How To Pack and Ship Your Wedding Bouquet For Flower Preservation
The wedding is over. The cake has been eaten, the shoes are off, and you’re likely basking in that post-wedding glow (and maybe a little bit of exhaustion). But while you’re ready for a nap, your wedding flowers are on a ticking clock.
In the world of wedding flower preservation, the first 48 hours after your "I dos" are the most critical. At For Keeps Florals, we’ve preserved over 700 bouquets, and we’ve seen it all—from flowers that arrive looking like they were picked ten minutes ago to "sad" bouquets that turned into a science project in the mail.
Shipping your bouquet to a flower preservation artist doesn't have to be scary. If you follow this "un-failable" guide (and watch our video tutorial above!), your blooms will arrive at our San Diego or Sonora studios ready for their second life as art.
Your wedding day is over, but your flowers are just getting started! Shipping a fresh, delicate bouquet to a preservation artist can feel nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be a "hope and a prayer."
In this video, Grace from For Keeps Florals walks you through the exact, step-by-step process we’ve used for over 700 brides to ensure their flowers arrive at our studio fresh, hydrated, and ready to be turned into a 5-star heirloom.
The Golden Rule: Speed is Everything
Think of your bouquet like a fresh piece of produce. You wouldn’t leave a head of lettuce in a hot car for three days and expect a great salad. Your flowers need to be in our hands—and ideally in the press—within 5 to 7 days of your event.
To make that happen, you need to ship your bouquet within 2 to 3 days of the wedding. If you’re getting married on a Saturday, those flowers should be at the post office by Monday morning.
Step 1: The "Hydration Station"
Until the very second your flowers go into the box, they should be in water.
Pro-Tip: Keep the vase in a cool, dark place (like a fridge, if it fits, or a cool basement). Avoid the temptation to leave them in a sunny window—they’ve already done their hard work in the sun on your wedding day!
Step 2: The "Stem-Only" Hydration Pack
This is where most people get nervous, but it’s the most important step for travel. We need the stems to stay hydrated without the petals getting wet.
Take a few paper towels and get them damp (not dripping wet).
Wrap the damp paper towels around the bottom of the stems only.
Place the stems (with the damp towels) into a small plastic bag (like a Ziploc) and secure it with a rubber band or tape around the stems.
Why only the stems? Because if the petals get wet and then sit in a dark box, they will bruise, brown, and rot. We want "thirsty" petals and "drinking" stems.
Step 3: The "No-No" Rule (The Anti-Mold Policy)
If you remember one thing from this post, let it be this: DO NOT wrap your entire bouquet in plastic. Do not use bubble wrap directly against the flowers. Do not put the whole bouquet in a trash bag.
Flowers "breathe" (it’s called transpiration). If you seal them in plastic, you create a miniature greenhouse. The heat and moisture get trapped, and within 24 hours, your white roses will turn into a brown, moldy mess. We want air to circulate around the blooms!
Step 4: Building the "Snug" Box
Find a sturdy cardboard box. You want one that is big enough that the flowers aren't being crushed against the sides, but small enough that they aren't rattling around like a marble in a tin can.
Fill the Voids: Use organic, breathable materials to fill the empty spaces. Scrunched-up Kraft paper, tissue paper, or even newspaper works great.
The Goal: You should be able to gently shake the box and not hear the bouquet sliding around. It should be "snug, not squished."
Step 5: Labels and Logistics
Don't be a "mystery bride!"
Label Everything: Put a piece of paper inside the box with your name, order number, and phone number.
Tracking is Non-Negotiable: Use the fastest shipping you can afford (Overnight or 2-Day Express).
Avoid the "Weekend Trap": Try to avoid shipping on a Thursday or Friday. If there’s a delay, your flowers might spend Sunday sitting in a hot warehouse. Monday or Tuesday are the best days to ship!
FAQ: Shipping Your Precious Cargo
Q: Can I ship my flowers if they are already starting to wilt? A: Yes! You’d be surprised at what we can do. However, the sooner we get them, the more vibrant the colors will be. If they look a little tired, just make sure they get a good "long drink" of water before they go into the box.
Q: Should I use dry ice or ice packs? A: Generally, no. Ice packs can leak or cause "cold burns" on delicate petals if they touch them. If you follow the stem-hydration method and use fast shipping, they will be just fine at room temperature.
Q: What is the best shipping carrier to use? A: We find that UPS and is generally most reliable for guaranteed shipping times and arrival condition. The key is the "Express" part—don't use ground shipping!
Q: Do I need to tell you when I’ve shipped them? A: Please do! Sending us your tracking number helps us prepare our workstation (and our cleaning supplies!) so we are ready to dive into your bouquet the moment it hits our doorstep.
Q: What if I’m local to San Diego or Sonora? A: Even better! You can skip the box and the postage. Reach out to us for our local drop-off instructions at our partner shops like Wildbud or Best Bud. We love meeting our brides in person!
Ready to Preserve the Magic?
Shipping your bouquet is the final step of your wedding journey and the first step of your heirloom’s life. If you have any questions at all while you’re standing over your box with a roll of tape, don't hesitate to DM us! We’ve helped hundreds of brides through this exact moment. We would love to preserve your flowers!
