilting. Never store your bouquet in the freezer — freezing damages the cell structure of the blooms and will ruin them for preservation.

2. Trim the Stems

Using sharp scissors or floral shears, trim about half an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This opens up the stem and allows better water absorption.

3. Place in Fresh Water

Put your bouquet in a clean vase filled with fresh, room-temperature water. Change the water daily to prevent bacterial buildup, which can cause premature wilting.

4. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight

Sunlight speeds up the aging process in flowers. Store your bouquet in a shaded area away from windows, heat vents, and fans.

5. Avoid Ethylene Sources

Ripening fruits, cigarette smoke, and exhaust fumes all produce ethylene gas, which causes flowers to age faster. Keep your bouquet in a clean, well-ventilated space away from these sources.

6. Handle Blooms as Little as Possible

Try to touch your bouquet blooms as little as possible. The natural oils from your hands transfer onto the petals and can leave marks or cause discoloration that shows up in the final preserved piece.

7. Send It for Preservation as Soon as Possible

The sooner your bouquet arrives for preservation, the better the results. Ideally, ship or drop off your flowers within 3–5 days of the event. The fresher the blooms, the more vibrant and true-to-life your preserved piece will be.

Ready to Preserve Your Blooms?

At Ivy Lane Floral Preservation, we transform your cherished bouquets into timeless keepsakes — from elegant frames to stunning resin trays and jewelry displays. Contact us to get started on your preservation order.