Preservation Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend booking as soon as you’ve chosen your wedding date. We accept a limited number of bouquets each weekend to ensure every piece receives the time and attention it deserves. Early booking secures your spot and allows us to prepare for your flowers with care. 

Yes, we welcome bouquets from across the U.S. Bouquets should be shipped within 24–48 hours of your event to preserve freshness. All shipping and handling fees are separate and will be the responsibility of the bride. We’ll provide detailed packing instructions to help ensure your flowers arrive safely. 

Once your flowers arrive at our studio, we begin the drying process within 24 hours. Each bloom is gently unpacked, hydrated, and pressed using our in-house method that honors its natural form and color. We monitor your flowers closely during the first week to ensure proper drying. 

Drying typically takes 4 months. Finished pieces—depending on size and complexity—can take up to 6-7 months. We work slowly and intentionally, allowing each piece to unfold at its own pace. You’ll receive updates throughout the process, and we’ll notify you when your artwork is ready to ship. 

Yes, and that’s part of their transformation. We don’t use dyes, preservatives, or chemical enhancements. Some flowers—especially whites—may shift to soft beige, blush, or tan. Others may deepen in tone. We embrace these natural changes as part of the story your bouquet tells. 

Yes—with a few thoughtful exceptions. White flowers are especially fragile and tend to brown easily. If you have an all-white bouquet, we ask that it includes a variety of white flowers and greenery. We do not accept bouquets made from a single flower type (e.g., long-stem white roses only). For these, we recommend our dried shadow box option, which allows better airflow and helps white blooms retain their brilliance. 

We press almost all types of flowers, but a few don’t cooperate well due to thickness or water content. These are typically excluded from pressed designs:

• Giant lilies
• Seeded eucalyptus (seeds removed; leaves may be used)
• Amaranth (limited to 2–3 stems)
• Pin cushion protea (limited to 1–2 stems)
• Poppy pods
• Scabiosa pods
• Silver brunia
• Safflower
• Banksia
• Wheat or tares
• Thick branches (e.g., curly willow)

If your bouquet includes these elements, we’re happy to explore shadow box options or alternative layouts. Just reach out and we’ll walk through the possibilities together.

Not at this time. Succulents hold too much moisture to press successfully. They’re best replanted and enjoyed alive, where their texture and shape can thrive. If your bouquet includes succulents, we’re happy to discuss alternative ways to honor them. 

Absolutely! Whether you’ve been drying your flowers for a few months or they’ve been tucked away for years, our dried flower shadow box option is the perfect fit. This method allows us to work with pre-dried blooms and build a layered, dimensional piece that honors their texture and story. Just reach out and we’ll help determine if they’re suitable for framing. 

Yes. Sending the full bouquet allows us to select the best blooms and filler elements for your final design. If you have extras—like bridesmaid bouquets or centerpieces—you’re welcome to include them. 

We’ll assess the condition and reach out if any blooms are unusable. If needed, we can source replacements locally and will always consult with you before making substitutions. We believe in transparency and collaboration throughout the process. 

Yes. Once your flowers are pressed and ready for design, we’ll send you a mock layout for approval. You’ll have the opportunity to request up to three revisions before we finalize and frame your piece. 

We do. Our most popular styles include floating glass frames and handcrafted shadow boxes. We’ll work with you to choose the best layout and size for your bouquet and your space. Every frame is built to complement the story your flowers tell. 

Absolutely. We offer gift certificates in any amount—perfect for bridal showers, weddings, or anniversaries. It’s a meaningful way to honor someone’s day and give them a lasting keepsake. 

As long as you care for your frame, your flowers can last a lifetime. Because we don’t use dyes or preservatives, your blooms will naturally fade over time—especially if exposed to sunlight or humidity. To help your piece stay vibrant:

• Display it in a dry, shaded area
• Avoid placing it near windows, bathrooms, or fireplaces
• Handle your frame gently when moving or cleaning

We love what nature does to aging petals. The soft shifts in tone and texture tell a story of time, memory, and beauty.

We strive to include every bloom in your final piece(s), but more often than not, there isn’t enough space for every single element of the bouquet. If you’d like your leftover flowers returned, we’re happy to include them in your final package for an additional $25. Just email us at hello@honestbloomstudio.com and we’ll add that to your order. If we don’t receive a request, we may lovingly add leftover blooms to our studio stockpile for future reuse in sample layouts, educational demos, or creative projects. 

We understand that every celebration—and every budget—is unique. If our standard offerings feel out of reach, we’re happy to work with you to create a custom piece within your budget. We offer smaller sizes and lovely ready-made frames that still honor your flowers beautifully.

Preserving your bouquet doesn’t have to be extravagant—it just has to be meaningful. Please reach out, and we’ll explore options together to help preserve your flowers and your memories in a way that feels right for you.