Explore some of our most frequently asked questions:
When will my finished design be ready?
For shadow boxes I am aiming to have your design ready in 4-6 weeks. If we have not ordered your custom frame before your wedding then you may need to add 2-3 weeks for it to be done.
Pressed designs can take 3-6 months although in some instances, depending on your bouquet flowers and my available timeline, it might be done sooner. Bouquets which are brought in during my busy season (August, Sept, Oct) will be pressed right away, but their design may be scheduled for the winter months (Jan – March).
What things should I think of when ordering my bouquet with my florist?
This depends on whether you are getting a shadow box or a pressed frame. Almost all flowers dry well for shadow boxes. The hardest are flowers like Chrysanthemums, as they sometimes lose their petals in the drying process. But, they can be saved by reconstructing them.
I like all color schemes for shadow boxes, as the 3D effect of dried flowers adds wonderful textures even in an all white display
For pressed flowers, because they are more of a 2-D display, consider adding color to your bouquet. Some flowers like lisianthus and irises are harder to press, and may have to be color corrected.
Succulents are tricky and at this time I cannot guarantee results. If you are doing a shadow box, you may want to consider replacing it with a silk (fake) succulent.
Let your florist know that you are having your bouquet preserved and would like the flowers that can hold up the best.
For a detailed description of flowers and what to consider for pressed and shadow boxes, see this page “Choosing your flowers and what to talk to your florist about” .
What steps should I take on my wedding day and until I deliver my bouquet to you?
First, keep your flowers in water as long as possible before you need them on your wedding day.
During the day, whenever you can, put the flowers back in water or in a cool place (in the shade). Be careful when setting down your bouquet, so as not to bend or bruise the petals.
You may want to assign someone to look after your bouquet once the reception has started, and to take it home at the end of the night. If possible, snip the ends of the stems about an inch before placing your bouquet back in water (either at the reception or at home). Place it in a cool place (but NOT in the fridge). Do not spray the bouquet with water, as water drops can blemish the petals.
The sooner you can get the bouquet to me, the better. The next day is best, but I have received them 2 or 3 days later, if they are looked after once you get them home.
If you can, keep the grooms boutonniere too. You may want to include it in your display (shadow box only).
You may want to deliver some flowers from your center pieces, alters, or bridesmaid bouquets if they are the same florals as your bouquet, especially if your bouquet looks really tired or wilted. This will help us to replace any damaged flowers in your bouquet.
Most importantly
Have fun on your wedding day!
Don’t stress too much about your bouquet. I have received bouquets that survived the heat, and have travelled miles back from weddings outside of Lethbridge. And my clients have been happy!
Can my guests contribute to the cost of my bouquet?
Yes, they can! The easiest way is for them to purchase a gift certificate which will be applied to the cost of your bouquet. This can be a portion of your cost, or I can discuss with them a price which would cover the total cost. Just have them message me through my website and we can figure out the details. I will keep track of gift certificates applied to your bouquet and make sure that I am not accepting more than what a common bouquet design would cost.
Will my finished design last forever?
Most flowers change color at least a little when they are dried or pressed, and they age naturally after that. Keeping your bouquet out of direct sunlight and away from moisture helps to ensure that you bouquet keeps its colors as long as possible.
Ordering UV protecting glass for the top will also help your bouquet maintain its colors, but, the cost to do this can be significant. Please message me when booking to include a quote for this.
Color correcting is another way to maintain beautiful colors. Using special techniques, I can color correct most blooms that change during the drying/pressing process. Your bouquet will then maintain this color for a much longer time then the natural color would. If you are interested in this process, please just pop me an email.
“It is absolutely beautiful! The amount of care and time you put into making it perfect shows in every detail and I couldn’t be happier! Thank you so much for preserving such a special part of my wedding day for me to have forever”
— One of my special brides
LETHBRIDGE FLORAL ART 