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What do you mean by freeze-drying?
Freeze-drying is technically known as sublimation. Our freeze-dry machine is made with a refrigeration unit and vacuum which slowly pulls the moisture from your flowers. The water in the flowers moves from a frozen state (ice) to a gaseous state (vapor) bypassing the liquid state. This process makes for very little flower shrinkage therefore producing near-perfect preservation.
How do you freeze-dry my flowers?
As soon as your flowers are received they are photographed to ensure integrity in the final arrangement. Then we disassemble your bouquet in order to pre-treat each flower individually with chemicals to enhance colors and increase durability. At this point typically your flowers are placed in a holding freezer. As soon as we have room in the freeze-drying unit your flowers are quickly transferred. They remain in the unit for 10 to 12 days. After they come out, they are post-treated with a sealant and polymer that helps keep them from reabsorbing moisture. Finally, they are arranged according to your specifications.
How do I place my order?
We suggest you call and schedule a meeting with us at least 2 weeks prior to your wedding. At this meeting you may want to decide on a final setting for your arrangement; however, this is not necessary. You have until 2 weeks after your wedding to make this final choice. You may also decide whether you want to make use of our courier service to pick up your arrangement at your reception or whether you will be having someone drop off your flowers. If you will have your flowers delivered to us we will instruct you further in how to take care of your flowers after your event. A $50 deposit is required to reserve space in our freeze-drying process. At your consultation you can browse through our display area and observe many of the displays on hand and glance through pictures of previous keepsake arrangements. When your display is ordered, 1/2 of the balance is required (minus your initial deposit). The remainder of the balance is due upon completion.
How fast do I need to get my flowers to you?
We can do very little to improve the condition of your flowers; therefore, the sooner that you can get the flowers to us, the better your keepsake will appear. It is important that you arrange to have the flowers delivered to us as soon as is reasonably possible following your event (within 2 days). (We do provide a courier service for a fee which will pick your flowers up during the last hour of your reception.) By pre-ordering you can reserve room in our freeze-dryer and guarantee your space with a $50 non refundable deposit that will be deducted from your overall balance upon ordering.
How do I keep my flowers fresh until they get to you?
Always keep your flowers in a cool place. A picnic-type cooler with "blue ice" works well to place under a table at your reception. At the end of your reception just place your flowers in the cooler,cover with a very wet paper towel and seal it up until you can have them delivered to us (at least within 48 hours). You may refrigerate your flowers but do not freeze them. If you have a hand-tied bouquet or fresh flower arrangement, it is best to trim the edge of the stems about 1/2" and place them in clean water. If your flowers are in a bouquet holder, you may want to wet the oasis (the green foam).
When will my flowers be finished?
Most arrangements are finished between 6-8 weeks after your flowers are received.
How long will my flowers last?
Under normal conditions your flowers that have been encased can last generationally. Proper care is vital to its longevity. It must be kept out of high moisture areas, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures.
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