Question 1

How soon should I book my bouquet preservation?

Accepted Answer

Advance notice is always appreciated. I take a limited number of bouquets per week to ensure each piece gets the time and attention it deserves. Spring and fall dates often start booking months in advance. But I am happy to take a booking with even just a day notice if I have the availability!

Question 2

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I ask for a non-refundable drying fee of $150 for every bouquet. This fee secures your date on my calendar and pays for the drying process. The remaining balance is due before pick-up.

Question 3

Do you offer pickup?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer pickup within 15 miles of Doylestown for $25. This may not be guaranteed for bookings made less than 2 weeks prior to the event.

Question 4

What if my flowers are already a few days old?

Accepted Answer

Fresh flowers create the best results, but a few days old is ok! I can often still preserve flowers that are a bit wilted, but the condition affects the outcome. If you send me a photo of your flowers showing what they currently look like, I can usually let you know right away if they would preserve nicely or not.

I'm always very honest about what I think can realistically be saved and how it would change the final piece. Through the drying process, if I find that there is something that I know I can't work with, I will let you know.

Question 5

What if my event already happened? Can I book last minute?

Accepted Answer

If I'm not already booked, then absolutely! However, last minute bookings can be tough and are not always guaranteed. I will do my best to fit your bouquet in, but due to the time it takes to start the drying process and the need to start the process as soon as possible, it may not always work out. I want to be able to give my full attention to a bouquet to ensure the best outcome.

If you are trying to contact me with last minute bouquet, text me! I will see a text much sooner than an email or message through my website. I will text back much faster! 267-461-9933

Question 6

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

At the time of booking, I ask for a $150 drying fee as well as the pickup fee ($25) if you choose that option. After that will be an additional charge starting at $250 and up depending on the size and complexity of your final piece. Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax will be added as well.

There are additional fees for color correcting and bouquets that have orchids, succulents, berries or other more time consuming or difficult flowers/pieces.

Question 7

When do you need my flowers?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, within 1-2 days after your event. If you would like me to pick the flowers up from the venue at the end of the night, I'm happy to do that too!

The sooner they arrive, the better the final result. Flowers naturally begin to dehydrate and brown quickly, so timing is very important. The fresher, the better!

Question 8

What should I do with or where shouId keep my flowers after the event?

Accepted Answer

There is a common misunderstanding that allowing flowers to start drying on their own is helpful in the preservation process. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Flowers dry best when they are fresh. So, at the very least, keep your bouquet in a vase with water and out of the sun after the event. If you have the option of using a refrigerator to keep it in, even better, but not a requirement.

If we made plans for me to pick up the bouquet, then I will contact the venue and let them know and you won't have to worry about anything else! If you decide you would like to drop it off to me in Doylestown, then we will plan a drop off time when you secure your booking date.

Question 9

I threw my bouquet during the reception and some of the flowers are broken or damaged. Can they still be preserved?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's ok! Most bouquets have plenty of the same flowers that there should be more than enough to use. If the damage is to more than half of the bouquet, then I will recommend sending a bridesmaid bouquet or a centerpiece or two as well so that I can use flowers from them if needed.

Question 10

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Floral preservation is a slow process.

In most cases, the entire process from start to finish will take 2-3 months, depending on the season, the size and design of your piece, and types the of florals in your bouquet. During a busy season, I may need more time.

There are certain flowers that I dry in individual petals and then reassemble them one petal at a time, so these can add time to the process. Other flowers may just need more time to dry before they are ready to work with.

Question 11

Will the colors of my flowers stay the same?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. Some flowers really hold their color beautifully and will look the same. Other flowers may darken or lighten during the drying process. 
 
A few examples: 
white roses become ivory or "antiqued"/cream 
red roses get darker, often becoming more of a purple shade, sometimes a dark purple
Pastels will typically become warmer or bolder

Also, a lot of flowers, like roses, are closed in your bouquet, only showing their outer color. When I dry a flower as thick as a rose, I open it up flat, showing the middle of the bloom which in most cases is a lighter color.

Question 12

What is color correction?

Accepted Answer

Color correction is the process of using paint, pastels or other mediums on flowers to recreate the colors on the petals if the turned brown or lose their color during the drying process. People also color correct flowers to ensure they will always be colorful and won't show the fading. There are many different methods that people use to do this. I personally use pastels. I only do this if the client asks me to or if it is completely necessary in order to use a particular flower that turned brown when drying.

I definitely prefer to keep everything natural and I think that in a lot of cases adding color to a piece is not necessary, but I do offer it to anyone that would like it for an extra fee.

Question 13

What types of frames do you offer?

Accepted Answer

The different frame sizes I offer are 8x10, 11x14, 16x20 and 18x24. I do all of my work on paper and then frame it. I don't offer the glass-on-glass frames (or "float" frames). I offer either white or black for the frame itself unless you have something else in mind. I can always special order a particular frame color or if you have a frame that you would like me to use that is ok too. I just ask that it has real glass and that the back of the frame does not slide on.

If you have a specific idea or style in mind, please don't hesitate to send me inspiration photos!

KLH Kaleidoscopes, LLC

Floral Preservation

Frequently asked questions