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What
arrangements need to be made
prior to, or post wedding if a
bride wishes to preserve her
bridal bouquet? |
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It
is helpful to come in prior to
the wedding and pick out the
keepsake in which you would
like your flowers preserved.
Since we need to receive your
flowers at least two days
after the event, it is
necessary to appoint someone
to bring us your flowers if
you are going on your
honeymoon.
Also, after your wedding you
should place your flowers in a
large plastic bag (i.e. large
kitchen trash bag). Blow air
into it, since it is the
carbon dioxide that keeps the
flowers fresh. Twist tie the
bag and keep it in the
refrigerator until you can
bring it to us.. Do not place
in the freezer.
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How
long does bouquet preservation
take? |
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The flower preservation
process takes approximately
eight to ten weeks.
Though the general process
of freeze drying objects has
been around for over 70 years,
the process of freeze drying
flowers began in 1989. By
removing all the moisture from
the flowers, the colors are
preserved (though they make
take on a slightly antiqued
look) and as long as they are
protected from exposure to
sunlight, insects and
humidity, they should last for
years and years.
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How
and when do I order? |
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Now
is the time to make your
decision on how you would like
to display your flowers from
your special occasion. You may
also decide after the event.
We recommend that you
pre-register, (for weddings)
at your earliest convenience
and make a reservation deposit
if possible, at least three
weeks prior to the wedding
date.
If
you prefer to make your
decision after the event
please call 713-266-5707 or
toll free
1-888-266-5747 to
place your order or
reservation deposit by phone,
or come into the store, when
you bring your flowers. The
non-refundable reservation
deposit is
$135.00 and is
applied to your final order.
Your final decision and
balance is due no later than
three weeks following the date
the flowers are received by
Florage. Payment plans can
also be arranged.
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Do I
need to make a decision
immediately? |
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It
is not necessary to make a
decision on which frame or
display piece immediately when
you ship or deliver your
flowers. You may leave a
deposit of $135.00. It is,
however, helpful if you make a
reservation/deposit
at
least three weeks prior
to your wedding.
If
the wedding is
less
than two weeks away
please call toll free
888-266-5747 so we can make
special arrangements.
If
the event
has
already occurred
please call immediately at
713-266-5707 or toll free
1-888-266-5747.
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If a
bride is planning to preserve
her bouquet, should she inform
her florist before selecting
her flowers? |
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The
bride should mention to her
florist that she intends to
preserve her flowers in which
case the florist should use
extra care and caution in
handling your flowers. As far
as selection, the freeze-dried
method has been refined over
the years so that most flowers
go through the process well.
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Can I just get my flowers
preserved? |
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We
do not recommend that you
preserve your flowers without
being encased in a display
piece. Your preserved flowers
will last longer, and keep
their beautiful life-like
quality, color and shape by
being protected and mounted in
an elegant display frame.
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Are
there particular flowers that
preserve and retain their
color better than others? If
so, what are they? |
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Flowers that preserve the best
are roses; they are the most
durable. The reds, pinks, and
purples seem to hold their
colors better which become
enriched. The yellow and white
flowers do not hold their
color as well, along with the
greenery, and need to be
enhanced. Lilies, tulips, and
orchids preserve well.
However, it depends on how
fresh they are, and how they
have been handled.
The
only flowers that do not
preserve are lilacs and mums.
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Do
colors play a key role in how
well a bouquet will look after
being preserved? |
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You
should pick colors that you
like and that go with the
theme of your wedding. The
flowers do change colors when
going through the freeze-dry
process and become deeper and
richer. However, over the
years, like all dried flowers,
the colors will achieve softer
hues, with the exception of
the deep reds.
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If
so, how significant or
noticeable will the color
change be? |
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Since it takes years for the
colors to change, and it is so
subtle, it truly is
unnoticeable. Keeping the
flowers out of the direct
sunlight and heat and humidity
will help increase the life of
your flowers.
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Is
the bride responsible for
getting her bouquet to the
floral preserver, or can she
pre-arrange for her florist to
ship the bouquet after the
wedding? |
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There are several options for
the bride. You may arrange for
the flowers to be picked up at
her reception, or pre-appoint
someone to bring the flowers
in one or two days after the
wedding. Also you have the
option of taking your flowers
to specific florists that is
associated with our Florage
Affiliated Florist Program and
we will pick up from them.
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And,
finally how soon after the
wedding should a bride plan to
have her bouquet sent to their
floral preserver in order to
achieve the best end results? |
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For
best results we should receive
the flowers approximately two
days after the event providing
the flowers have been in the
refrigerator.
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Is
there an advantage to freeze
drying flowers versus pressing
them? |
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Freeze-drying flowers is the
new state of the art method
where the flower keep their
shape and form and look like
they have just been picked
from the garden. It is the
preferred method.
Pressing flowers has been
popular since the Victorian
and will forever be in vogue.
It is a personal preference.
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How
do I get my flowers to you? |
It is very IMPORTANT to care
for your flowers immediately
after the wedding.
Flowers must be received
within 2 days for best
results.
(Please follow these
Instructions.)
- Place flowers in a large
plastic bag. (i.e. large
kitchen trash bag).
- Blow air into the bag
since it is the carbon
dioxide that keeps the
flowers fresh.
- Twist tie the bag and
place in the refrigerator.
- Do not place in freezer.
- You may deliver the
flowers to FLORAGE at 2729
Fondren, Houston, TX 77063.
Or, you may also, call us
for courier service
713-266-5707.
If you are outside of
Houston please follow
these Shipping Instructions:
- Fill one zip-lock bag
with regular ice and place
in second zip-lock bag,
making sure both are closed
securely.
- Place in the bottom of a
Styrofoam box.
- Place a layer of
newspaper on top of the
zip-lock bags, filled with
ice, to protect the flowers
from freezer burn.
- Take the flowers out of
the refrigerator, leaving
them in the plastic bag
(making sure there is still
air in the bag.)
- Place invitation or
photo and full payment along
with name, address, and
phone number in an envelope
taped to the top of the
Styrofoam container.
- Call UPS one day prior
to shipping (1-800-222-8333)
for residential pickup.
- Ship OVERNIGHT UPS to:
Florage, 2729 Fondren,
Houston, TX 77063
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