A-1. We use a method called freeze-drying. See Freeze Dried Process. This is the most high-tech means available to preserve your flowers. Flowers are photographed, pre-treated, dried in a freeze-dry machine, post-treated, color-enhanced and encased. This process will not give you the shrinkage and shriveling of flowers that other processes do. We save all ribbons or other items in the bouquet and will use them in the final arrangement. The entire process can take up to 12-16 weeks depending on heavy work loads at certain times of the year.

Q-2. Do the flowers change color and can all flowers be preserved?

A-2. Most all wedding flowers will preserve beautifully. Daisies and phalenopsis orchids, Bouvardia, and Asiatic lillies are wedding flowers that do not freeze dry very well. Other orchids do fine. New pretreats and color enchancing techniques are constantly being developed. Colored flowers will dry slightly darker than their original color. White or ivory flowers may become creamy during the drying process. Over time your bouquet will take on a soft, vintage look. If prearranging this process with us, let your florist know you will be having your flowers preserved. If they have any questions about your flowers, have your florist call us and we can speak to them directly.

Q-3. How soon do you need the flowers?

A-3. For the best preservation possible, the sooner the better. Usually we receive flowers within a couple of days after the wedding. We have ways to rehydrate the flowers if they have started to wilt. See Care and Shipping of Your Flowers for directions and additional information. If you are here locally, for an additional fee, we offer a service to pick up your flowers at your reception.

Q-4. If you receive my flowers and they are not in good condition, what happens?

A-4. As a matter of our business policy and courtesey to you, we will phone you upon receipt of your flowers. We will let you know the condition of the flowers. At that time, we will make the recommendations as to what encasement would be the best for your flowers. If the flowers are not in good enough condition to preserve, we will tell you. It does not serve and our reputation well or make you happy to give you a finished piece which reflects poor quality flowers. We may make other suggestions at that time by replacing a few of the flowers, but that option is totally up to you.

Q-5. Can flowers be preserved and not encased?

A-5. Yes. However, it must be noted that encasement of your freeze dried flowers by far is superior. The encasement and sealing is an important part of the preservation process. Humidity, bugs, and dust wreak havoc on dried flowers so in order to have them last, they need to be sealed. Due to the way a freeze-dry machine is manufactured, all arrangements or bouquets must be photographed then taken apart. We can freeze dry the flowers for you and return them to you in sealed boxes for your use in crafting or for a special item you may want to make. The charge is $150 plus shipping & handling or tax if it applies. Loose flowers are charged individually depending upon the size and type.

Q-6. How much does preservation cost and what are the deposit arrangements?

A-6. The cost is based on the size and type of encasement you select as shown in the galleries. A deposit of 75% is required at the time of encasement selection, with the balance due at the time of shipping or pick up. If we are just freeze-drying your flowers, the total is required at the time we receive the flowers. There are no extra add-on fees for record keeping, etc. See Terms and Conditions.