One of the biggest questions we get is:
“What’s the real difference between preservation styles?”

Not all preservation methods are created equal. The structure, backing, and sealing process all impact how your flowers will look — not just today, but years from now.

Let’s break down the three most common preservation styles so you can confidently decide what fits your bouquet and your expectations best.

1. Pressed Floral Preservation

Best for: Minimal, modern, timeless brides

Pressed preservation is the flattest style. Each bloom is carefully pressed, dried, and artistically arranged inside a frame.

What It Looks Like:

• Flowers are fully flat (2D)

• Light, airy, and delicate

• Beautiful for gallery walls

• Often displayed between glass or acrylic

Backing & Sealing Matters

This is where many brides don’t realize there is a difference.

If a pressed piece uses glass or acrylic as both the front and backing, it is not 100% sealed. Air can still circulate inside the frame, which can contribute to fading over time.

However, when pressed flowers are placed against a solid, traditional backing, the piece is fully sealed from the back. This helps reduce air exposure and can slow down fading.

Things to Know:

• All preserved flowers will naturally age

• Pressed flowers soften in color over time

• Sealing method plays a major role in longevity

Pressed preservation is perfect if you love simplicity and don’t mind the soft, romantic aging process.

2. Resin Preservation (3D Preservation)

Best for: Brides who want to preserve dimension and structure 

Resin preservation allows your flowers to maintain their depth and natural form. Each bloom is carefully dried and fully encased in crystal-clear resin.

What It Looks Like:

• Flowers keep their 3D shape

• Glossy, glass-like finish

• Encased and protected

• Statement heirloom pieces

The Truth About Resin Aging

Resin will age. No matter the quality, resin naturally warms or ambers slightly over time. This is part of the process and not a defect.

One way to help diffuse the appearance of aging is by incorporating a colored background instead of a fully clear block. A soft white, neutral, or subtle tone can help minimize visible warmth as the resin matures.

Things to Know:

• Resin is fully sealed

• It is heavier than framed pieces

• Should be kept out of direct sunlight

• Will naturally age over time

Resin is ideal for brides who want their bouquet to feel like a true heirloom piece.

3. Shadow Box / 3D Framed Preservation

Best for: Brides who want dimension in a wall-mounted piece ( BEST for Longevity)

This style keeps the flowers dimensional but places them inside a deep frame rather than encasing them in resin.

What It Looks Like:

• Flowers maintain shape

• Arranged inside a deep frame

• Romantic, museum-style display

Things to Know:

• Lighter than resin

• Maintains depth

• More delicate than fully encased resin
  

This option is beautiful for brides who love texture and dimension but prefer a framed aesthetic.

Which Would You Choose?

There’s no “right” answer  only what fits your style and expectations.

If you love:

• Minimal and modern → Pressed

• Full dimension and heirloom weight → Resin

• Depth but framed elegance → Shadow Box

If your top priority is keeping your bouquet looking as close to your wedding day as possible, 3D preservation is typically the strongest choice.

If you love the soft, romantic aging process and delicate artwork feel, pressed may be perfect for you.

Every flower tells a story. The question is — how do you want yours remembered?