Question 1

What is Flower Preservation

Accepted Answer

We transform your wedding, memorial and celebration flowers into lasting works of art.

Each stem is carefully cleaned, dried or pressed, and professionally colour-stabilised before being artistically arranged into your chosen frame. This process helps preserve the natural beauty, shape and vibrancy of your flowers for long-term display, while allowing them to age gracefully over time.

Every piece is designed individually using your own blooms, making each artwork completely unique and deeply personal.

Your finished piece is presented in a locally handmade, custom-built frame with premium UV-protective, anti-reflective art glass — ensuring your flowers are beautifully displayed and protected for years to come.

These are not mass-produced keepsakes, but carefully crafted heirlooms designed to honour life’s most meaningful moments.

Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Choosing Your Preservation
Choose the product you’d love to have your flowers preserved in and have your design ready if you have one in mind. Submit an enquiry to confirm availability for your preservation date. Once availability is confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice outlining the scope of your order and the total cost, including 10% GST, to bring your piece to life.

Securing Your Date
To secure your date, a $150 non-refundable booking fee is required.
Please note that full payment is due 7 days prior to APR receiving your flowers, not when your order is completed.

Before Your Wedding
Closer to your wedding date, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your flowers during and after your wedding. This includes guidance on packing your flowers safely if posting. APR will also check in to reconfirm your order — once flowers are pressed or preserved whole, the process cannot be reversed.
Please arrange for your bouquet to arrive 1–2 days after your wedding date.

The Preservation Process & Timeframes
Once received, your flowers will be carefully assessed throughout the drying and preservation process. If there are any concerns regarding their suitability or the continuation of your order, a progress update will be provided.
If all is tracking well, your piece(s) will be ready in approximately 8–10 weeks (2–3 months) during the off-season and 4–6 months during peak season. These timeframes are estimates only and may be shorter or longer. Please also allow for peak wedding periods and holiday closures.

Order Queue & Updates
All pieces are created in the order that flowers are received. Due to the nature of the process, individual update requests — particularly within the estimated timeframe — may not always be possible. You will be contacted if there are any concerns or once your piece(s) are complete.

Question 3

What's Included?

Accepted Answer

Every frame you book with us includes:

Professional flower preservation
 Your flowers are carefully cleaned, prepared, dried or pressed using professional techniques to protect their structure, texture and longevity.

Colour stabilisation & enhancement
 We apply professional colour correction to help maintain and enhance the natural tones of your flowers for long-term display.

Custom floral design
 Your blooms are individually arranged into a unique, artful composition — no templates, no mass production.

Full bouquet recreation (Shadow Boxes)
 Shadow box designs include complete three-dimensional bouquet recreation as standard.

Pressed floral artwork (Pressed Frames)
 Pressed flower frames include artistic layout using your preserved flowers or petals, designed to suit your chosen size and style.

Locally handmade custom frame
 Each piece is fitted into a handcrafted, made-to-order frame built by a local frame maker specifically for your artwork.

Premium UV-protective art glass
 Anti-reflective, UV-filtering glass protects your flowers from light damage while giving you a clear, beautiful display.

Archival mounting & materials
 Only professional-grade, long-lasting materials are used inside your frame to protect your flowers over time.

Quality control & finishing
 Every piece is carefully inspected, cleaned and finished before delivery to ensure it meets our presentation standards.

Secure packaging for transport
 Your artwork is professionally packed to protect it during delivery or collection.

Question 4

Can I buy more than one product?

Accepted Answer

If you have the right amount of flowers for it, absolutely!  Please advise at booking to receive additional costs. If you would like half preserved in a shadow box and half as a pressed frame, please be advised that once the preserving has started, it cannot be reversed.

Question 5

What does the non-refundable deposit cover?

Accepted Answer

The $150 non-refundable booking fee secures your preservation date and confirms your place in APR’s workflow. Reserving your date means APR may reach capacity and, in some cases, must turn away other work. This fee offsets potential loss of business and reflects the fair market value of services and resources already committed prior to receiving your flowers. This includes consultation time, planning, administrative work, scheduling, communication, and preparation for your order.

Once paid, this fee allows APR to reserve capacity for your florals and begin the behind-the-scenes work required to ensure your preservation can proceed smoothly. The booking fee is non-refundable under all circumstances and is applied toward the total cost of your order. (Remove this last sentence if it does not apply.)

Please note that full payment is due 7 days prior to APR receiving your fresh bouquet.

Question 6

How long do I have to pay?

Accepted Answer

A non-refundable $150 booking fee is required at the time of booking, with full payment due 7 days prior to your wedding date. For last-minute orders made within 7 days of your wedding or after your wedding date, immediate full payment is required in order for your florals to be accepted for preservation.

All orders must be paid in full before flowers are delivered or collected for preserving. APR is unable to accept or receive flowers for preservation if payment has not been completed in full.

The non-refundable $150 booking fee secures your order and preservation date and helps offset any loss of business. It also accounts for the fair market value of services and products already provided by APR, including committed time, labour, planning, and allocated resources.

Question 7

Can I cancel, postpone or get a refund?

Accepted Answer

As we only take a limited amount of bookings each month, your date has been locked in and secured for preservation. Unfortunately this may mean we have to turn other bookings away and therefore cannot offer refunds.

Once your flowers have been received, the flower drying process has begun or your frame has been completed, no refunds or cancellations can be made.

Question 8

How long will it take?

Accepted Answer

Please allow approximately 8–10 weeks (2–3 months) during the off-season and 4–6 months during peak seasons, including busy wedding periods and holiday closures. While your piece may be completed sooner, these timeframes are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed.

Flower preservation is a delicate, slow process that cannot be rushed. Allowing adequate time ensures the best possible outcome and the highest quality finish. Throughout the drying and pressing stages, all flowers and foliage are carefully monitored and assessed for their suitability to be preserved.

Please note that, despite best practices, some flowers may not make the final cut due to mould or mildew. This is a normal and unavoidable part of the preservation process and helps ensure that only stable, long-lasting elements are included in the final piece.

Question 9

Can you recreate my bouquet for preservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your original bouquet is unavailable, unsuitable for preservation, or was not prepared in time, we can recreate a replica bouquet based on photos and details of your original flowers. This allows us to create a design that closely reflects your bouquet and can be professionally preserved.

Why is there a fee to recreate a bouquet?
 Recreating a bouquet involves sourcing fresh flowers from the flower market, selecting appropriate blooms to match your original design, purchasing materials, and the time required for travel and floral design. The recreation fee ranges from $250–$650+, depending on the ingredients and size of the bouquet.

When is a recreated bouquet needed?
 A recreated bouquet may be required if the original flowers are no longer in usable condition, were not dried or stored correctly, or are unavailable at the time of preservation. Creating a replica ensures the final preserved piece is high quality and long-lasting.

Question 10

Can my order be rushed?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately no. This type of art needs time to dry/cure properly before it is even ready to be designed. Collections are made in the order the flowers are received.

Question 11

Do you preserve flowers from other events and occasions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any event! Anything from anniversaries, baby showers, memorials or even ‘just because’ custom pieces.

Question 12

Do you service all of Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shipping instructions will be provided once you’re booked in to ensure they arrive safely. Please note that a $50 Handling & Packaging Fee will be added on top of postage. This covers materials, double-boxing, protection and extended packing time required to safely ship delicate glass preservation pieces.

Question 13

How do I care for my bouquet during my wedding?

Accepted Answer

It's extremely vital that the flowers are kept in as excellent condition as possible. It is advisable to have the flowers sit in a little water throughout your wedding day. Selecting a bridal party or family member to be in charge of this can be really helpful.

Question 14

How do I care for my bouquet after my wedding?

Accepted Answer

Once the wedding is over, cut about 1cm off the stems at a 45 degree angle and pop them in fresh water. Pull off/out any bruised, browning or dead petals or flowers as they can disrupt the freshness of the other flowers. Then keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat until you can get them to APR. The flowers must reach APR within 48 hours for best results. The next day is best.

Question 15

What are the best flowers for pressing?

Accepted Answer

Anemone, Babies Breath, Bougainvillea, Bunny tail, Cosmos, Dahlia (some, not all), Daisy, Delphinium, Ferns, Flannel Flower, Freesia, Gladioli, Hellebore, Hydrangea, Misty, Lavender, Orchid, Pansy, Paper Daisy, Peony, Poppy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Ranunculus, Roses, Spray Rose, Statice, Sunflower petals, Waxflower, Zinnia. Thin greenery such a ferns and Eucalyptus. Flowers with a lot of water such as or thick centres such as may not press well. Please be aware that colours may change initially and over time. Throughout the drying process, the flowers and foliage will be assessed for their suitability. Any thick/woody/juicy flowers such as chrysanthemums, proteas, billy buttons, lilies and some tropical flowers can’t be pressed.

Question 16

What flower type do you not preserve?

Accepted Answer

Please see the “What are the best flowers for pressing?” section for more information.

Succulents, Anthuriums and Berries are too juicy to preserve.

Question 17

How many flowers will you need?

Accepted Answer

Typically your bridal bouquet should be enough but more flowers means more chance of fullness especially if you're having a minimalist bouquet. It also depends on how many frames you'd like.

Once the non-refundable fee has been paid, you will have time to decide up until the flowers arrive. It is recommended to provide as much as possible, including flowers from your table arrangements (if you're happy to use them) as they should be in better condition.

Question 18

Can I get back any unused flowers?

Accepted Answer

APR cannot return left over flowers, so please only give what you're happy to be used. The more, the better. If you would like to use more of your left over flowers, you are more than welcome to add-on products or pay the extra charge for APR to air dry or press left over flowers and foliage. This must be organised beforehand so that the flowers and foliage can be allocated and prepared accordingly.

Question 19

Can I choose what specific items I want in my pieces?

Accepted Answer

APR will try to accommodate your request, however, due to the nature of this art form, it’s hard to say what flowers will work best until preserving time. You may be able to choose which flowers you want pressed and which you want preserved whole, however, the suitability will be assessed against your selected items. For example, if you choose a resin block, you may be able to decide if you want pressed, whole flower heads or a mixture. When choosing a pressed frame as a main product, all suitable flowers will be pressed.

Please note, once your flowers have been received and sorted, you cannot make any changes. Once flowers have been pressed they cannot be preserved whole and vice versa. Please ensure that you are happy with your selected items to avoid being disappointed.

Question 20

Will I be involved in the design process?

Accepted Answer

By booking with APR, you agree to give full trust and creative liberty. It’s advisable to come with fresh eyes and whilst inspiration images are welcome, it’s impossible to recreate exact replicas.

Ultimately, the idea is to preserve the flowers/foliage from your bouquet and there are many factors, including flower types, colours, flower condition and so on that might influence the overall end result. This is not a bouquet recreation but rather preservation in a different art form. Draft approvals are not provided and the next time you see your artwork will be when it's been completed.

Question 21

What if my flowers are starting to die?

Accepted Answer

Flower care during and after your wedding is vital. If you’re unsure, send a photo via email so you can be given the best recommendation. A bouquet replica may be possible in which the same or similar fresh flowers are sourced for you and then used in place. Please note that extra charges apply. Keep in mind that you are preserving the flowers' shape and texture and not the colour. This preservation process will prolong the enjoyment of your bouquet as it was on your wedding day (with its variations of course!) however, being a natural product it will transition to a more vintage look. We love witnessing this transition and if you do too, then this is for you :)

Question 22

Will my flowers look the same as they did at my event?

Accepted Answer

APR does not preserve bouquets as a single whole piece. Each bouquet will be disassembled and recreated into a new form. As with all natural materials, every flower and foliage is unique. Factors such as the condition in which the flowers arrive, their freshness, and any chemicals or pesticides used by growers can affect their suitability for preservation. Throughout the drying process, all flowers and foliage are carefully assessed for quality.

White flowers often discolour, typically showing shades from cream to light brown. Green foliage may change slightly but generally retains its tone. Vibrant colours can deepen or soften, while darker flowers may dry to a richer or more muted shade. Flowers with high water content, such as lilies and orchids, are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may or may not be suitable for preservation.

It is important to note that the preservation process focuses on capturing the shape, texture and overall form of your flowers and foliage as a keepsake, rather than maintaining their exact colour. All colours may naturally fade over time, even when colour correction has been applied, though the effect may be less pronounced.

Question 23

Will my flowers change during the preservation process?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Working with natural materials means that as flowers lose their moisture, their cell structure changes, which can affect how they preserve. Each flower is unique—some preserve beautifully, while others may be more challenging. It’s important to handle your bouquet carefully at every stage, as issues may become visible once flowers are pressed or resin is curing. If your bouquet includes reflexed roses, consider asking your florist to leave a few in their natural form for best results.

APR now offers colour correction to enhance or restore tones, but please note that colours will still change naturally over time. Some flowers may deepen or darken, others may stay similar, and some may shift to entirely new shades. White flowers rarely stay pure white and often range from cream to light brown.

Preservation focuses on capturing the shape, texture, and overall form of your flowers from your special day, creating a beautiful keepsake in a vintage style, rather than maintaining exact colour fidelity.

Question 24

Can I still get flowers preserved even though my wedding has already passed?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Ideally, your flowers should be received within 2 days of your event to maximize their suitability for preservation. However, if your bouquet has already passed this window, you can still send a photo for APR to assess. Based on the condition and details, we can determine what can be done and whether a preservation or recreation option is possible.

If your original bouquet is no longer suitable—due to freshness, timing, or condition—APR can recreate a replica bouquet based on photos or information about your original flowers. This allows your preserved piece to closely reflect your bouquet’s design, colour palette, and style.

The cost for recreating a bouquet typically ranges from $250–$650, which covers the time, skill, and resources required, including sourcing and purchasing blooms, travel to the flower market, and the labour involved in assembling the bouquet for preservation.

Question 25

Is there anything you can do with my air dried bouquet?

Accepted Answer

Depending on their condition, yes. APR does not offer bouquet preservation as one piece, but if you’re happy for the bouquet to be pulled apart and redesigned, then by all means send it to APR. Please note, flowers will be preserved as is.

Question 26

How do I care for my pieces?

Accepted Answer

Keep your pieces out of direct sunlight and heat—anything that could potentially melt or disfigure. The best way to clean them is to wipe down with a microfibre cloth and a touch of vegetable oil or a mild glass cleaner.

Please note that our frames are out sourced and a commercial frame. Although we take care to ensure that we pick out the best of the frames, unfortunately there may be some marks or imperfections including at the joins that we cannot control. APR does its best to quality check each frame and ensure that it is in good working order.

Also, please note that your flowers are a natural product. Whilst the preservation process does prolong the enjoyment of your flowers as they were on your wedding day (with variations of course!), they will fade over time and there is no telling when this will happen. Keep in mind that you're preserving your flowers/foliage and their shape and texture; not the colour.

Question 27

How long will my piece/s last and does it require any special care?

Accepted Answer

Like all natural artwork, your piece/s may change over time due to natural, environmental elements. There are many factors that will determine its lifespan and durability.

Please follow the care instructions provided to get the most out of your frame. You will also receive a care card on delivery. Keep them out of any direct sunlight, such as bright windows or display units, away from heat such as fireplace, heater, candles and display in a cool, dry place.  Avoid any locations that are humid.

Please handle your frame/s with care to ensure they stay in great condition.

Carefully unwrap your frame and hang on the wall or an a  picture frame easel to enjoy.
Always handle with care.
Remove dust by carefully wiping clean with a microfibre cloth.
Ensure that your piece/s is kept in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, moisture, heating and humidity.

As this is a natural product, colour will fade over time and this is completely unpredictable and uncontrollable but completely up to nature.

Question 28

What if I don’t love my piece/s?

Accepted Answer

APR puts a lot of heart and soul into the pieces created, however, it’s possible to not get it right 100% of the time. Because of the finicky nature of this art form, it’s best to not have your heart set on a particular look or replica but to come with fresh eyes. Ultimately, the idea is to preserve the flowers/foliage from your bouquet and there are many factors, including flower types, colour and flower condition, that might influence the overall end result. Whilst APR will do everything to ensure a quality and beautiful end product is provided, oftentimes APR is limited to what can be ultimately achieved. Before reaching out, please take a day or more to “sit on it” and to sit with the emotions. If you are still not in love with the end product, please respectfully and kindly contact APR directly via email so a solution can be found.

Preservation FAQs