1. Make sure you have someone at your location to sign and care for your flowers. If nobody is there to sign, FedEx will either leave them at the doorstep or take them back and attempt a re-delivery the next day (not recommended).
2. Unpack all flowers immediately. Flowers are shipped out of water and need to be hydrated soon after arrival. They will have been out of water for a day and will need water. Allow at least 6-8 hours for them to re-hydrate to peak freshness.
3. Bridal Bouquets: (including bridal, bridesmaids and toss away bouquets)
a. Cut straps and loosen paper wrap to inspect flowers upon arrival. If there are any minor bruises on the outer petals, remove them carefully before the event.
b. Add 2-3 inches of water and flower food to a clean vase or bucket.
c. Use clippers provided to carefully cut the plastic straps that hold the bouquets to the shipping box.
d. Remove hydration sponge and bag from the lower stems.
e. Cut 1 inch from bottom of the stems place the bouquet in a vase or bucket immediately after cutting. Be careful not to get ribbon wet.
f. Store the bouquets in a cool location out of sunlight and away from heat and air conditioner vents. The cooler and darker the room, the This will keep the flowers from opening further. Leaving the flowers at room temperature (between 72 and 75 degrees) will promote natural development of the blooms and they will continue to open beyond the stage at which they arrive.)
g. Keep paper wrap that bouquets arrive in for transportation to the event.
h. Touch flowers as little as possible. Petals bruise easily, even though it may not immediately be visible. It can appear as browning or wrinkles.
i. Avoid placing bouquets sideways on flat surfaces as this may damage the outer blooms.
j. Keep bouquets in water until the last possible moment to keep flowers fresh and hydrated.
k. Transport the bouquets upright in buckets. Avoid overcrowding. If transporting in a vehicle, lower or empty the water to avoid spilling or getting the flowers or ribbons wet.
l. Avoid exposing flowers to heat, especially leaving them in a hot car.
m. Before using, trim the stems within 1/2 inch of the ribbon or to desired length for final presentation.
4. Corsages, Boutonnieres and Rose Petals:
a. Place boutonnieres, corsages and rose petals inside a refrigerator between 34 and 36 degrees. DO NOT FREEZE
b. Keep refrigerated until the last possible moment.
c. Keep boutonnieres, corsages and petals in the protective clear cases they were delivered in until use.
