DIY: How to Preserve Wedding Flowers with Resin

How to preserve wedding flowers is something many couples think about once the big day is over. Your bouquet and floral arrangements hold so much meaning, and it can feel impossible to part with them.  

Using resin is one of the most reliable ways to keep those flowers looking beautiful for years. With the right steps, you can turn petals and blooms into keepsakes that stay as vibrant as the memories they represent.  

Keep your keepsakes crystal clear for years—explore our UV-Resistant Epoxy Resin collection.  

Why Preserve Wedding Flowers With Resin

Resin preservation keeps flowers from fading and crumbling. You get to keep the natural colors and shapes of your bouquet, and the result is tough enough to display or use day-to-day.

Lasting Beauty And Memories

Fresh flowers wilt and lose their color in just a few days. When you seal them in resin, you can actually see the original look and detail of each bloom for years.

The clear resin shields petals from air, moisture, and dust—basically, all the stuff that makes them decay. That helps preserve the emotional value too. Lots of couples want to save flowers from their wedding because they mean so much.

Encasing them in resin means those flowers stay intact instead of getting tucked away in a box to break down. Maybe a bride wants to keep one rose from her bouquet. In resin, it keeps its shape and color, turning into a visible reminder of the day.

That way, the flowers aren’t just décor—they’re a keepsake with real meaning.

Unique Keepsake Ideas

Resin is pretty flexible in how you use it. You can pick molds in all sorts of shapes and sizes to make something that fits your home or daily life.

Popular choices? Paperweights, coasters, trays, jewelry pendants—stuff you’ll actually use or see around. Smaller blooms fit nicely in keychains or necklace charms, so you can carry them with you.

Bigger arrangements work well in resin blocks or frames for a shelf or table. Some folks add glitter, initials, or even a bit of wedding dress fabric to make it more personal. Suddenly, your preserved flowers are more than just a memory—they’re functional or decorative pieces that show off your style.

No time to dry your own? Shop our ready-to-use Dried & Pressed Flowers.  

Step-By-Step: How To Preserve Wedding Flowers With Resin

To preserve flowers in resin, you need to dry them well, pick the right mold, mix the resin, and let it cure. Each step affects how the finished piece looks and lasts.

Dry And Prepare Your Flowers

Flowers have to be totally dry before you put them in resin. Any leftover moisture can cause browning, mold, or air pockets.

Here are some drying methods:

• Silica gel: Keeps shape and color best, usually takes a few days to a week.
• Air drying: Hang upside down or press in a book; it’s slower but cheap.
• Microwave drying: Fast, but you have to watch closely or you’ll damage the flowers.

Trim away wilted petals, extra leaves, or thick stems that won’t fit in your mold. Small, well-shaped pieces usually turn out better.

Once they’re dry, store flowers in an airtight container until you’re ready. That keeps them from picking up moisture again.

Choose Your Resin Project

Your project choice decides the mold size, resin amount, and how you’ll arrange the flowers. Blocks, coasters, trays, jewelry—there are plenty of options.

Silicone molds are a favorite because they’re flexible and make it easy to remove the resin. Deep block molds work for big flowers, while shallow molds or jewelry bezels suit smaller ones.

Measure your mold before mixing resin to avoid waste. Use a resin coverage calculator to measure how much you’ll need for your mold.

Try arranging the flowers outside the mold first. It’s much easier to move things around before you pour the resin.

Mix And Pour The Resin

Mix resin and hardener in the right ratio—usually 1:1 or 2:1, depending on the brand. Accurate measuring is key to proper curing.

Stir slowly to cut down on bubbles, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup. Check the packaging for how long to mix.

Pour a thin base layer in the mold. Use tweezers or a stick to gently place the flowers on top. That helps keep them from floating.

Pour more resin in layers, about 1/4 inch thick each time. That keeps heat down and holds the flowers in place. A heat gun or torch can pop bubbles on the surface if you go lightly.

Cure And Finish Your Keepsake

Curing times vary, but most resins need at least 24–72 hours. Keep the project in a dust-free, stable spot while it sets.

Once it’s hard, pop the piece out of the mold. Edges might be sharp or rough, so sand them with fine-grit paper to smooth things out.

If the surface looks cloudy, a clear topcoat of resin or a polishing compound can bring back the shine.

Display your finished piece as a paperweight, centerpiece, or just a special keepsake. If you cure it right, those flowers will stay sealed and protected for years.

Tips For The Best Results

Preparing flowers well, handling resin carefully, and using good supplies make all the difference. Rushing or leaving moisture in petals can cause bubbles, discoloration, or weak spots.

Drying Methods For Different Flowers

Flowers must be completely dry before you put them in resin. Moisture inside petals or stems leads to cloudiness, mold, or decay later. The best drying method depends on the flower type and the look you want.

Air drying works for sturdy blooms like lavender, roses, or baby’s breath. Hanging them upside down in a dry, dark spot for 1–3 weeks helps keep their shape, though some color may fade.

Pressing is good for flat designs like bookmarks or pendants. Thin flowers such as daisies or pansies press well between parchment sheets in heavy books. It usually takes a week or two.

Silica gel drying does the best job of keeping color and shape. Thicker flowers like roses or peonies can be buried in silica crystals inside an airtight container for 2–7 days. This keeps petals bright and intact.

Pick the right method so your flowers stay vibrant and stable in the resin.

Preventing Bubbles And Cloudiness

Bubbles happen when air gets trapped during mixing or when flowers have hidden moisture. Stir resin slowly for a few minutes—whipping it quickly just adds air you can’t get out later.

Pouring a thin base layer first helps make a smooth surface. Once that layer starts to set, you can add flowers without them sinking. Add more resin in layers, especially for deep molds.

Heat is helpful too. A quick pass with a small torch or heat gun pops any bubbles on top. For spots near petals, a toothpick can release trapped air without messing up the flower.

Making sure flowers are totally dry before you start is the best way to avoid cloudiness.

Choosing The Right Resin Supplies

The resin you pick affects how clear and tough the final piece is. Epoxy resin cures slowly, which is great for big molds like coasters, blocks, or paperweights. The longer working time lets you arrange flowers just right.

UV resin cures fast under a UV lamp, so it’s better for small projects like jewelry or charms. Don’t use it for thick molds—it won’t cure evenly in deep layers.

Other supplies matter too. Silicone molds are easy to use and come in all shapes. Tweezers help you place flowers without crushing them. Gloves and aprons keep your hands and workspace clean.

Go for high-quality, non-yellowing resin if you want your piece to stay clear. Look for low-VOC and UV-resistant formulas to protect both the flowers and the finish.

Add a touch of sparkle to your resin projects with our Iridescent Glitter collection.  

Conclusion: How To Preserve Wedding Flowers 

Preserving your wedding flowers with resin is a simple way to turn fleeting moments into lasting keepsakes. With just a few steps, your bouquet can live on as something you see and cherish every day.  

Whether you create jewelry, coasters, or display pieces, each project becomes a personal reminder of your special day. The right resin and tools make all the difference in achieving beautiful, clear results.  

Ready to learn more? Continue your resin journey by reading Why Is Resin Sticky?.  

Frequently Asked Questions: How To Preserve Wedding Flowers

Preserving wedding flowers in resin takes the right prep, drying, and timing. The condition of your flowers and what you do right after the wedding really matter if you want them to last in resin.

How do you preserve flowers after a wedding?

Dry the flowers first using air drying, pressing, or silica gel. Once fully dry, place them in a mold. Pour clear casting resin to seal and protect them.  

How long after a wedding can I preserve flowers?

Start within a few days for the best color and shape. The longer you wait, the more the flowers wilt. Quick action keeps them looking fresh.  

How to keep a bridal bouquet from wilting? 

Keep the bouquet in water until drying. Store it in a cool, shaded place. Hanging upside down or using silica gel right away slows wilting.  

What do I spray on flowers to preserve them?

Use a clear floral sealant or hairspray. These sprays slow moisture loss and protect petals. They also help flowers hold shape before resin casting.