How to Hire Someone for Resin Flower Preservation and Keepsakes

To hire someone for resin flower preservation, contact a resin maker as soon as you can while the flowers are still fresh, agree how to store and send them, then choose the piece you want, such as a block, paperweight or coaster. The maker dries the flowers and sets them in resin, which often takes several weeks. This guide walks you through each step, from the first message to collecting your finished keepsake.

What resin flower preservation involves

Flower preservation resin pieces are made in two stages. First the maker dries the flowers, often using a drying agent such as silica gel, so they keep their shape. Then they set the dried flowers in clear resin inside a mould, leave it to cure, and sand and polish the finished piece.

Wedding bouquet preservation is one of the most popular requests, along with funeral and memorial flowers. Makers also create other resin keepsakes, such as blocks holding a lock of hair, a small photo, a ticket or a pet's collar tag, and cast custom pieces like coasters, trays, paperweights and decorative letters. You can see the range of work on the resin casting page.

Step 1: Act quickly with fresh flowers

Flowers start to fade within days, so the best results come from flowers that reach a maker while they are still fresh. If you know you want a keepsake, message a maker before the wedding or funeral, or straight afterwards.

Ask the maker exactly how they would like the flowers stored and sent, because each maker has their own process. As general sensible advice, keep the flowers somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight, handle them gently, and follow the maker's instructions on packing and posting. Many makers who work by post are used to receiving flowers and will tell you the quickest way to get them there.

If your flowers have already dried, a maker may still be able to use them, so describe their condition and send a photo.

Step 2: Set expectations on colour and timescale

Dried flowers almost always change a little. Some colours deepen or soften, white and pale petals can turn cream, and certain flowers dry better than others. A good maker will tell you which of your flowers are likely to hold their colour and which may change, so ask before you commit.

Drying takes time, and resin needs to cure properly before it can be finished. Preservation pieces often take several weeks, and some makers have waiting lists at busy times such as the summer wedding season. Ask each maker for their current timescale.

Step 3: Choose the piece type and size

Think about where the keepsake will live and how much of the bouquet you want to keep. Common choices include:

• Paperweights, hearts and small blocks: a few flowers from the bouquet, easy to display on a shelf or desk.
• Larger blocks and display pieces: room for more of the bouquet, often a centrepiece for the home.
• Coasters and trays: everyday pieces that bring the flowers into use. Our resin coasters guide covers ideas and care.
• Letters and initials: a name or initial filled with flowers.
• Memorial blocks: flowers from a funeral, sometimes with a photo, name or dates.
• Jewellery and small charms: a petal or two set in a pendant or ring.

A larger bouquet can often stretch to more than one piece, such as a main block plus small keepsakes for family members. Ask the maker what your flowers could make.

Step 4: Find a resin maker

You have two main options.

A local maker suits people who would like to drop flowers off in person, which can mean fresher flowers and a chat about the design face to face. You can collect the finished piece too.

A maker who posts UK-wide gives you a wider choice of styles and availability. Postal preservation is common, and experienced makers will explain how to send flowers safely.

On Hire a Maker you can browse resin makers by craft and location and message them directly from their profile, or post a request so suitable makers come to you.

Step 5: Write a clear request

The more detail you give, the more accurate the replies. Include:

• Photos of the flowers: the full bouquet and close-ups help a maker judge what will work.
• The occasion: wedding, funeral, anniversary or another moment.
• The piece you want: block, paperweight, coaster, tray, letter or open to ideas.
• Size: rough measurements or "small enough for a bedside table".
• Extras: names, dates, a short message, a photo or other mementos to include.
• When you need it: a date if there is one, or say you are flexible.
• Budget: a range helps makers suggest the right option.
• Location: whether you can drop off locally or need to post.

If you would like help with wording, see our guide on how to brief a maker.

Step 6: Compare replies and ask the right questions

Look at each maker's photos of past preservation work, and compare what is included, not only the price. Useful questions to ask:

• What is your current timescale from receiving the flowers to finishing the piece?
• Do you dry the flowers yourselves, and how?
• Which of my flowers will keep their colour best?
• How do you keep customers' flowers and items safe while they are with you?
• Is your resin suitable for food contact? This matters for trays and coasters. Some resins are made for surfaces that touch food and many are not, so ask before using a tray for food.
• Can I see a design or layout before the resin is poured?
• How will the finished piece be packed and delivered?

How much resin flower preservation costs

Makers set their own prices. As a rough guide in the UK, small paperweights, hearts and cubes are often around £60 to £150, and larger blocks holding more of a bouquet roughly £150 to £400, with big statement pieces costing more. Jewellery and small charms can start lower.

What drives the price:

• Size and depth of the piece: more resin and more curing time.
• Number of flowers: arranging a full bouquet takes longer than a few stems.
• Extras: names, dates, photos, gold leaf or other mementos.
• Finishing: polished edges, stands, lighting bases and gift boxes.
• Drying and handling: careful drying and layering take skill and time.

Step 7: Agree price, payment and delivery with the maker

Once you choose a maker, confirm the details in writing in your message thread: the piece, size, flowers, any wording or dates, the price, when payment is due, the timescale and how the piece will reach you. Check spellings of names and dates carefully.

Price, payment and delivery are agreed directly between you and the maker. Hire a Maker does not take payments, take a commission or take part in the agreement.

Questions people ask

How long does resin flower preservation take?

Often several weeks, because the flowers are dried first and resin needs time to cure. Ask each maker for their current timescale.

Will my flowers keep their colour?

Most flowers change a little when dried. Some hold their colour well and pale petals often turn cream. Your maker can tell you what to expect from your particular flowers.

Can I post my flowers to a maker?

Yes, many makers accept flowers by post. Ask them how to store, pack and send your flowers before you post them.

Can funeral flowers be preserved in resin?

Yes. Memorial flowers are a common and much-loved request, and makers can add a name, dates or a small photo to create a lasting tribute.

Is a resin tray safe for food?

It depends on the resin. Some are made for surfaces that touch food and many are not, so check with the maker first.

When you are ready, post a free request with photos of your flowers. Makers who do resin casting and cover your area, or post UK-wide, will reply with ideas, prices and timings. You can read how it works for the full picture.