How long before the my wedding, or special event, should I arrange to preserve my flowers?

When do I choose my design?

When will I receive my completed floral art?

What if my event has already taken place?

What is the cost?

How do you press my flowers?

Will the color of my flowers change when they are pressed?

How are my flowers preserved?

How will I get my flowers to you?



How long before my wedding, or special event, should I arrange to preserve my flowers? 

      We are happy to talk with you about floral preservation and reserve your press at any time in the wedding planning process! Once you have decided that you would like to have us create a work of art with your flowers, you can "reserve your press" by sending us the$100 pressing fee. At that time we will make arrangements for the delivery of your flowers to us, and we will be ready to press them when they arrive. If you have time prior to the event to select your design, mat, and frame, all the better (see next question for more details).  If you are interested in discussing your flowers and design options, please contact us.
 
When do I choose my design?

     During the wedding, or event, planning process, once you have chosen your flowers, we can arrange your free, no obligation, design consultation. The size of the completed artwork is based on the size of your flowers, whether or not you include a photo, invitation, or program, and your budget.  In addition to selecting the size and design, you will also choose from a variety of mat colors and frames. Once you have made these decisions, we require a deposit of 50% of the order. We will then order the frame, cut the mat, and await your flowers!  View our gallery to see samples of floral art we have created for other happy customers.
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When will I receive my completed floral art? 

     Your floral art will be completed within 8-16 weeks after we have received your flowers, provided you have selected your design and given us any additional items necessary (i.e. invitation, portrait, etc.). A payment of 50% of the balance is due upon design selection, and the final payment of 50% is due upon pick-up, or prior to shipping, of your completed artwork. 
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What if my event has already taken place? 

     The thought of preserving the flowers often occurs after an event has taken place.  Whether it is a bride who wants to continue to enjoy her wedding flowers, or a person wanting to create something of beauty as a memorial to a loved one with funeral  flowers, we are usually able to accommodate your needs.  Under those circumstances, the best plan of action is to have the flowers brought (or shipped) to either our Sterling or Charlottesville, Virginia location. Because the freshest flowers make the most beautiful art, the goal is to get them to us as quickly as possible.  Along with the flowers, we require a $100 pressing fee.  The design selection can occur at that time, or at a later date.  Please call us right away at 703-283-9447, or toll-free at 1-866-340-5938, with any questions you may have, or to arrange delivery of your flowers to us!
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What is the cost?

     A $100 pressing fee is due when reserving your press, or when we receive your flowers.   This fee includes the photographing of your flowers upon their arrival, dismantling your arrangement, individually pressing each flower (often each petal!), and safely storing your flowers until your artwork is ready to be created.

    The price of your floral art is based on the frame size of the completed artwork and the design. The prices range from $95 (for a 5x7) to $725 (for a 20x24). The price includes: choice of floral design and mat color; any frame (oval or rectangle); archival quality framing with conservation glass.  For specific pricing information, click here.
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How do you press my flowers?

     In order to properly press your flowers, we take each flower apart--petal by petal--and press them individually to best preserve their color and form. We use a combination of microwave, foam, and book presses.  Once your flowers have dried completely (about 2 weeks), we then use the individual petals to "rebuild" each flower. We believe that this detail oriented, creative approach to transforming your flowers into art is what our clients appreciate and deserve.
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Will the color of my flowers change when they are pressed? 

     During the pressing process it is natural for the colors of the flowers to change somewhat. Generally speaking, flowers with an "intense" color will press darker---red roses will become a deep burgundy; while flowers with a "softer" color will become lighter---pale pink and white flowers will become a cream color. During your design consultation, we will discuss your specific flowers and how they will look once they are pressed. 
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How are my flowers preserved?

     Your custom floral artwork is created using only acid-free/lignin-free papers and foam board. Each archival quality piece is framed using Conservation Clear® glass, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays. To further preserve your heirloom, the airtight environment created within the frame contains moisture absorbing desiccants. We go to great lengths to minimize the effects of light on your pressed flowers; however, over time color changes are normal and should be expected.
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How will I get my flowers to you?

    Your flowers can be dropped off at either our Sterling, or Charlottesville, Virginia location.  We realize that things can be hectic after the wedding, and will work with you to arrange a convenient time to deliver them to us.  These arrangements can be discussed during your design consultation.  If the wedding has taken place, contact us immediately to discuss what would work best with your schedule.  
    If bringing them to one of our locations is not an option, your flowers can also be shipped to us.  By following our shipping instructions, your flowers can be properly packed and safely delivered to us from anywhere in the U.S.
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