|
|
| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
 |
Party Flowers
When I am throwing a party, where do I start with planning the flowers?
Deciding on a theme is a good starting point. Determine how many guests you plan to have and how, or if, they will be seated. Look at your space and decide where you think flowers could be displayed for maximum impact. Set a budget, communicate your ideas to your florist and ask for suggestions on flower varieties and styles of arrangements. Clip pictures from magazines for ideas.
Most importantly, get your florist involved from the very beginning. You might want to ask him or her to come and look at where you plan to have your party - he or she can give expert advice and creative ideas on how to make the most of your budget and your decorations.
Can I decorate for a party on a budget?
Absolutely! Your florist can make suggestions to maximize your budget. Let him or her offer suggestions about where your floral dollars can make the most impact. Ask about seasonal flowers that might be in abundance and available at a good price (for example, roses are a great bargain in the summer). Find out if your florist has props or linens to rent - this will cut down on the expense of you having to buy them.
If I am organizing party flower decorations the day before a party, are there certain tips that will help them to last longer? Are some flowers better choices than others?
Many people decorate the day before a party to avoid last minute rushes and to give attention to details that may be overlooked in a hurry. If you put the party flowers in place the day before the event, be sure to water every arrangement until the water reaches the top of the container. To keep your flowers moist, mist the flowers with a spray bottle and cover them very loosely with a single layer of thin plastic (i.e. a dry cleaner bag). Ask your florist if any of the flowers in your arrangements need special care. Never place flowers in the sun or a hot place the day before your party.
Back to top
Holiday Flowers
 How long before a holiday should I order flowers that need to be delivered?
Because flowers are a personal and preferred gift for many holidays, florists are often extremely busy during holiday seasons and inventory on certain flowers and plants may be in short supply. Florists may have a cut off time for accepting delivery orders to ensure that all orders will be delivered in a timely manner. Your best bet is to contact the florist one to two weeks before the holiday.
Can a florist guarantee delivery on a holiday?
Yes, if the order is placed in a timely manner. Most florists cannot guarantee an actual time for the delivery on a busy holiday but may be able to give an estimated time. The key is to order early and to have all the delivery information (recipient name, address and phone number) correct to avoid any delays.
Why are flowers more expensive at holidays?
It is a simple issue of supply and demand. People tend to want certain flowers at certain holiday times. This can create a large demand for specific types of flowers. Take Valentine‘s Day for example. More than 100 million roses are typically sold for Valentine‘s Day, which falls in the middle of winter. Growers work very hard after their Christmas cuttings to produce a crop for Valentine‘s Day. One long stem rose means sacrificing many other blooms, extra labor must be hired at every production level, there are higher heating costs and additional transportation and delivery are needed. Each of these factors contributes to the proportionate cost of flowers at Valentine‘s Day.
Are poinsettias poisonous?
No. The poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false: -
Scientific research from The Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plants were tested, including the leaves and sap.
- According to POISINDEX, the national information center for poison control centers, a child would have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity.
- A study by Children‘s Hospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found that out of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures there was essentially no toxicity significance of any kind. The study used national data collected by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
As with any non-food product, however, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort; therefore, the plant should be kept out of the reach of young children and curious pets.
Back to top
Prom Flowers
 How far in advance should I order my flowers for the prom?
It is important to remember that prom season is also peak wedding season and many times also fall on Mother‘s Day weekend. Therefore, popular flowers such as sweetheart roses, white roses and certain orchids used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand. Ordering at least two weeks in advance so that your florist has time to order the necessary quantities should ensure that you get what you really want.
Should my date‘s boutonniere match my corsage?
This is certainly becoming a popular trend but is not necessary.
Will my florist make something special just for me? Can I choose a ribbon?
Certainly florists know how important prom flowers are to their young customers and will be happy to work with you to make a special corsage. Florists are experts at customization. Show your dress or a swatch of the fabric from your dress to your florist and ask him or her to select an appropriate ribbon. Or you can ask to see what ribbons he or she has on hand and choose one yourself.
What is the hottest corsage for proms?
Two popular styles are wrist corsages and small hand-held nosegays. Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, Dendromium orchids, alstroemeria lilies and other small flowers such as cornflowers and freesia.
How do I let my date know what type of flowers I really want?
If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might suggest going to the florist shop together so you can order his boutonniere to match your corsage. You could also show him a few photos of flowers and ask what he would like for his boutonniere. Be sure you also have a photo of what you want.
What type of corsage goes best with a strapless dress?
Either a wrist corsage or a hand-held nosegay is appropriate to wear with a strapless dress. Flowers for your hair or neck or corsages pinned to an evening bag are also great choices. Talk to your florist about the options and ask to see photos of these different styles.
My budget is limited. Are there less expensive flowers that won‘t make
me look "cheap"?
Tell your florist what your budget is and ask him or her for ideas. An inexpensive flower used in a lovely corsage style can be just as beautiful as a more expensive bloom. Alstroemeria lilies are a good choice, as are mini carnations. But your florist will know what the best value is.
How can I dry a corsage?
This depends on the flower as there are a number of drying methods. Some establishments can freeze-dry your corsage, but this can be an expensive process. Simple methods include silica pellets and powders or gel. Ask your florist for recommendations.
Back to top
Get Well Flowers
How do I order flowers to be delivered to a hospital?
When you call your florist, have the following ready: the name of the hospital, the patient‘s name, and room number (if possible) and when you want the flowers delivered. It is also good to know if the hospital has a policy regarding flowers. For instance, most urgent care and intensive care units do not allow flowers. Sometimes hospital rooms have certain display areas for flowers, but they must be a specified size. Your florist will know about the hospitals in your area.
Is it okay to wait and send get well flowers once someone returns home from the hospital?
Yes; while patients can look forward to home‘s familiar, comfortable environment to help ease pain and speed recovery, recovering at home can be lonely. Flowers are a great way to let someone know you‘re thinking of him, even if you can‘t visit him in person.
Does someone who is ill have to have been in the hospital to get flowers? What if he or she is sick in bed or just feeling blue?
Flowers are a heartwarming and appreciated gesture any time. They are a simple, sincere and unobtrusive way to lift spirits, bring a smile to a tired face or brighten up a room for someone who is under the weather. In fact, they might be just the trick to cheer someone up.
I heard that flowers are good for your health. Is that true?
According to recent behavioral research conducted at Rutgers University, the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. "Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Jeanette Haviland-Jones, lead researcher on the study. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."
Back to top
Sending Flowers to a Man
 Are there any rules for sending flowers to a man?
Well, not necessarily rules but a few things to keep in mind: -
First of all remember that men love flowers. A survey conducted by the Society of American Florists showed that over 60% of men surveyed would like to receive flowers on Valentine‘s Day. Similar research has turned up the same information, so don‘t be shy.
- Men are stimulated by color and are visually oriented. Research shows that men prefer vivid colors such as yellow, orange and red.
- Most men prefer a linear style of design rather than a "fluffy" one. Tell your florist that you want to order flowers for a man and ask for specific suggestions. If the recipient has a hobby, perhaps you could incorporate that into the arrangement. For example, if the recipient is a golfer, tuck in a box of golf balls. If he is into cars, add an auto magazine or two.
Won‘t a man be embarrassed if I send flowers to him?
Men love to get flowers for the same reason they send them - to be recognized. Everyone likes to feel special. Be sensitive, though. Avoid sending traditionally "feminine" or pastel designs. If you are unsure what his reaction to the flowers will be, test the waters with a potted plant or dish garden.
Do men really like flowers?
Sometimes women are surprised to find out that men love flowers too, but florists have known this for years! Men have been sending floral gifts for decades. Turn about is fair play. Many men buy flowers not only as a gift but for their own homes and offices. It is not uncommon to see a bunch of lilies or tulips on a man‘s desk or in the foyer of his home.
What colors are good for a man?
Men respond to bright, vivid colors such as orange, red, purple, bright yellow and gold.
Are there styles that are more appropriate for a guy?
Flower arrangements that are contemporary, linear or natural styles are best. Other favorites include green or flowering plants. Your florist can offer creative suggestions for flowers that are sure to please.
When is a good occasion to send flowers to a man for the first time? What about every time after that?
One way to determine when it might be appropriate to send flowers would be to consider his favorite occasions for sending them. If he sends flowers for birthdays, then his birthday might be a good time to surprise him with flowers. Or you could send them to celebrate a success at work. A party or barbecue would be a great time to bring a casual table centerpiece or loose flowers as a host gift. And just as women love receiving flowers for no reason at all, a surprise floral gift will surely catch his attention too.
Back to top
|
|
|
|
|
|
