DIY vs. Professional Flower Preservation: What You Need to Know Before You Decide
Not sure whether to DIY your bouquet preservation or trust the pros? This article explains why couples choose each path, how your end goal affects the drying method, and what to expect from both DIY and professional preservation. Get honest pros and cons, expert tips, and see how Wild Coast delivers heirloom-quality results—so you can choose the best option for your memories.
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to hold onto the magic of your day. While DIY methods (like pressing or silica gel) can be fun for small projects, professional preservation offers museum-quality results, custom design options, and peace of mind.
Having worked with over 20,000 brides in the last 5 years, I’ve seen every scenario—including plenty of DIY attempts! Here’s what I’ve learned about why people choose the DIY route, what’s really involved, and how professional preservation compares.
Why People Try DIY Flower Preservation
#1: The bouquet is too old to ship.
Sometimes, by the time you think about preservation, your flowers are already starting to wilt. At that point, DIY drying at home might be the only option to save some of your blooms.
Sometimes, by the time you think about preservation, your flowers are already starting to wilt. At that point, DIY drying at home might be the only option to save some of your blooms.
#2: Preservation was an afterthought.
Maybe your bouquet was left on the counter for days, and you decided last-minute to save a few flowers.
Maybe your bouquet was left on the counter for days, and you decided last-minute to save a few flowers.
If you’re in this situation and need to dry your bouquet, it’s important to pause and think about your end goal.
What do you hope to create with your dried flowers later on?
What do you hope to create with your dried flowers later on?
- Are you dreaming of a pressed flower tray, coaster set, or wall art?
- Or do you prefer whole flower items like bookends and blocks?
Your intended keepsake will determine the best drying method:
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Silica Gel:
Best for whole flower preservation. It helps flowers retain their three-dimensional shape and vibrant color, making it perfect for bookends, blocks, and other sculptural resin pieces. You can find silica gel at most craft stores (usually in the artificial flower section) or easily order it on Amazon. Any brand will do the trick!
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Flower Press Kit:
Ideal for flat designs and art. Pressing is perfect if you love the look of pressed flower trays, coasters, or framed wall art. Press kits are widely available online and in craft stores—just follow the instructions for best results.
We sell an extra large flower press kit that can fit an entire wedding bouquet inside!
Pro tip:
Deciding on your final project before you start drying will help ensure your flowers are preserved in the way that works best for your dream keepsake. If you’re not sure which style you want, or you want to keep your options open, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to give personalized advice!
Deciding on your final project before you start drying will help ensure your flowers are preserved in the way that works best for your dream keepsake. If you’re not sure which style you want, or you want to keep your options open, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to give personalized advice!
Once your flowers are dried, you can reconnect with us to turn them into a resin keepsake—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you might consider finishing the preservation process at home. But here’s what you should know…
The Realities of DIY Resin Flower Preservation
I’ve been there: sticky fingers, resin drips on every surface, and a steep learning curve!
Here’s what to expect if you go the DIY route:
Pros:
- Cost-effective for small projects
- Quicker turnaround if you’re making one or two simple pieces
- DIY kits are available, and the process can be creative and rewarding
Cons:
- Messy: Resin gets everywhere (door knobs, sink handles, clothes—trust me!)
- Major risk of mistakes: Bubbles, yellowing, and ruined flowers are common if you’re not experienced
- Limited longevity: Most DIY resins yellow quickly and aren’t UV-stable
- Color fading: Without controlled drying and color correction, flowers can brown or lose vibrancy
- Limited product options: Kits only make basic shapes; custom molds and advanced designs require extra tools and skill
- Hidden costs: Buying all the supplies, molds, and safety gear adds up fast
Supplies We Love for DIY Flower Preservation
Curious about which tools and supplies actually work? Here are a few tried-and-true favorites used by both DIYers and professionals:
- Zapp3D (molds): High-quality molds for resin projects—perfect for creating bookends, blocks, and other unique shapes.
- MicroFleur (presses): One of the best flower presses for achieving flat, vibrant blooms quickly and evenly.
- Activa Silica Gel (drying): Our go-to for whole flower drying; preserves shape and color beautifully.
- Liquid Diamonds Resin: A popular resin choice for clear, glass-like results in flower preservation projects.
Pro tip: If a DIY project doesn’t go as planned, don’t panic! We maintain a “flower library” of dried blooms and can often rebuild your bouquet from photos with our Bouquet Replication Service. Simply add this service to your order along with your chosen items, and send us a photo of your bouquet when it was fresh. We’ll do our best to recreate your special arrangement—so even if the original flowers are lost, your memories can still live on in a beautiful keepsake.
The Wild Coast Difference: Our Expert Techniques
When you choose professional preservation, you’re trusting your memories to a team of 15 skilled artisans—each specializing in a different stage of the process. Here’s what sets us apart:
Drying & Color Correction:
We start by gently drying your flowers in silica gel to preserve their natural shape and color. If needed, we professionally color-correct blooms for vibrancy and consistency, ensuring your bouquet looks as beautiful as you remember.
We start by gently drying your flowers in silica gel to preserve their natural shape and color. If needed, we professionally color-correct blooms for vibrancy and consistency, ensuring your bouquet looks as beautiful as you remember.
Design & Molding:
With over 80 custom product options—including trays, wall art, jewelry, ornaments, and more—our design team works with you to create a piece that perfectly fits your vision. Every mold and layout is carefully planned for both beauty and function.
With over 80 custom product options—including trays, wall art, jewelry, ornaments, and more—our design team works with you to create a piece that perfectly fits your vision. Every mold and layout is carefully planned for both beauty and function.
Resin Casting & Finishing:
Each keepsake is poured in layers over several days, using high-grade, UV-resistant resin for heirloom longevity. Our artisans use advanced techniques (developed over years of experience) to minimize bubbles and achieve crystal-clear results. Every piece is then sanded, buffed, and meticulously inspected for clarity and durability.
Each keepsake is poured in layers over several days, using high-grade, UV-resistant resin for heirloom longevity. Our artisans use advanced techniques (developed over years of experience) to minimize bubbles and achieve crystal-clear results. Every piece is then sanded, buffed, and meticulously inspected for clarity and durability.
Quality & Care:
You’ll receive clear timelines, up to three design revisions with your final approval, and multiple quality checks throughout the process. We never ship a piece until it meets our highest standards—so your keepsake is perfect when it arrives.
You’ll receive clear timelines, up to three design revisions with your final approval, and multiple quality checks throughout the process. We never ship a piece until it meets our highest standards—so your keepsake is perfect when it arrives.
Support & Communication:
From flower handling and shipping tips to design choices and aftercare, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We believe in transparent, responsive communication—so you always feel confident and cared for throughout your preservation journey.
From flower handling and shipping tips to design choices and aftercare, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We believe in transparent, responsive communication—so you always feel confident and cared for throughout your preservation journey.
Pros:
- Museum-quality, heirloom results
- Far more variety and customization
- Less stress and no mess at home
- May actually cost less than DIY for small pieces (when accounting for supplies/tools)
- Access to expert color correction and advanced techniques
Cons:
- Wait time: Standard turnaround is about 6 months
- Higher cost for large, custom pieces
- You’ll need to ship your flowers unless you’re local to our studio
Why It Matters
DIY is great for a simple pressed flower or a fun craft project. But if you want a keepsake that will truly last for generations—professional preservation is the way to go.
We’re here to help you preserve your memories, whether you’re starting from fresh flowers or dried blooms. Explore our process, browse our products, and reach out with any questions. Your bouquet deserves the best!
Ready to preserve your bouquet or want more info? Let’s chat about the best option for your vision and timeline.
Written by Michelle Besu
