I will need your flowers 1-4 days after your wedding/ event. As fresh as possible preserves best! Located in Charlestown NSW, for drop off or postage. Then it’s on average a 6+ months process of preserving the flowers (waiting for them to fully dry out), our local framing company to custom make every frame to order, and creating your tailored frame arrangement with care. I can design them in any format or style you like.

I lovingly preserve your beautiful wedding bouquet in 3D, capturing the beauty of every flower—whether it's native Aussie blooms like banksias and king proteas, soft florals like roses and sunflowers, or even arrangements from years ago (yes we can do bouquets/ arrangements that are already a few years old!) The process keeps your flowers vibrant, cherishing their special meaning while showcasing their natural beauty as a whole in a custom made shadow box frame.

I use a nontoxic preserving agent that essentially 'snap dries' your flowers over a few months, to make sure they are fully preserved. Once dried, they’ll move into the production line where I’ll photograph the design for your approval before finalising, so it’s exactly what you imagined. If any flowers didn’t make it through the big day, I offer a flower replacement service to bring your bouquet back to life, or to refresh a bouquet from years past!

On your wedding night/ after the event, be sure to trim the stems of your bouquet and place them in water as soon as possible. At the very least, ensure the stems are in water. (Bonus points in the warmer months to pop your bouquet in a vase of water at the reception!)

Make sure the water level doesn't rise too high- enough to cover the ends of the stems. This will help prevent mould and soggy stems, especially in humid conditions. Keep out of direct sunlight and in a cool place. Please DO NOT toss your bouquet if you are planning on having it preserved!

If you do have the option, bring a few extras- from arbour, other bouquets, tables ect. If the flowers are in a foam medium- water foam, keeping the flowers hydrated (especially in warmer weather.)

It helps to have some back ups, and pick the best of the best!

If you have charms, vowels, photos or keep sakes, These can be included in frame also.

• Colours:

White, Black, Oak or Chestnut

• Frame Glass Types:

The Traditional: Standard grade glass, locally handcrafted, solid frame.

The Lux: UV resistant, non reflective, museum grade glass. (Looks as if there is no glass at all!) Locally hand crafted, solid frame.

To help me achieve the best possible outcome for your preserved flowers, here are some key tips to discuss with your event florist when designing your blooms. The initial condition and type of flowers play a huge role in their preserved beauty!

1. Let Your Florist Know Your Preservation Plans!

This is the most important first step! A simple heads-up to your event florist that you plan to preserve your bouquet (or other special florals) after your event can significantly influence their choices. They'll know to select and prepare flowers with preservation in mind.

2. Opt for Natural Beauty: Flower Types to Consider (and Avoid!)

Not all flowers preserve equally, and some treatments can cause issues.

• Go Natural with Roses: Reflexed roses (where petals are gently pulled back for an open look) are gorgeous, but they tend to bruise easily, can brown or fall apart faster during preservation.

  • Tip: Ask your florist to keep roses in their natural state within your bouquet. They often preserve best when their petals are in their natural, more closed form.

• Steer Clear of Dyed or Bleached Flowers: I strongly recommend avoiding any artificially dyed, bleached, or chemically altered flowers in your preservation bouquet.

  • Why? The dyes can bleed onto your dress, other fabrics, and the frame's background. These flowers are also often treated with harsh chemicals, which can give off a strong, unpleasant smell and may even cause discomfort like dizziness.

  • Our Tip: Request your florist to use only naturally coloured flowers. There are so many stunning, naturally vibrant blooms available!

3. Preserve, Don't Toss: Protecting Your Bouquet

The traditional bouquet toss is fun, but it can unfortunately cause irreparable damage to your precious flowers, making them impossible to preserve beautifully.

• Crucial Advice: If you're planning to preserve your bouquet, PLEASE DO NOT TOSS IT!

• Tip: Discuss with your florist the option of having a smaller, separate bouquet made specifically for tossing, or simply use a bridesmaid's bouquet for this tradition.

4. Design for Lasting Interest: The Power of Variety

Think beyond just one type of flower!

• Tip: Encourage your florist to use a variety of different floral types and textures in your bouquet. A diverse mix makes your bouquet more dynamic on your event day and creates a more captivating and interesting preserved piece. This is especially helpful for all-white bouquets, adding depth and visual appeal.

By sharing these simple yet crucial points with your event florist, you'll be giving your beautiful blooms the best chance to become a perfect, lasting keepsake.

Have further questions? I’m here to help, just ask!

Thank You for choosing Flor Petal Florist!

I'm truly blessed that you've trusted me with your beautiful florals. To help ensure your beautiful framed arrangement stays vibrant for years to come, here are a few simple care tips:

• Cleaning:

  The Traditional Glass: Glass cleaner is safe to use on the standard glass frames to remove any smudges or dust, keeping it looking pristine.

  The Lux Glass: please only use lighter fluid/ or simply a damp paper towel to get smudges off, not glass cleaner - weird ik! But works best with the UV, museum grade glass. (See sticker on back of frame for care.)

• ‍‍Display: The frames can be displayed on the wall or on a stand. You can find suitable easels at Office Works, Spotlight ect. If you are hanging your frame, ensure the hook can support at least double the actual weight of your frame.
  (Please do not use sticky hooks!) For wall mounting, a metal frame hook needs to be used - drilled/ hammered in. Make sure that the back string is securely fastened, and string is properly looped over hook.
  

• Frame Care: Please NEVER place frame face down on the glass. Over time, some petals or foliage may naturally fall to the base of the frame- this is perfectly normal as they age/ if moved around. You may notice a light, sparkling sand-like substance on some of the flowers. This is our preserving agent, which helps maintain their longevity and is best left on some of the flowers for optimal preservation. Please do not open your frame to avoid damage.

• ‍‍Placement: Display your frame away from direct sunlight and in a dry, cool area with good airflow. A gentle naturally lit space is perfect (northern side of houses tend to be perfect conditions.) Keep away from damp spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms to prevent mould or deterioration. Remove from drafts/ direct air flow from air-cons. Take extra care of surfaces/ walls if wet weather occurs - with mould/ mildew growing on walls or surrounds.
  

• Natural Aging: It's perfectly normal for the colours and shapes of the flowers to gradually fade- more of a vintage look/ change over time (naturally with gravity ect). This subtle change is a beautiful reminder of nature's delicate aging process. you again for allowing me to be part of your special day!

Lastly enjoy your beautiful florals for years and years to come! If you have any further questions regarding the care of your frame please don't hesitate to contact me!

- Keely