What do I do?
911 Support for Fresh Flower Emergencies
Scenario 1:
My wedding is over… and I just learned about floral preservation at the reception! I don’t want to throw away my flowers! What do I do?
Please quickly book an initial phone consultation and share photos of the flowers so I can see what we will be working with! If there aren’t any appointments available, feel free to call us at (613) 316-2587. We will need to see a picture of the flowers and know how old the blooms are. The sooner your flowers are properly cared for, the better the preservation results will be. If your wedding has just ended, place your bouquet in fresh water, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat, and please refrain from touching the flower petals. However, even if it's been a few days, don't assume your flowers are beyond saving. Many blooms can still be preserved successfully, and our team can advise you on the best next steps based on the condition of your flowers. It is not uncommon for us to work with bouquets that arrive after the wedding day, and we'll do everything we can to help transform your sentimental flowers into a lasting keepsake.
Please note - We can not guarantee space for your flowers if this is a last-minute request, but we will try our best to help you or to refer you to another professional if we can’t take you in at that point in time.
Scenario 2:
A newlywed just asked me to take care of organizing floral preservation at the last minute! I have their flowers in hand, and I don’t know what to do!
We're happy to help.
If you've been entrusted with a bouquet after a wedding, the most important thing is to keep the flowers hydrated and protected until arrangements can be made. Place the stems in clean water, keep the flowers in a cool indoor space away from direct sunlight, and avoid leaving them in a hot vehicle.
Next, contact us as soon as possible and book an initial consultation.
We'll guide you through the preservation process and help determine the best way to get the flowers safely into our care.
We recommend buying a gift card or a placeholder product, and then we can book a consultation with the newlyweds once they have the mental capacity to discuss what they would like to have made with the flowers. We can dehydrate the flowers and start the preservation process, but we are apprehensive about starting a design or making permanent modifications to flowers until we are creatively aligned with the recipient of the artwork.
Whether you're a wedding planner, venue coordinator, family member, or friend, we regularly assist with last-minute floral preservation requests and will do our best to help preserve these meaningful blooms.
Scenario 3:
I took a bunch of flowers from a loved one’s wedding and want to have something made, but I don’t know what!
That's exciting—many of our clients start with flowers and a meaningful story, but no clear vision for the final piece.
We also find that there can be a lot of confusion surrounding floral preservation, especially when flowers are being saved as a surprise gift. While the gesture is incredibly thoughtful, we generally don't recommend surprising someone with a completed preservation piece. Floral preservation is a highly personal process, and the finished artwork is often intended to be displayed and treasured for a lifetime. Recipients typically appreciate having input on the artwork style, frame selection, size, and budget.
Instead, we recommend surprising your loved one with the flowers safely preserved and a gift certificate toward the design process, allowing them to participate in creating a piece they'll truly love.
The exception is when the artwork is intended for the purchaser. For example, a parent, grandparent, or close family member may wish to preserve flowers from a wedding or special event as a keepsake for their own home and memories.
If you're unsure where to begin, we're happy to help. We can discuss the flowers you've saved, who the piece is for, and the available preservation options to help determine the best path forward.
Scenario 4:
I am having a destination wedding, and I don’t want to go home without my flowers! Help!
Destination weddings require a little extra planning, but preserving your flowers is often still possible. Every destination, flower variety, and travel itinerary is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible so we can help you determine the safest way to get your flowers home and into the preservation process. It is also important to be aware that different countries have different policies about transporting nature and flowers; it is important to check out any. The earlier we can help you make a plan, the better the results are likely to be.
Canadian Destination Weddings:
If you know in advance that you'd like to preserve your bouquet, we have helpful instructions you can follow to increase your chances of getting your flowers home safely. In many cases, couples can bring supplies to carefully dry or preserve their flowers while travelling. For example, some flowers can be placed into silica gel containers and safely packed for the journey home. (webpage/YouTube instructions coming soon!)
If your wedding has already taken place and you're preparing to travel home, don't panic. Keep your flowers out of direct sunlight and away from heat and humidity whenever possible. Many flowers can be transported successfully by hanging them upside down to begin air drying and carrying them home in a paper bag, rather than a sealed plastic container, which can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration.
International Destination Weddings:
If you are travelling internationally with your wedding flowers, please be aware that flowers are considered plant material and may be subject to customs, agricultural, or import regulations. Requirements vary by country and can change without notice. We recommend researching the regulations for both your wedding destination and your return destination before travelling. Flowers should always be declared when required by border authorities. Bouquet & Frame cannot guarantee that flowers will be permitted across international borders, and it is the client's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable travel and customs regulations.
Scenario 5:
I didn’t book a floral preservation service in advance, and now none of the companies I like have
availability! What do I do?
First, don't give up. Floral preservation studios often have seasonal capacity limits, but cancellations, schedule changes, and waitlists can sometimes create unexpected openings.
While you continue your search, focus on caring for your flowers as best as possible. Keep them in fresh water, away from direct sunlight and heat, and contact preservation artists immediately to inquire about waitlists or alternative intake options.
If you're unable to secure a preservation booking within 4-5 days, you should take steps to dehydrate the flowers yourself so you can buy yourself time to find an artist. Many flowers can be air dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry location, or individual blooms can be carefully dried in silica gel until a long-term preservation plan is in place. (Link for instructions coming soon).
Most importantly, remember that preserving the flowers and choosing an artist are two separate decisions. Even if your preferred preservation company cannot take possession of the flowers immediately, there may be ways to stabilize and preserve them while you explore your options.
If you reach out to us, we'll be happy to discuss your timeline and help determine whether we can accommodate your project or offer guidance on protecting your flowers in the meantime.
Scenario 6:
I delegated the floral drop-off task to a wedding guest… but they can’t make it to your studio for the appointment (or at all) now! They have my flowers… what do we do?
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Scenario 7:
The weather on my wedding day was really rainy, hot and humid, or freezing, and my flowers are in really bad condition now!
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Scenario 8:
The florist did a terrible job with my bouquet and it’s not at all what I had asked for!
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Scenario 9:
My wedding is over, and I can’t find my bouquet!
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Scenario 10:
My loved one didn’t want to have their flowers preserved, but I know they will regret it. I want to just have it done anyway, because I know they’ll change their mind when they see the finished product.
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Scenario 11:
I just got married and I am leaving for my honeymoon in a few hours and I can’t bring you my flowers before I leave!
What can I do to stop my flowers from rotting while I am away so that I can bring the flowers to you in a good condition when I return from my honeymoon?
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