Floral Preservation FAQs

Please read through these FAQs carefully. If you have any additional questions, please send an email to annas.botanicals504@gmail.com.

Q: When should I book with you?

A: Message me with your date as soon as you can! I am only able to take a few orders per month, so it is best to reserve your spot ahead of time. I would hate to turn you away! Reserving your date also locks in the final price you will pay, as my prices are subject to change.

Q: How long does the process take?

A: It can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks (from the day I receive your flowers), however, this is only an estimate. It may take more or less time, depending on the workload I have at that time. This is not my full time job, so I am only able to work on flowers a few days a week. I work three 12 hour shifts a week as a nurse, so I am unable to work on flowers on those days. Thank you for understanding and for being patient!

Q: How do you collect each payment? When is each one due?

A: All payments will be collected via Venmo or PayPal. Once your order inquiry is approved, you will be sent an invoice for your deposit. Your final payment is due upon approval of your drafted layout. I will send you a design layout for you to approve or make changes to. Once it is approved, I will need to receive payment before shipping or delivering your finished frame to you. 

Q: How do you dry my flowers?

A: I use a drying agent, which takes at least 4 weeks, but each type of flower takes a different amount of time. I check on their progress periodically!

Q: Can you create a shadow box using my air-dried flowers? What about faux/silk/wooden flowers?

A: Yes! I can use any and all non-fresh flowers just as easily as I can use fresh flowers. Let me know if you are sending pre-dried flowers.

Q: Will my framed flowers look exactly as they did on the day of my event?

A: No, this is unfortunately impossible. For example, almost all white florals dry yellow/cream/pinkish, and most red florals dry maroon/burgundy. Some may take on brown spots or veining during the drying process, but I do my best to avoid that. I do not offer color correction, but I spray all flowers with a UV sealant once I am finished to prevent them from changing even more over time, but even that is sometimes unavoidable. Over the years, the color will change even more. Please keep this in mind!

Q: What if my date passed and I threw my flowers away?

A: If you want me to preserve a recreation of your bouquet, I can totally do that! Please get in contact with your local florist (or the one you used for your wedding) and have them create a simplified version of your bouquet. All I need are a few of each of the main flowers you want included, depending on the size of the frame you want to fill. From there, I will send you shipping instructions for you to send me your bouquet.

Q: How do I ship my flowers to you?

A: When it gets close to your wedding/event date, I will send you instructions on how to ship your flowers to me. Follow those instructions as best as you can, then bring the box to a mail carrier near you. If you are mailing me fresh flowers, you must ship them to me as quickly as possible after your event. Overnight or 2 day shipping is best to preserve the integrity of your florals. This can be pricey, but it is necessary. Please take this expense into consideration when booking. From now on, I will no longer accept shipped florals between May and October. The weather in New Orleans is not compatible with florals during those months. It is not worth it to risk your beautiful florals dying! I will only accept local (New Orleans area) florals during those months.

Q: What if I am leaving for my honeymoon straight after/the day after my wedding? How will I get my bouquet to you?

A: In this scenario, the best suggestion I can give you is to plan ahead! Book your preservation ahead of time, and find a friend/family member to ship your flowers for you. Make sure they know that they will have to take your flowers home the night of your wedding, package them up according to my directions, and bring to a mail carrier store for shipping within 2 days of your event. If they are not willing to follow the shipping instructions, please ask someone else. Following those instructions is crucial for the longevity/appearance of your flowers.

Q: Can we do local pickup/dropoff in the New Orleans area?

A: Yes! As long as I am available, I prefer to do local dropoff/pickup.

Q: How much does shipping cost for my finished frame?

A: It is free! :) Since you are covering the cost of shipping your florals to me, I cover the cost of shipping the finished frame to you.

Q: Is the deposit refundable?

A: Unfortunately, nothing is refundable. As soon as you place your order, I will be ordering the frame that you choose. Because of this, I cannot give your money back if you decide that you no longer want to preserve your florals.

Q: Where do you get your frames from?

A: I am working with another Etsy seller, Wicked Good Decor, to provide you with hand-crafted cedar frames with an acrylic panel. Once you place your deposit with me, I immediately go and order your chosen frame from them. The interior backing comes unfinished--which can be left that way for a more rustic look, or I can add a fabric background in. I have a few fabric options to choose from, but if you would like something different, message me so we can figure that out!