When someone you love has died, the flowers from the service can feel like one of the few tangible things left to hold onto. Many families want to keep them — but the flowers are in one place, and the person who can preserve them is somewhere else. So a very practical question arrives at a tender moment: how do I actually get these flowers to you, safely, by post?
This is a gentle, practical guide to doing exactly that. There is no rush implied here and no right or wrong choice — only clear steps, so that one less thing feels uncertain. I'm Julie, and I handcraft every preserved keepsake at Artisan Palace. Below is everything families across the UK ask me about sending funeral flowers in for preservation.
The short answer
You can send funeral flowers to us by post from anywhere in the UK. Fresh flowers are best sent within a few days of the service using a tracked next-day courier, packed loosely in a sturdy box. If the flowers have already dried, there's no time pressure at all — they can be posted whenever you feel ready. You order your chosen keepsake first, and we send you simple packing guidance and the address; your flowers follow when the moment is right for you.
First, a word about timing
Grief doesn't keep a schedule, and flowers don't either. The two don't always line up, and that's completely understandable. The good news is that you have more options than people often realise — because there are two perfectly valid ways to send flowers for preservation.
Two ways families send their flowers
Fresh flowers — sent within a few days of the funeral, while the blooms still hold their shape and colour. We then dry them carefully here before preserving them.
Already-dried flowers — if you've hung or pressed the flowers yourself, or simply kept them and they've dried naturally, you can send them at any point. There is no deadline.
If you're still deciding whether to keep the flowers at all, our gentle guide on what to do with funeral flowers may help you think it through without pressure. And if you simply want reassurance that preservation is possible after a funeral, this short answer on preserving flowers from a funeral explains what can and can't be saved.
When to send fresh funeral flowers
Fresh flowers are at their best in the first few days. The table below is a gentle guide, not a set of rules — many families send their flowers exactly when they're able to, and the results are still beautiful.
| Time since the service | What to expect | Gentle suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 days | Flowers still hold colour and shape well | Ideal window — send tracked next-day if you can |
| 4–7 days | Some petals may soften or wilt at the edges | Still very workable — send as soon as you feel able |
| Over a week | Fresh blooms fade; drying becomes the better route | Let the flowers dry at home, then send with no deadline |
If a week or more has already passed, please don't worry. Letting the flowers dry naturally at home — laid flat or hung upside down somewhere cool and dry — turns the timing pressure off entirely. Dried flowers travel well and can be posted whenever you're ready.
How to pack funeral flowers for posting
Packing is simpler than it looks. The aim is to protect the blooms from being crushed, while letting a little air move around them. Here is the approach I suggest to every family.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose a sturdy box | A cardboard box slightly larger than the flowers — not a soft envelope or padded bag, which crush blooms. |
| 2. Cushion gently | Line the box with loosely scrunched tissue paper or newspaper. Avoid wrapping flowers tightly in plastic. |
| 3. Lay flowers in loosely | Place the blooms in a single layer where possible, with a little tissue between heavier flowers. |
| 4. Add a short note | Include your name and order number, and tell me anything that matters — a particular bloom to feature, or a few words about who the flowers are for. |
| 5. Send tracked | Use a tracked service so you can follow the parcel. For fresh flowers, choose next-day; for dried, standard tracked is fine. |
If you'd like a fuller walk-through of the packing itself, our sister guide on how to pack and send flowers for preservation covers the same steps in more detail — the method is identical whether the flowers are from a wedding or a funeral.
Choosing your keepsake before you send
With us, the order comes first and the flowers follow. You choose the piece you'd like — and once your order is placed, we send you the packing guidance and address so your flowers can make their way to me.
There's no need to design anything from scratch or sit on a call. You simply pick the type of keepsake and share any preferences, and I handcraft it from there. Many families find that choosing the piece first gives the flowers a clear destination, which can be quietly comforting. If you're unsure which keepsake suits, the memorial flower keepsake ideas guide gently walks through the options.
One keepsake worth a particular mention is the robin. In British folklore, a robin appearing is often felt as a sign that a loved one is near — "robins appear when loved ones are near." Many families ask for a few petals preserved alongside a resin robin memorial keepsake for exactly this reason. It's never something I'd press on anyone; it's simply there if it resonates.
"When a family's flowers arrive, I treat them exactly as I'd want my own to be treated — carefully, and without rushing. The parcel may only have travelled a day, but what's inside has travelled a long way emotionally. That isn't lost on me." — Julie, Artisan Palace
What happens after your flowers arrive
When your parcel reaches me, I'll let you know it has arrived safely — many families tell me this single message brings real relief. From there, fresh flowers are dried gently before preserving; already-dried flowers move straight into the next stage. Because every piece is handmade and set with care, preservation typically takes several months, and I keep you updated along the way rather than leaving you wondering. You can read more about the full journey in our gentle guide to funeral flower preservation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to send funeral flowers by post?
Yes. Thousands of families post flowers for preservation every year. The key is a sturdy box, loose cushioning, and a tracked service. Fresh flowers travel best next-day; dried flowers travel well at any speed.
What if my flowers have already started to wilt?
That's very common and rarely a problem. I work with the flowers as they arrive, and slightly wilted blooms can still be preserved beautifully. If they've faded significantly, letting them finish drying at home and sending them dried is often the better path.
Do I need to send the whole arrangement?
Not at all. Many families send just a few meaningful blooms rather than an entire wreath or spray. A handful of petals is enough for most keepsakes, and it makes packing far easier.
Should I send fresh or dried flowers?
Either works. Send fresh if you're within a few days of the service and able to post quickly. If more time has passed, or posting soon feels like too much, let the flowers dry at home and send them when you're ready — there's no deadline for dried flowers.
How much does posting cost?
Postage is paid by you to your chosen courier and typically ranges from a few pounds for standard tracked up to around £8–£12 for tracked next-day, depending on box size and service. We're not able to quote courier prices, as they vary — but a small parcel is usually inexpensive.
What if I'm not ready to send them yet?
Then please don't. Dried flowers keep, and there is no expiry on your order. Send them when the time feels right for you — whether that's next week or next season.
When you're ready, we're here
Sending your flowers is one small, practical step in a much larger journey — and it's one we'll guide you through gently, at your pace. Whenever you feel ready, you're welcome to explore the keepsakes below or simply get in touch.