How to Care For Your Flowers & Send Them For Preservation
Select the flowers that you want to preserve. Always send a few extra flowers so that we have plenty to work with. Make sure the flowers you select are in good shape. We cannot repair damaged or browning flowers. Don’t worry if they are wilted. We use a special solution to re-hydrate them. Keep your flowers cool, refrigerated if possible (not frozen). Hydrate your flowers as follows until you pack them for shipping:
- Cut the stems on an angle and place the flowers in cool water.
- Place the flowers in the refrigerator until ready to pack for shipping. It is important to send your flowers as soon as you can and while they are still fresh.
You have two choices for shipping:
- Order a Free floral shipping kit online or call toll free and order one by phone. We recommend this option only if the funeral or memorial has just occurred and the flowers were received not more than 3-4 days ago. Call toll free (800-742-9570) or order a FREE shipping kit online (click here to order online now). The kit includes everything you need to pack your flowers for shipping. The floral shipping kit is FREE but you will be required to pay the next day air saver-shipping fee of $45.00. In addition a $100 non-refundable deposit is required. The deposit will be applied to whatever memorial display you select.
- Make your own floral shipping kit by following the instructions below. Use this option if you have had the flowers for more than 5 days or are starting to look old and have begun to brown on the edges. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required. The deposit will be applied to whatever memorial display you select. You can send the deposit with your flowers or call us and provide credit card information by phone.
It is important that we receive the flowers while they are still as fresh as possible. Please read the following information for details. Whichever shipping method you select it is important that you fully understand the terms & conditions for preservation of your flowers. Sending your flowers to us is your agreement to these terms. Click here to read the terms & conditions now.
How to Make Your Own Shipping Kit
What you will need:
- A shipping box that is just a little larger than the flowers to be shipped.
- Packaging material. Crumpled newspaper, tissue paper, or Styrofoam packing peanuts
- Packaging tape
- Two plastic trash bags
- A frozen coolant block or coolant gel pack (the kind used to keep items cool in lunch boxes or coolers). If a coolant block is not available or will delay shipping the flowers for more than a day then you can make a cool pack as follows:
- Take two large zip lock bags, put one inside the other. Fill the first bag with ice cubes and seal.
- Take paper towel and add it to the sides of the second bag, and seal. Make sure that the bags are "zip locked" all the way across to prevent leaking. During the hot summer months you should use two bags to keep your flowers as cool as possible. Put these in the freezer until you are ready to pack your flowers for shipment.
- Pack your flowers right before you take them for shipping as follows:
- Line the bottom of the box with the plastic bag and tape into place. Place your refrigerant (coolant block, gel bag, or ice cube bags) on the bottom of the shipping box, on top of the plastic bag. Run packaging tape across the refrigerant, the plastic bag liner and up the side of the box to secure it well to the bottom of the box. Make sure that whatever form of refrigerant you use it is secure. Tip the box up side down to make sure the refrigerant does not come loose and damage your flowers in shipment.
- Now make a "nest" that your flowers will fit into on top of the refrigerant using crumpled newspaper or tissue paper (note: If you will be placing the flowers in more than one display and you want specific flowers in different displays we recommend the following: divide the flowers into groups, tape them together (masking tape works well) at the bottom and then mark the tape with a number or name. If you are not sure we can work the details out later).
- Remove the flowers from the refrigerator and place them in the nest, with the flowers facing up. Make sure the flowers are well nested into the space you have created for them. Your goal is to keep the flowers from shifting during shipping.
- Fill the box to the top with the packing peanuts or more crumpled newspaper or tissue paper.
- Spread the second plastic bag over the top of the packed flowers and tape to sides of the box. This will help hold in the cold and insulate your flowers.
- Important, make sure you provide the proper paper work with your flowers. Write your name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and tape it to the inside panel of the top of the shipping box. If you have not already provided a deposit by phone (we accept most major credit cards) you must include check, money order, or credit card information with your order. Checks should be made payable to: Memories & Memorials. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required. This is applied to whatever display or displays that you select. Do not send cash! We cannot begin preservation with out a deposit. You may also place your deposit by credit card by calling toll free 800-742-9570.
- Please click here to read the terms & conditions for floral preservation. Sending your flowers to us is your agreement to these terms.
- Close the box and seal it with packing tape. Write "This Side Up" on the top of the box and fragile on each side with a marking pen, as large as possible. The shipping address is: Memories & Memorials, 401 S. Sherman Street, Suite 105, Richardson, TX. 75081. If you have not already done so, call us toll free (1-800-742-9570) to let us know your flowers are on their way.
Shipping Your Flowers
It is necessary that you overnight your flowers. Getting your flowers to us quickly will result in better preservation. We recommend that, if possible, you pack your flowers and take them to the delivery service mid-day (between 1-3 PM) since they will not be shipped until later in the day. We recommend overnight express mail from the U.S. Post Office, but you may use UPS, FedEx, or any priority, overnight shipper as long as they guarantee delivery no later than 2PM the next day. We do not recommend a shipping store (for example Mail Boxes Etc) as they charge extra fees. If you ordered a FREE floral shipper see below for shipping information.
Shipping Your Free Floral Shipper Back to Us
You can use our shipping company, DHL, for return shipping of the flowers or return them using any next day air service. DHL will pick up your floral shipper at any address that you provide if you call them before 10 AM. The cost for return shipping, using next day DHL air is $45.00. A shipping label and instructions are included with your FREE floral shipper. If you select this shipping option a fee of $40.00 will be added to your bill. If you do not use DHL we recommend the U.S. Postal service next day express mail as the lowest cost option. Please do not use second party shipping companies, as your shipping costs will be two to three times more for shipping. Selection Of Your Display and Final Payment
Relax. Once your flowers are on their way to us you have three weeks to make your decision on the display. Our designers will be happy to advise you on what will work best with your flowers. Once your display decision is made the balance or on orders over $300 you can request that a payment plan be established. Click here for more details on the payment plan option.
Call us toll free 1-800 742-9570 if we can help you in any way with the packaging process. Thank you for selecting Memories & Memorials to preserve your flowers!
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DO I NEED TO SELECT A DISPLAY NOW?
No, you are not required to make a decision on a display until three weeks after we receive your flowers. The important thing now is to get your flowers while they can still be preserved.
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HOW LONG DOES BOUQUET PRESERVATION TAKE?
The process will take 16 to 18 weeks but is well worth the wait. We reserve the right to extend this time frame as needed to provide you with a quality product.
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WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Simply contact our Customer Service Department at 800-742-9570 during regular business hours or by e-mail at info@memoriesandmemorials.com.
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WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR PRESERVING MY FLOWERS?
All floral preservation is not the same. Proper floral freeze-drying doesn't produce flowers that are brittle and lifeless as traditional or silica gel drying methods. Your flowers will retain the shape and color of the actual fresh flower. It will not be flat or pressed. There are very few experts in the floral freeze dry industry because the equipment is expensive, requires extensive training to operate, knowledge about flowers, and floral design are required. Memories & Memorials was founded by Kathy Reid who also created the largest freeze-dried wedding bouquet preservation company in the United States. This has allowed us to make major improvements to the floral preservation process via extensive research and testing. We will continue to research new methods and process control procedures to ensure that our floral preservation process remains the very best available. Our current process includes:
OUR UNIQUE FIVE-STEP PRESERVATION PROCESS
Step 1
RE-HYDRATION OF FLOWERS
Your flowers are photographed, inventoried, measured, and each flower put into a special re-hydration solution. The re-hydration solution opens the closed stem and forces it to drink the water and provides much needed sugars. This helps bring back the natural beauty of the flowers so that they look their very best for the freeze-drying process. Customers shipping our free floral shipper are provided with a small bottle of re-hydration solution at no additional charge. This will penetrate the top layers of the petals and will help hold in moisture during the shipping process. Flowers are then stored in a cooler at 40 degrees for at least 24 hours or until the re-hydration is complete.
Step 2
PRE-TREATMENT TO HOLD IN NATURAL COLOR AND OPEN THE CELL STRUCTURE
Depending on the type and color of the flower, it is treated with one of 14 different solutions. Our pre-treatment solutions have been developed, after years of research & development, to hold in color and open the cell structure of the flower. This enhances the water removal process during the freeze-drying process, while retaining the flowers natural color. Flowers are loaded onto trays and frozen to prepare them for the freeze-drying process. Depending on the type of flower they may be pre-frozen for up to four weeks.
Step 3
The Freeze Drying Process
The same high quality equipment used by pharmaceutical companies to freeze-dry ingredients used in vitamins and medicine is used to preserve your flowers. Our state-of-the-art equipment is computer controlled and allows us to determine when the moisture has been removed. The process must be carefully controlled or flowers can be damaged. Depending on the flower type and other factors flowers will remain under vacuum in the freeze-dryers for 10 to 17 days. Once the process is complete the flowers are removed and allowed to cure in a special low humidity room for 3-5 days.
Step 4
COLOR ENHANCEMENT & SEALING
A wire stem is added to each flower head to prepare it for color enhancement and sealing. Depending on the natural flower color a French dye is used to infuse the flower with a transparent pigment so that the natural looking color of the flower will be retained for years to come. Each flower is then sealed with a thin polymer coating. Our polymer coating includes a UVA shield to protect against sun/light and moisture damage. Flowers are stored in special sealed boxes by customer/job number and are now ready for the design process.
Step 5
CUSTOM DESIGN/QUALITY CONTROL/PACKAGING & SHIPPING
Because each display is custom made-to-order, the customers display choice is made no later than three weeks following receipt of the flowers. This is timed so that the display is ready at the same time the flowers have completed Step 4. Our talented floral designers then design the flowers into the displays, per the directions provide by the client, and the photography that we took of the bouquet when it arrived. Each display/design is reviewed using a quality control guideline and approved or returned for adjustments. Completed displays are cleaned and inspected, and then closed and packed for shipping or pick up by the customer.
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DO FLOWERS CHANGE COLOR AND CAN ALL FLOWERS BE PRESERVED?
The age and the condition of the flowers at the time they are received play a role in how well they preserve. Preservation will produce a slight color change, white flowers will become creamy and some colors, especially red flowers, a little darker. Over time some flowers may become more antique in appearance, especially pink, peach, white and yellow flowers. Some damage may occur to a few flowers and if required we will replace up to five flowers at no additional charge. Flowers that we do not recommend for preservation include Daisies, Mums and Gerber’s. All other flowers, including orchids, tulips, lilies, calla lilies, and other traditional memorial flowers preserve well. If you have questions about your flower choices please contact us.
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HOW MUCH DOES PRESERVATION COST?
The cost is based on the type and size of the display that you select. We offer display options starting at under $100 for a single flower or a few small flowers. Most people select a larger memorial that can hold other items such as photo’s, poems, quotes and cherished items. Visit the complete online catalog to see all the display options and pricing, click here now.
All that is required now is a non-refundable deposit of $100. The deposit is applied to your total cost. Your final payment is not due until three weeks following receipt of the flowers when your select your display. If you wish, a payment plan can be arranged that allows you to pay the balance in five equal payments.
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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE?
Our price includes the display, preservation, replacement ribbon, if needed, and consultation with a design consultant. Pricing for the shadow box displays includes the inside and outside mat. We will add photos, cards, letters, and other items at no additional charge. Personalization and photo mats are extra. If some flowers are not in condition to be preserved when we receive them the replaced the fee is $2.00 per flower.
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I WANT TO HAVE MY FLOWERS PRESERVED BUT I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN AFFORD IT?
We understand that funerals and the loss of a loved one can add expenses that most people did not plan on. That’s why we provide a payment plan option. Take up to five months to pay.
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HOW DOES THE PAYMENT PLAN WORK?
Simply make a non-refundable reservation deposit of $100 at the time you send your flowers. No later than three weeks after receipt of the flowers we will need the final decision on your display. Our designers will be happy to help you with this. Once your display decision has been made we will deduct the $100 deposit from the total.
Your balance is then divided into five monthly payments. A one-time paper work fee is added to the first payment. The first payment is due at the time you make your display decision and additional payments are due each month thereafter until paid in full. See Terms & Conditions for more details, click here now.
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IS ALL PRESERVATION THE SAME? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
No all preservation is not the same. There are a few things you should know prior to selecting a company to preserve your flowers:
- What method do they use for preservation? If they do not tell you, ask! Good Housekeeping Magazine evaluated the top floral preservation methods and rated our method, vacuum freeze-dry, as producing the most natural and long-term results.
- Do they pre-treat and re-hydrate the flowers before freeze-drying or preservation? This helps retain the color of your flowers and opens the cells so they freeze dry with a natural look.
- Are flowers post-treated after freeze-drying? This process coats each flower with a thin, transparent layer that seals and protects them from light and humidity.
- If they tell you the display is "airtight" ask for specific details. First, unless they create a vacuum within the display it is not "airtight". Second, if the flowers are properly preserved and sealed they are already protected from humidity. Displays protect from touching, handling, dust and dirt, but are not airtight!
- Make sure the company you select controls the preservation process and does not have another company handle the preservation.
Not all preservation companies use the freeze-drying method for preservation and not all companies who freeze dry complete each step because of the time, cost, and the labor required. Without these steps; however, your flowers may not retain their natural look or may have a shorter life span.
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DO PRESERVED FLOWERS REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL CARE?
Yes, just a few simple precautions will help your flowers retain their beauty. Do not spray glass cleaner directly onto the glass or dome of a display. Always spray a cleaner on a clean cloth and then wipe the area to remove dust, finger prints etc. Never display your flowers in direct sun light or by a heat source. This includes spotlights, lamps and heating vents. Do not display in a humid area, such as a bathroom. Of course rough handling of displays or touching preserved flowers in any way can damage some or all of the flowers.
All preserved flowers (air dried, pressed, silica dried and freeze dried) are subject to insect infestation. We treat all preserved flowers to remove any potential insect problem prior to delivery to the customer and all arrangements are infestation free when they leave our design center. While infestation does not occur often (less than 1/2% of all floral arrangements preserved) it can damage your flowers and is hard to treat. Indian meal Moths and Weevils invade the cleanest homes and are often found in flour, bird seed, peanuts, pecans, dog food, candy, macaroni, breakfast cereal, corn meal, dried beans, etc. These insects can and will fly from a pantry or storage area. Once preserved flowers become infested it is very difficult to correct the problem without damage to the flowers, so prevention is the best solution. We are not responsible for and cannot repair flowers that have been infected by insects.
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HOW LONG WILL FREEZE DRIED PRESERVED FLOWERS LAST?
Freeze dried flowers offer an outstanding floral preservation improvement over air-dried flowers or other methods of preservation that result in wrinkled and shriveled flowers. Flowers not preserved with freeze drying become brown or black, with only traces of the original color. They often fall apart in 6 to 12 months or begin to mold.
How long your freeze-dried flowers last depend on a number of factors including: the age of the flowers at the time of preservation, the amount of sunlight, heat, and humidly exposure and how the display is maintained. As a general rule, unless the display is dropped or mishandled, the shape and arrangement of the flowers will remain the same as when you received it. Freeze dried flowers often become slightly darker than the natural floral color and will then loose some color with time. Peach, pale pink and yellow flowers may fade faster than other colors. White flowers may become more antique in appearance. We color enhance all flowers to help them retain a natural look.
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WHAT IF I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY PRESERVED FLOWERS?
We want all our customers to love and cherish their preserved flowers. In the rare event that you are not happy, we will do everything that we can to correct any problem that you may have. You must contact us within 30 days (sooner is always better), after receipt of your preservation, and let us know the details. We will provide instructions or options to solve your concerns at once. Floral preservation is custom work and subject to creative decisions made at the design stage. Per the Terms & conditions you have given us permission to make these decisions on your behalf. Once your preservation is complete any changes or alterations requested by you may create additional charges for labor, materials, and shipping. If for any reason we cannot resolve the situation you may request a refund, less shipping, deposits, and pick up fees. To receive a refund the display must be returned with the preserved flowers. See Terms & Conditions of Sale for more details. The long-term condition of your preserved flowers is dependent on factors beyond our control and therefore no guarantees or refunds are made beyond the 30-day period.
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