Header photo by: The Curries Studio
This is a subject I get asked about a-lot and yes, you can absolutely travel with dried (and preserved) wedding flowers. But the difference between “arrived perfect” and “arrived a bit squished” usually comes down to: how you pack them.
This is my no-faff guide for destination brides who want to bring their bouquet, flower crown, hair comb and buttonholes with them.
First: what makes dried flowers travel-friendly?
Dried and preserved flowers don’t wilt, they don’t need water, and don’t mind a long day in transit the way fresh flowers do. That’s the good news.
The not-so-glam bit: they can be crushable if they’re packed too tightly, and some varieties can shed a little if they’re knocked around.
So the goal is simple: protect the shape, stop movement, avoid pressure.
Photography by: Natasha Marshall Photography
The golden rule: carry-on beats checked luggage
If you can, keep your dried flower pieces in your carry-on.
Checked luggage is where things get:
- compressed
- tossed
- stacked
- exposed to moisture changes
Carry-on means you control the handling (and you can keep them upright).
What not to do
- Don’t pack dried flowers next to shoes.
- Don’t wrap flowers tightly in bubble wrap (it can flatten petals and snag).
- Don’t cram them into a suitcase “because it fits”. If it’s a squeeze now, it’ll be a squish later.
- Don’t leave them loose in a tote bag where they’ll get knocked.
Airport and security tips
- Keep them easy to access in case security want a look.
- If you’re travelling internationally, check your destination’s rules around plant materials. Dried/preserved pieces are usually fine, but regulations vary from country to country.
On arrival: how to revive and style them
Dried flowers don’t need water, but they do benefit from a quick “reset” after travel:
- Take them out of the box as soon as you arrive.
- Let them sit somewhere cool and dry.
- If anything has shifted, a gentle fluff and reposition usually fixes it.
- Keep them away from steamy bathrooms and direct sun.
Want me to help you plan what to pack?
If you tell me what pieces you’re travelling with (bouquet, crown, comb, buttonholes) and where you’re flying to, I’ll suggest the safest packing setup for your exact items. Get in touch and let's talk it through.