These can be arranged with other items relevant to the occasion -- programs; pictures, photographs -- and we can have a small gold plaque engraved with names and dates to finish it all off nicely. In earlier times

(I have never preserved a bouquet yet which has included ALL these items -- but it can look lovely to include an extra item or two with the flowers; we can discuss which items you would like to include, and how to display them best with your bouquet.)

These days we are able to preserve flowers using more modern methods so that the flowers retain their original shape and loveliness. Most flowers do shrink a little during the drying process. They usually darken in colour also, but I always retouch the colour, even if it still has good colour after drying; as this prevents fading in the future.

The preservation process is fairly involved and time-consuming. I usually say it will take two or three months. It doesn't actually take that long, but I have to find time to do it, and I have many to do. I quite enjoy 'bringing the flowers back to life' and it always surprises me that each bouquet is so different -- even if it is another posy of white roses! The finished product is always unique. Different atmospheres can be created, depending on the type of frame you choose (and I have a range to choose from which covers a spectrum from ornate gold to classic woods); and the shape and colour you choose for the double mounts.

Often a more dramatic effect can be created by having the mount and backing in a colour to reflect the bridesmaids dresses; or in shades of neutral greens to match some of the wooden frames; but mostly we usually choose a shade of cream with gold under.

An oval shape in the mount is softer, more romantic, and most suitable if the bouquet is on its own. If other items are added, then a rectangle mount will allow more space to hold other things. If photos or a certificate are to be included I usually have a backing mount specially made to hold them neatly to the back, before assembling the bouquet.

If a lot of novelties are to be included, sometimes its better to have no mount at all, and colour the backing to suit.

This looks particularly good if the frame you choose is gold, and I can spray the edges of the backing box gold also.

Bring in your bouquet as soon as you can after the wedding. I have found that the fresher the flowers are, the better they hold up in the drying process. I usually take a photograph of the bouquet when you bring it in, so I can replicate the shape of it later. Because (and you will be horrified to learn this) I cut the heads of the flowers from their stems to treat them. I treat the stems separately, and usually press the foliages. So a few days after you have given me your bouquet, and the flowers have been dried and treated, Your 'bouquet' is a jumble of flower heads in a tissue-lined cardboard box, stored away in a dark cupboard! I don't start working on them again until I have received the frame you chose, from my framer, and am ready to recolour, and 'resurrect' your bouquet.

Bouquets which are much older can also be restored. Quite often the 'fresh' bouquet comes to me several days after the wedding, and for some reason even as much as a month later! I have learned how to 'wave my magic wand' over these! But the process becomes a little more painstaking when the blooms are limp, mis-shapen, bruised, discolored and 'sad' to start with. Naturally, its better to start with the fresh product. But I must say - when the bouquets are finally preserved and framed, you will not be able to pick the ones which have not been in peak condition to begin with.

The 'oldest' bouquet I have restored was 13 years old when it was brought in to me. It had rested on top of a wardrobe in a shoe box since the wedding day. I was able to restore it, using some of the original materials, but I had to replace most of the roses and foliages. I have done several similar restorations since the successful completion of that one (and the bride of 13 years was thrilled with it). I like to have a photograph of the bouquet as it was on the wedding day, to enable me to replicate it as near as possible. When I am asked to restore something which is quite old, and I know I am going to have to replace a lot of the flowers, I usually suggest that some other memento of the wedding be included as well, so that the sentimental value is retained.

This includes me doing all the work and the frame of your choice from my sample stock. There are a few frames which are more expensive (by $30 or $50) to cater for differing preferences. If you want a much larger frame the price will increase around $50 also. But I find most bouquets fit into the around $400 category (and the engraved gold plaque costs $22). I usually take half the amount as a deposit, and the balance on completion.

It does speed up the process if you order your frame before the wedding. I can order it in and be ready to work on it sooner. Call in whenever it's convenient. Make an appointment with me if you like, but who-ever's in the shop will be able to show you the sample frames and take your order. Then you just need to make sure your bouquet gets to me soon after the wedding. On the Monday, if it's a weekend wedding.

Gift Vouchers are becoming more popular. If a friend or relative would like to pay for the preserving of your bouquet as a wedding present, we can arrange an attractive, personalised gift voucher. This is an excellent idea if a few people would like to join together for your gift.

There are always several preserved and framed bouquets on display (waiting to be collected).
In the meantime enjoy looking at our gallery below. Click on the pictures to enlarge and see in more detail.
Enjoy all the rest of the preparations for your coming wedding. -- even if you decide not to have your bouquet preserved and framed! I hope your wedding day will be memorable and meaningful for you, and that you will enjoy a future of happy togetherness with your chosen partner.
A sample of recent work ....Bouquets and Framed ....