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 |  | Small Display: $30-$75 |  | Pressed: $75-$250 |  | Freeze Dried: $150-$700 |
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Freeze drying is used to preserve the natural beauty of a floral bouquet. The process, which takes three to eight weeks, involves photographing and taking apart a floral arrangement. Each element is pre-treated to pass through a freeze-drying machine, where a vacuum pump removes moisture while the flowers are frozen, protecting their original shape and color. If left in an air-conditioned environment, preserved bouquets can last two to three years; however, vacuum-sealed shadowbox frames or clear boxes can help flowers last for years longer.
Typical costs: |
- While they may not be able to hold an entire wedding bouquet, smaller options like glass ornaments[1] or 4-inch display boxes[2] can be purchased, ranging from $30-$75.
- Pressed flower gifts typically range from $75-$250. This method does not preserve the three-dimensional look of a bouquet. Instead, actual flower petals can be pressed and framed[3] in the shape of a bouquet, creating a two-dimensional art piece.
- Freeze dried bouquet preservation typically costs $150 to $700. Most companies include the floral treatment fee and a shadowbox frame[4] or display box[5] for this price.
- In general, expect to pay more for larger bouquets with the most elaborate displays.
Related articles: Wedding Flowers, Wedding Gown Preservation, Boutonniere
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What should be included: |
- A freeze-dried preservationist should send a flower shipping kit up to two weeks before the wedding, with instructions on sending the arrangement by return mail. Though this kit is usually free, some companies may charge $15 for it.
- In addition to freeze drying the flowers, a preservationist should re-create the original arrangement and professionally seal the bouquet in the purchased keepsake frame or box.
- Shadowbox frames range in size from 5x7 to 20x24, with 8x10 being an average size. Clear tabletop display types include a dome, bowl, square or hexagonal box, or wooden box with clear inset on top.
- Heller and Reid[6] will replace up to 5 pre-damaged flowers in an arrangement, as well as replacing the ribbon. Check with the preservationist to see if they charge an additional fee for replacement flowers or if it's already included.
- A wedding invitation or photograph can often be included in the frame at no additional cost.
Additional costs: |
- Most bouquet preservation companies require a deposit of $50 to $190, which is applied toward the purchase.
- Unless shipping is included with the order, it can cost $20 or more to overnight the bouquet, with optional insurance to protect against loss or damage.
Discounts: |
- Everlastings Pressed Flowers[7] offers a free tile made with pressed flowers. They also offer discounted pressed flower photo mats[8] when a framed piece is purchased ($50 savings).
- Shanel's Flowers & Frames[9] offers $50 off select purchases if full payment is made when dropping off a bouquet.
- Nature's Beauty[10] will freeze dry the groom's boutonniere for free with bouquet preservation.
Shopping for bouquet preservation: |
- When choosing a bouquet preservationist, ask them to explain the process in detail. Make sure they are using a freeze drying machine and ask how closely they are able to match the preserved flowers to the original bouquet arrangement.
- Ask about a free consultation with the preservationist before the wedding, to ensure that the chosen flowers are appropriate for freeze drying. Inquire about seeing some actual arrangements or a color portfolio to make sure that the preservationist can achieve the look you want.
- Preserved Petals[11] recommends delivering the wedding flowers to a preservationist no longer than three to four days after a wedding, and sooner if possible.
- Before taking the preserved flower arrangement back home, ask the preservationist for detailed instructions on how to best care for the flowers, such as ideal room temperature, and so forth.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Teresa Jo in Grand Rapids, MI. | Posted: February 24th, 2011 03:02PM |
| Method: Freeze Dry |
I had my wedding bouquet preserved by Frozen Creek Floral in Belmont, MI.
OMG! What a beautiful outcome to my flowers that Ruth arranged in my dome, I had my husbands boutonni�re and our invitation included in my dome. Three of my friends who were married before me had their flowers freeze dried there also. Their wedding flowers look like the day they carried them down the isle. I cannot say enough about their work I am so pleased with Ruth�s work. I recommend their work to anyone. |
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External Resources: |
- www.keepsakefloral.com/products/weddings#
- villagefreezedriedflowers.com/?s=display+box&searchsubmit=
- www.flowerspressed.com/wedding.html
- www.timelessflowers.net/flashgal_shadow/107.html
- www.timelessflowers.net/flashgal_glassd/107.html
- www.hellerandreid.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.100.exe/about/faq_bridal.html?E+scstore+#...
- www.everlastingsflowers.com
- www.everlastingsflowers.com/prices.html
- freezedryit.com/sff_frames.html
- www.naturesbeauty.us/faqs.html
- www.preservedpetals.com/fd_process.php
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