How to keep your flowers at their freshest until shipping or transporting to us for preservation.
Ahead of time:
* Be sure that your florist knows that you are preserving your flowers. Ask them not to use wires and not to use glue. If there are certain flowers that require this, we may not be able to use them upon arrival. When this is the case, the other flowers in the bouquet are used.
* Keep your bouquet upright in a vase at the reception if at all possible. Ask your florist to put a vase on your table at the reception for you to place your bouquet it. This also serves as a centerpiece, so you may save some money as well.
After the wedding:
Keep your wedding bouquet in a vase filled with fresh cool water. If the water becomes cloudy, replace it immediately. If possible, re-cut stems by cutting off one to two inches. Be sure to use a sharp knife, clippers, or scissors that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into fresh cool water. It your wedding bouquet is wrapped in ribbon, remove the ribbon or cut the bottom of it so that you can get to the stems. Always check to make sure that your flowers do not have "fake" stems. Sometimes florists use an oasis for a bouquet and add stems instead of handles. We see this more and more as an alternative to the plastic holder that was once popular. This is necessary for some types of flowers that have thin or short stems. Your florist can let you know when it is necessary. If you have an oasis for your bouquet, keep it wet at all time. Check it at least twice a day. Do not wet it by putting your bouquet under a faucet. Use a small cup that you can carefully pour the water directly into the oasis. Gently move your flowers to create a safe passage for the water. This will keep the petals from getting wet, which may cause spotting and damage. Then set your wedding bouquet on the top of a vase or container to keep it upright. Your bouquet should sit on the top of the vase/container and not touch anything.
Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. Putting your flowers in a refrigerator is also very helpful, but precautions must be taken. First of all, if you have orchids, we do not suggest doing this. If possible, carefully remove the orchids from your bouquet and put them in a vase outside of the refrigerator. Then put the vase containing your wedding bouquet in the center of the refrigerator shelf. Do not let it touch anything in there, including the walls. Make sure that the temperature setting is not too cold. If you have fresh fruit or vegetables, put them in the produce drawers. They put out gases that can brown your flowers faster.
If you use these tips, most flowers will last longer.
If you have any questions, call us! We are happy to help!
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