Floral Preservation:

 

When should I book?

I usually suggest booking with me when you book your other vendors such as venue, photographer, etc.  This ensures that I am available for your date and ready to accept your bouquet.  I am able to take on a limited amount of last minute bouquets (within at most 3 days after the event) when I have availability, but I highly recommend booking ahead of time!  

Some events such as memorials or funerals cannot be booked in advance so I will make every effort to fit these into my schedule whenever possible!

Where are you located?

I am located in Raleigh, NC so any local drop offs and pickups will occur in Raleigh, but I also accept bouquets from all across the country.

Can I ship you my bouquet?

Absolutely, I can accept bouquets from all of the United States.  When inquiring about booking, please let me know if you are needing to ship.  After signing the contract, I'll send over detailed bouquet care, packaging and shipping information.

When do you need the flowers after the event?

As soon as possible, the fresher they are when I start pressing them, the better the result will be.  But I recommend getting them to me within at most 3 to 4 days post event.  If you are shipping your bouquet to me, you will need to ship it overnight on the first business day after your event. 

How do I care for the bouquet on the day of?

When not in use, I'd recommend keeping your bouquet in a vase of water as often as possible.  Assign another person such as a bridesmaid to help manage these tips throughout the day for you.  Try as much as possible not to touch the petals as they can bruise.  Try as much as possible not to lay the bouquet down on its side.  Do not use your bouquet for the bouquet toss.

Do you need the whole bouquet?

Yes, I will need the full bouquet and for larger frames, I may need additional event florals like bridesmaid's bouquets or centerpieces as well.  I carefully pull apart each bouquet and choose the best condition blooms for pressing.  If some blooms are bruised or wilted, it's good to have other blooms to use instead.  

Does it have to be a bouquet?

Not at all, I've pressed centerpieces, flowers pulled from memorial pieces, boutonnieres and pocket pieces, etc.  I will however, need enough florals to fill in your selected frame size. 

What drying method is used?

I use a traditional drying method of pressing.  I make my own wooden presses that flatten the flowers while drawing out all of the moisture.

What is the pressing process?

Once I have your bouquet, it is deconstructed and pressed within 24 hours.  Florals and greenery stay within the presses for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks (thicker flowers and tropicals stay in longer).  This is to ensure that every bit of moisture has been removed.  Once they are removed from the presses they are fully preserved.  Many florals must be fully deconstructed to press successfully.  They are then reconstructed after the pressing process.  I work on bouquets in the order that I received them, your florals will be safely stored until ready to design.

Will I get to approve the design?

Yes, once designed, I will send a design mock up for your approval or a request of small changes.  Once you approve the design, then I will get it all glued down.  

Will my flowers change color?

Flowers are organic and therefore undergo natural changes in the drying process.  This is subtle in some flowers and more so in others.  White flowers do not often remain white through the drying process, and other colors might darken or change.  If you let me know of your flower choices before booking, I can give you more detailed information on how your flowers may change.

Will the color last?

Once dry, your dried florals will last a lifetime, but color fading of pressed flowers over time will naturally occur and some flowers like white flowers might darken over time.  To help them hold their color longer and enjoy them for many years to come, avoid placing frames in direct sunlight, directly under air vents, or in humid places like  bathrooms with a shower.  All Preservation frames also contain UV filter glass for an added layer of protection.