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Frequently Asked Questions »
Here are some frequently asked questions. You might like to also look at our advice page for more help.
Product FAQs
- How soon can I have the product?
- Will the petals stain?
- Do you send out samples?
- How should I keep the petals?
- How many petals will I need?
Bouquet Preservation FAQs
- What is a freeze dried flower or petal?
- What is a preserved colour flower?
- What is an air dried flower?
- When can I use freeze dried petals?
- Why should I preserve my flowers?
- What is the first step to preserve my wedding bouquet?
- Do all types of flowers and foliages freeze as well?
- What happens when my flowers arrive?
- How long will it take before I get my preserved bouquet?
- May I have my flowers put into a frame?
- How long will my arrangement last?
- Will instructions be included with the bouquet when it is returned?
- How will my bouquet be collected and returned to me?
- If I live within a short distance can I visit your premises?
Q. What is a freeze dried flower or petal?
A. Freeze drying is accomplished by a scientific process called "culmination" in which the flowers are frozen at their freshest possible moment. Freeze drying is the most technologically advanced of all floral preservation.
In using this method your flowers look nearly as beautiful as they did on your wedding day. Your flowers will mostly retain their original shape and size and most colours will remain true. Some however will darken in tone, and some shades of pink will become slightly darker. White deepens in shade to ivory. These changes are inevitable as the drying process removes all the moisture from the flower.
Freeze-dried - flowers are first frozen to -40 degree C and then the ice crystals are slowly removed from the cells through a vacuuming system within a freeze-drying unit. Heat going into frozen flowers, under vacuum, promotes a process known as sublimation in which the ice comes away as vapour rather than melting. This leaves all the other material intact and eventually dry.
There are no chemicals or solutions used in this part of the process.
The resulting flowers are long lasting, environmentally friendly and 100% biodegradable. They look and feel fresh, do not leave stains and can be kept and enjoyed for many months.
Flowers like gerbera and daisy like flowers are not successfully freeze dried because at the drying stage the tiny petals part from their individual centre and fall away.
When flowers are sent to us to be preserved as long lasting keepsakes before making them up into their frames we do add preservatives and colour-enhance them to ensure they keep their shape and fresh look for many years.
This results in a "mummified" flower or bouquet or memorial keepsake.
Q. What is a preserved colour flower?
A. The term "preserved" in this context means that the flowers have been treated at various stages by bleaching and then injecting with them with colours. The process involves the use of dyes and chemicals and care should be taken in disposing of them after use. The environment will thank you for this. They can not be used in wet conditions, on polished surfaces or on fabrics where the oils and colours might react... Although they look and feel natural, some with odd colours e.g. blue or black will soon disclose the fact they're not. You might even say there is nothing natural left about them after being through the process. However in this way you can get the exact colour you need, especially if there is no natural flower to match your scheme; such as black or navy.
Q. What is an air-dried flower?
A. In this case the flowers have been air-dried without using chemicals in the process and are both environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Size is reduced by shrinkage hence petals are small and look less natural. Dried flowers have been used for generations to decorate homes and venues.
Note: Many flowers can neither be dried nor preserved but can be freeze-dried.
All dried flowers (preserved, air-dried or freeze-dried) should be stored away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Q. When can I use freeze-dried petals?
A. Freeze-dried petals are wonderfully suitable for scattering on tables, hallways, around mantle pieces & art deco and in the bedrooms on beds & pillows! Ideal to shower your loved one in .....or even better be showered in! The best use of all is to celebrate your wedding with confetti and other decorations at the reception and church or venue.
Q. Why should I preserve my flowers?
A. This is a once -in -a-lifetime opportunity to save your wedding memories in a presentation to be displayed in your home for many years to come. Other items to consider including in the design, are your invitations and other wedding mementos. Your Day to Remember will always be in your home for you both to look at.
Q. What is the first step to preserve my wedding bouquet?
A. Make preserving your flowers part of your wedding plans. Complete the Booking Form or phone us prior to your wedding so that we can make all the arrangements to receive your flowers whilst they are as fresh as possible.
Q. Do all types of flowers and foliages freeze as well?
A. Not all foliages freeze -dry as well, so we replace with similar preserved greenery, and any flowers that arrive in a bad condition are replaced. Daisy type flowers including gerbera do not freeze well. They are liable to disintegrate during the process as their petals are so narrow at the point where they are joined to the centre they fall away during the drying.
Q. What happens when my flowers arrive?
A. On arrival we photograph your bouquet so that we have an immediate record about its style and shape. We open a file and note down the entire contents of the bouquet and then we carefully dismantle it ready for the preservation process. The finished arrangement will be as near as possible to your bouquet, but the frame you choose will affect the overall size.
Q. How long will it take before I get my preserved bouquet?
A. The whole process takes up to 12 weeks depending upon the time of year and how busy we are at that time and how quickly you chose your frame.
Q. Must I have my flowers put into a frame?
A. Yes as we do not undertake to preserve flowers and return them without a frame. We must put them into a frame or encasement in order that they last. Because they are freeze dried they will take up moisture from the atmosphere and also dust so that they will discolour. They will breakdown very quickly if they are not in a frame.
Q. How long will my arrangement last?
A. We coat your flowers with special formulated inhibitors that we have worked on over the years, and colour enhancers to protect and prolong the life of your flowers; however we will advise you to place the final arrangement in your home out of direct sunlight and avoid placing it in damp or humid atmosphere. With this care they will last for many years to come.
Q. Will instructions be included with the bouquet when it is returned?
A. Care instructions will be included when the bouquet is returned.
Q. How will my bouquet be collected and returned to me?
A. We use a national and international courier service to pick up your bouquet and to return it to you when it is finished. Click here for shipping information?
Q. If I live within a short distance can I visit your premises?
A. We welcome people who live near to us to visit us with their flowers or to choose a frame or to pick up products personally. Phone or e-mail first though - please click here to get our contact details.
Q. How soon can I have the product?
A. We prefer to send the natural products for your wedding or function out around a month before your wedding. This means that you can order at any time and well in advance of the day. We have a system to ensure a smooth and efficient ordering system.
This applies to wholesale and trade orders too.
We will send out at short notice too; even overnight if necessary. Our aim is for our customers to be happy and to try to take away some of the stress of the arrangements
Q. Will the petals stain?
A. Freeze dried rose petals and other freeze dried products will not stain. They are 100% biodegradable and have no solutions or chemicals added to them. They are totally eco friendly.
Q. Do you send out samples?
A. We send out free samples of rose petals and make a small charge for the post and packing to send them in. Please click here to see our free samples.
Q. How should I keep the petals?
A. They should be kept in a warm dry room away from humidity and dampness and also out of direct sunlight and they will keep very well.
Q. How many petals will I need?
A. We will be happy to give advice on all aspects of your wedding and the style and theme and products to suit your ideas for a perfect day.