From Petals to Keepsakes: Preserving My Daughter’s Wedding Bouquet with Love

My daughter's wedding bouquet

Hello Bloomers!

When my daughter got married, watching her walk down the aisle was one of the most emotional and beautiful moments of my life. Her wedding was filled with joy, laughter, and love—and every detail felt like magic, especially the bouquet she carried, which was stunning.

Her flowers held more than beauty. They were a symbol of a moment we’ll never forget—a moment I wanted to preserve, not just in memory but in something tangible. That’s when I decided to preserve her bouquet using silica gel that my daughter could then turn the dried blooms into resin keepsakes for our family.

Let me walk you through the process, and share how incredibly meaningful it was to create these heirloom treasures.

Step 1: Preserving the Bouquet with Silica Gel

Preserving flowers in silica gel is a gentle and effective way to keep their color and shape intact. I took flowers from her bouquet, as well as a centerpiece. Here’s what I did:

What You’ll Need:

• Silica gel crystals (find it at craft stores or online)

• An airtight container (large enough to fit your blooms without squishing them)

• Scissors or floral shears

• Gloves & Face Mask (optional, but I recommend just for added safety)

• A soft brush (for removing excess silica)

Instructions:

1. Disassemble the Bouquet: Gently take apart the bouquet, separating the flowers you want to preserve. *We also preserved my son-in-law's boutonniere to create a special keepsake for his parents).

2. Trim and Prep: Trim stems to about 1/2 inch and remove any damaged petals or leaves.

3. Layer with Silica Gel: Pour a layer of silica gel into your container. Gently nestle the blooms face-up into the gel, then slowly pour more gel around and over the flowers until they’re completely covered.

4. Seal and Wait: Seal the container and store it in a cool, dry place for 5–7 days. Some larger or denser flowers may need a few extra days.

5. Remove and Clean: Once dried, carefully remove the flowers using a spoon or gloved hands. Use a soft brush to dust off any remaining crystals.

Step 2: Creating Resin Mementos

While this process was done by my daughter, here are the supplies and instructions she used to turn the preserved blooms into meaningful resin pieces that our family can treasure forever.

Basic Resin Supplies:

• Epoxy resin and hardener

• Silicone molds (your shape of choice)

• Mixing cups and stir sticks

• Gloves and a respirator or mask

• Torch or heat gun (to remove bubbles)

Steps:

1. Set Up Your Space: Make sure you're in a well-ventilated area. Cover surfaces and wear gloves.

2. Mix the Resin: Follow the instructions on your resin kit to mix the resin and hardener thoroughly.

3. Add Flowers: Pour a small layer of resin into the mold first. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then carefully place your flowers in, adjusting with a toothpick or tweezers. Pour more resin to cover the flowers.

4. Remove Bubbles: Use a torch or heat gun briefly over the surface to pop bubbles.

5. Cure: Let your mold cure for 24–72 hours depending on the resin used. Don’t rush this—patience creates the clearest finish!

6. Demold and Polish (Optional): Once hardened, remove from the mold. You can lightly sand or polish edges if desired.

This plaque my daughter made sits on my desk for me to see & cherish every day!

Each piece we made told a little part of her story—our story. My daughter’s bouquet now lives on not just in pictures, but in the hands of loved ones.

I’ve created a printable checklist and supply list to help you preserve your daughter’s bouquet too. Whether it’s a keepsake for yourself, a holiday gift for Grandma, or a surprise for the newlyweds, this little project is a meaningful way to hold onto love in bloom.

[Download the Free Checklist Here] 🌸

Have questions or want to see more resin DIYs? Leave a comment or follow me on Instagram [@designstobloom] where I share crafts, special touches, and all things sentimental.