Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Mayesh shares : Wedding Delivery Best Practices

Mayesh's Blog

Mayesh Floral Forum: Wedding Delivery Best Practices

MAY12

Written by: Ali Dahlson
5/12/2016 9:56 AM

You ask, we answer! This question was sent in by a number of you, so we're here to help! Many of you asked about best practices for wedding floral delivery, and tips on how to keep bouquets fresh prior to delivery. This is even more important as we get into the warmer summer months and need to protect our delicate little blooms! Read on for our designer's advice...

Beth O'Reilly

This is a great question. I myself cannot wait to read the answers from the other designers! For many years I have packaged my bouquets a very special way for delivery. I use a large, sturdy flower box lid and cover it with paper to make a nice presentation. I use my logo stickers on the outside of the box and embellish the box with a band of matching ribbon. I then pack all of my personals in this box; corsages, boutonnieres, bridal bouquets and anything else for the wedding party. It makes for super easy delivery and everything is labeled to make it easy upon delivery. Corsages and boutonnieres are packed in clear plastic corsage boxes and the bouquets are diapered with a water source to ensure freshness. The diapering process can be done in many ways. I use wet cotton and a plastic baggie with a rubber band. Another reason I like this technique is because the ribbon stays dry. Also, when the box is covered with clear cello, it makes for a really beautiful presentation of flowers. The clear cello is the final step and is very important because it will create condensation in the cooler causing the flowers to become turgid and crisp. Turgidity is when the blooms themselves firm up for the condensation process in the cooler. A good finishing spray is always a good idea for most varieties of flowers as well.

Randi Eshelman

We live in a pretty hot climate so we try to keep the bouquets cold as long as possible. We coordinate with the bride/planner to hand off their bouquets a little before they start photographs. We also keep our flowers cool in vehicles while we set up.

Mandy Majerik

We use lots of props and extras for our weddings and have "pull sheets" that are checked and double-checked as they are loaded in vans and box trucks. Fresh flowers always go in an air conditioned transport with a traveler always holding the bridal bouquet - the most prized possession! The best practice you can have is to arrive on time!

Carla Kayes

I'm located in a hot area and am constantly combating heat. I put everything in the cooler in warm/hot weather. We top off water in all arrangements before loading for delivery. Always bring the extra unused flowers so anything wilted can be replaced during set-up. I also instruct the Bride & Maids to put their bouquets back into the water/vase when they are not holding them for pictures before the ceremony.

***The best advice I ever got, and use, is to have all dahlias (especially dinnerplate & cafe au laits) delivered the day before or morning of the event, and load them into all arrangements the morning of or even on sight if time permits.

Shawn Michael Foley

When you're done designing the bouquet, hose it down with crowning glory or finishing touch. Keep cool and out of sunlight as long as possible. Also mention to your bride to keep her bouquet in water as long as possible before AND after pictures!

Jodi Duncan

Hand tied bouquets with no water source can be a challenge. I will wait to wrap the stems at the last possible moment, and make sure that care & conditioning has been handled on all levels. I love Clear Life by Design Master and use it on personal flowers that don't have a water source.

Cynthia Sanchez

Always clean all flowers (make sure no greens are in water as this produces bacteria and moldy, nasty water), provide a fresh cut and place inside a fresh bucket of water right when you come home from the market. This takes a long time to do but I can definitely tell the difference when I don't clean flowers. By the day of the wedding, I really wish I had taken the time to clean and hydrate well. After the arrangements are made, check your water levels daily and refill if necessary. When it comes to delivering, the tighter things are packed up, the better. Don't smash flowers but pack them tight and add newspaper or something to fill in between gaps to keep everything from moving around during your delivery.

I'm not sure about you, but as an aspiring wedding floral designer, those were some pretty helpful tips! Do you have any other tips & tricks or best practices when it comes to wedding delivery?

About The Author

Ali Dahlson - (Seattle, Washington)

Coming from a background in interior design, I'm trying my hand at flowers, and will be spending the next year learning the ins & outs of the business. I will be sharing my experiences as the new kid on the block, hoping to inspire other young, aspiring floral designers like myself. I grew up in the wholesale flower business, but hope to use my education and experience to eventually create a unique and innovative approach to floral design. Follow along for a blend of educational tid-bits, my thoughts & musings on the business, and a peek into my crazy journey into the world of flowers! #alitheflorist

Tags: Mayesh Floral Forum , expert panel , customer questions , floral advice , wedding delivery best practice

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