Frequently Asked Questions
Keepsake Creation and Preservation
- How and when do I order?
- What decisions need to be made before the event?
- What arrangements need to be made before the event?
- How do I send my flowers to PetalMania?
- How long does bouquet preservation take?
- Can I just have my flowers preserved?
- Which flowers preserve best?
- Does freeze drying preserve better than other techniques?
How and when do I order?
During the planning of your wedding or other event, the initial decision on preservation should be made. We recommend that you start discussions with us a good 3 weeks before the event, so that you can create the right checklist of actions.
We will require a R150.00 deposit within two weeks of receiving the flowers/bouquet at the latest, with the balance being payable when you make the final decision on presentation. That is when we consider the order to have been confirmed. We will require written confirmation of your order, either by letter or be email.
Clearly we expect to be talking to you – our number is 0768 727734.
What decisions need to be made before the event?
The only critical decision is who to appoint to get your flowers to us, making absolutely sure that they plan properly & have the materials available to pack them up as perfectly as possible.
It is not necessary to make a decision on how to present your keepsake at this point, although it is obviously helpful to make all these decisions as early as possible.
What arrangements need to be made before the event?
Before the event, you will have spoken to us & decided on a number of issues, including whether to get a duplicate bouquet made specifically for preservation, or whether you wish to preserve the actual bouquet used during the event.
If you are using the actual “event” bouquet, here are some key actions:
- PetalMania needs to receive the flowers/bouquet within 2 days of the event otherwise the flowers will deteriorate considerably. If they have been damaged in any way, we can usually replace individual flowers as needed, with your prior agreement since small extra costs may be involved.
- In that case, it is essential to arrange for someone to either bring them to us in Balgowan, if the event is local, or have them courier the bouquet directly to us; we can advise the best way of doing this.
- After the bouquet has been used at the event, place your flowers in a large plastic bag, blow air into it (the carbon dioxide keeps the flowers fresh), seal the bag & keep it in a refrigerator until you can get it to us. Do NOT place in the freezer & in any case, do not leave it there for more than a day or two. We need to get our hands on them as quickly as possible!
The very best way to pack the bouquet is to put the plastic bag into a styrofoam or cardboard box. See below for more detail.
How do I send my flowers to PetalMania?
It is VERY IMPORTANT to take really good care of the flowers after the event.
For the best results, please follow these Instructions:
- Place the flowers in a large plastic bag.
- Blow air into the bag since the carbon dioxide helps to keep the flowers fresh. Seal the bag (or tie the top very securely) & place in a refrigerator – NOT IN A FREEZER.
- Either deliver the flowers directly to PetalMania in Balgowan (call Petalmania on 0768 727734 for directions) or discuss courier arrangements with us.
If you are not local to Balgowan, please follow these packing instructions:
- Fill one zip-lock bag with regular ice & place in a second zip-lock bag, making sure both are closed securely.
- Place in the bottom of a Styrofoam box, or if that is NOT available, a cardboard box that has been lined with plastic & plenty of newspaper – this will help insulate the box.
- Place a thick layer of newspaper on top of the zip-lock bags to protect the flowers from freezer burn.
- Leaving the flowers in the plastic bag, & making sure there is still air in the bag, place the bag on the newspaper. Surround the bag with peanut or similar polystyrene packing filler, & then put another thick layer of newspaper on top before sealing the box.
- In every case, it is essential that you have a photograph taken of the bouquet & put that in a sealed envelope taped to the outside of the box so that we & you have a real record of the the bouquet before it is sent. When it arrives with us, we will imediately take another photograph to record its arrival condition.
- Phone PetalMania immediately to let us know that the courier has the goods & we will track its progress.
How long does bouquet preservation take?
The whole process takes 8 to 10 weeks. The freeze drying preservation cycle lasts for between 14 & 20 days, & naturally has to be planned in advance. Our frame maker will then typically take two weeks from receiving the order & specifications, after which we then collect & make up the final presentation piece.
Can I just have my flowers preserved?
This entirely depends on your requirements:
- For a keepsake that you wish to keep for many, many years, we strongly recommend that they are enclosed in a framed box or display piece. This will significantly protect the flora from the two enemies of dried flowers (UV Light & moisture) & although the colours will “antique” over the years, your keepsake will stay as beautiful as ever.
- If you have a shorter term requirement, for instance to display a bouquet for a number of months, then simply arranging the flowers in a vase as if they were fresh, BUT WITHOUT the water, then it is fine to just have the flowers freeze dried. We have many clients who have just such a display – which tend to be replaced every six months or so.
Which flowers preserve best?
This is a massive subject & worthy of a full PhD research project! In general terms, Roses are definitely the best overall, & we can advise on the best varieties to select, whilst King Proteas & PinCushion Proteas are fantastic. Over the years, techniques have been refined that allow almost every type of flower to be freeze dried successfully but it is always worth discussing your own particular requirements with us when you choose your flowers.
Always remember that the key issue is that the condition of the flowers prior to preservation is of paramount importance: “Beauty In – Beauty Out”!!!!
Does freeze drying preserve better than other techniques?
Go here for more detail but if you wish preserve the colours & form of your bouquets & flowers, freeze drying is by far the best & most realistic option. We are always reluctant to say that it is better than other techniques because tastes & requirements vary; for instance, flower pressing has a long & beautiful tradition behind it & you may prefer the result; there is no doubt at all, though, that IF you wish to create a keepsake which, at a glance, preserves the memory of the event or person, freeze drying is the best route.
