Floral Preservation Process
Save your Date
Due to the timely nature of creating custom floral pieces, I am only able to take a certain number of preservations a month on a first come, first served basis. Processing times range from 3-6 months once I have received your flowers.
To check if your date is available, please use the contact me tab and keep an eye out for an email within a few days. Once your date is confirmed a $100 deposit is required, please note that this deposit is non-refundable, but will be used towards your final balance. Once we receive your deposit we will work one-on-one to develop a collection of keepsakes.
Flower Shipment
To ensure the best quality it is important for me to receive your blooms 1-2 days after your event. Those local to Southern New England may avoid shipping costs (yay!) and drop off options can be arranged at booking. Overnight shipping is available for out of state bouquets at additional costs to be covered by the client and packing instructions will be provided.
Drying Process
Once your flowers have arrived at Grande Designs I will remove the flowers from the stems and dry in silica. Depending on the type of flowers the drying process can take anywhere from two to four weeks.
It is important to know that while I use a specific drying process that helps maintain the color and shape of your flowers, they will not look exactly the same as they did when they were fresh. For example, red flowers tend to darken significantly during the drying process while white flowers can take on a tan or yellow hue.
Design
After your flowers have been fully dried I will design two options for your flowers and send to you for approval. Please note that smaller items are not eligible for design options, but we will work closely to determine the best flowers for each keepsake. Once a design has been approved, a final invoice will be sent and must be paid in full before the casting process can begin. Please note that processing times will range from 1-3 months after your invoice is paid.Color Correction
Casting/ Pouring
The approved design will then be ready for resin. I carefully pour many layers of high quality resin to preserve your florals in a piece that will last forever. This is a tedious and extensive process that takes many days to weeks to complete.
Note- during the casting process some flowers may have "bruising" appear as small translucent spots on the petals. This is a natural process that happens when the flowers are alive and isn't always visible until the flowers are in resin. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about this, but being gentle with your bouquet on your wedding day will help. If you do see bruising in your final pieces I like to think of them as love taps, reminders of the fun you had on your wedding day.
Final Touches
After you piece has cured for 48-72 hours it will undergo finishing touches as needed such as sanding, top coating, polishing, and photographing.
Final Shipment
You will receive an email once your piece is complete I will arrange for pick up or shipment of your finished keepsake for you to cherish forever.
