What is flower preservation?
Let me ask you this… don’t you hate when you gift, receive, or buy flowers for a special occasion, and within a few weeks, they’re already gone? I know I do. That’s what makes flower preservation so special! We take your meaningful flowers from life’s biggest moments - weddings, funerals, engagements, anniversaries, and more - and preserve them in resin to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Instead of letting those memories fade, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake to look back on for years to come!
Why is flower preservation so expensive?
When you invest in flower preservation, you’re not just paying for the process, you’re investing in archival-quality materials that protect your memories and ensure your piece stands the test of time, a keepsake heirloom that will last a lifetime. A big part of the cost comes down to the quality of materials used, especially the resin itself. Not all resins are created equal. We use professional-grade resin, because it provides superior clarity, UV resistance, and long-term durability. This ensures your flowers don’t yellow, cloud, or break down over time, which is a common issue with lower-quality alternatives. High-end resin is significantly more expensive, but it allows your piece to remain crystal clear and beautifully preserved for years to come. It also performs better during the curing process, reducing imperfections like bubbles, warping, or soft spots that can compromise the final result. In addition, premium resin requires a very controlled environment and precise handling. Even with top-tier materials, achieving a flawless finish takes skill, experience, and careful attention to detail.
What is the process and timeline for flower preservation?
This is not a “short and sweet” process, it requires time, precision, and creativity to ensure your flowers are preserved beautifully. Every piece is custom, and timelines can vary depending on your specific order, but here’s a general overview:
1. Drying: Once your flowers are received, they are carefully placed in a drying agent. This process typically takes about 3-4 weeks, depending on the size and quantity of flowers.
2. Design: After drying, we begin designing your pieces. Each flower is individually evaluated so we can select the best blooms and create a layout that highlights their natural beauty.
3. Creation: Once the design is finalized, we begin the resin process. Each piece is poured in multiple layers—anywhere from 2–8 pours depending on thickness. Every layer must fully cure before the next is added to ensure clarity and durability.
4. Finishing Touches: After curing is complete, each piece is sanded and refined to smooth edges and enhance the final look. Any custom details, such as lettering, are added at this stage, followed by final photos.
5. Overall Timeline: Because of the detailed, multi-step process, most orders take around 9-10 weeks to complete. Timelines can vary, but this gives you a realistic expectation.
How many flowers do we need to send?
This is one of our most common questions—and the honest answer is: more is always better. Sending extra flowers allows us to choose the highest-quality blooms for your pieces. As a general guideline, one large bouquet is typically enough for one larger piece and 1–2 smaller pieces. If you’re wanting multiple larger items, additional bouquets or arrangements may be needed to ensure we have enough flowers to work with. When in doubt, send more, we’ll take care of the rest!
Do you accept flowers from outside your local (Huntsville, AL) area?
Yes, we do! We accept flowers shipped anywhere from the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Once your order has been placed with us, we will send you our shipping instructions.
How can I ship my flowers and make sure they arrive to Morton’s Mementos in great condition?
Great Question! Here are my packaging recommendation when shipping your flowers to us: Ensure flowers are hydrated before shipping. Trim stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in cool water for at least 2 hours before packaging. Wrap the stems in damp paper towels and secure them with a rubber band. Cover the damp towels with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Remove any leaves or foliage below the waterline to prevent decay. Use a sturdy, corrugated cardboard box that is slightly larger than the bouquet to allow for cushioning. Line the box with craft or shipping paper to create a protective layer, and then place the flowers in the box and secure them in place with tissue paper or shipping paper to prevent movement. If shipping in warm weather, include cooling gel packs to maintain freshness. Close the box securely with packing tape. Airtight or moisture-retaining packaging can prevent dehydration. Label the box as “Fragile and Perishable."
