Flowers are living things.
Just like most of us, they go through some stuff during their lives.
While the goal is to thrive and be the most beautiful versions of themselves possible, sometimes we encounter them at a point where they are simply surviving, for whatever reason.
Because of this, the more flowers from your event that you can send for me to work with, the better.
Please be sure you have marked on your intake form whether you need any unused flower pieces returned with your completed piece. If nothing is indicated, they will not be returned.
HOW TO CARE FOR THE FLOWERS UNTIL YOU ARE ABLE TO SHIP THEM
(NOTE: ALL FLOWERS MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE EVENT!)
Keep your flowers in fresh water in a cool, dry place.
PREPARING THE FLOWERS FOR SHIPPING
-
Remove all "bling" such as sentimental ribbon, rhinestones, etc.
-
Cut 0.5-1" bits off the ends of each stem on an angle with sharp scissors.
-
Wet 4 segments of paper towel. (Note: You do not need to wring them out completely, but they should not be sopping wet)
-
Wrap the cut ends of the stems with the wet paper towels and slide into a small plastic bag (or plastic wrap) that you secure with rubber bands or tape.
HOW TO PACKAGE THE FLOWERS FOR SHIPPING
-
Get a shipping box slightly larger than the flower bundle(s) being sent.
-
Use materials such as plastic air cushions, packing peanuts or wadded newspapers to create a good cushion on the bottom and sides of the box.
-
Loosely wrap your main bouquet in dry paper towels.
-
Carefully place the bouquet in the center of your nest of newspapers or air cushions.
-
Any additional flowers or centerpieces should be wrapped and labeled separately in the same way. (You may need a larger box to accommodate and cushion between the arrangements).
-
Check that you have a secure "bubble" to cushion your flowers in transit but not so tight that the flowers get smashed or crushed. The entire box should be filled with cushioning and no empty spaces. NOTE: No plastic should be sealed around the flowers -- the flowers need room to breathe and we don't want them to suffocate!
-
Any photos, invitations or prayer cards you would like to be part of your finished product should be placed between stiff cardboard before putting in the box so they do not get bent during shipping. (These can also be mailed separately after your event if you prefer -- as long as I receive them before we begin the design phase.)
-
Include your completed intake form and a list of what you have sent in the box. (Be sure you have paid your deposit before shipping!)
-
Seal all seams of the box with packing tape and mark FRAGILE- DO NOT CRUSH on all sides.
-
Ship overnight with the carrier of your choice (no signature required upon receipt but text to let me know you've shipped it and share tracking info). I will text you photos of the flowers once I receive them.
PRO TIPS:
-
If you are shipping from a hot/humid climate or during hot weather, you may want to get an instant cold pack -- the type often used in FIrst Aid kits that is snapped or shaken to activate and sells for a couple of dollars at WalMart or Target. Once activated, place it against the base of the stems at the bottom of your nest.
-
For especially large or dainty blooms, you can cut the bottoms out of plastic cups and place them around the bloom to keep it from being bruised/smashed.
-
Large, beefy flowers such as sunflowers or dahlias should be wrapped separately.