O.K., you have your flowers and you are ready to get started, you may be asking, “Now What?”
Brides and Blooms has compiled the following information, to set your mind at ease.

Firstly, make sure you have protective eyewear and gloves. When working with flowers you may wind up with cuts on your hands, or may damage your manicure. The rest of the information is more mechanical than creative.

Go ahead, get started, we know you’ll do just fine. Always use a clean bucket to put your flowers into as you are preparing them. Avoid using metal containers. Use fresh cool water with floral food. Gather all the other materials you will need by preparing your flowers as described they will last longer and look more attractive. Remember to use clean containers for your arrangements; you will want to clean them with soapy water with a capful of bleach, then rinse well with warm water, being sure to remove all suds.

• Cut your stems at an angle, preferably under water. This gives the most exposure for water uptake. Scraping the bottom of green stems or hammering (yes, use a real hammer) and cutting the bottom about ¾ inch up from the end of the woody stems helps with water uptake as well.
  
• Strip all the lower leaves from the stems. This also includes leafy lower branches, if you don’t do this they will rot the water with a build up of bacteria.
  
• If the stem has thorns, remove them with scissors. This will make them much easier to handle when you are making your arrangements. This will also allow for more water intake.
  
• Let your flowers sit in the water in a cool dry place for several hours before making your arrangements.
  
• If the stems appear to be thick and hearty, you can plunge them briefly into hot water to encourage them further to take up water.
  
• You can singe milky stems to prevent them from oozing in the vase. Do this by using a low flame such as a candle flame.
  
• When using floral foam, you will need to soak the foam in water with flower food before using it. You will find it is much easier to cut when wet. When shaping it to your container, don’t forget to leave space for a reservoir of water with access for topping up. Be sure that your flower stems are placed firmly and as far below the solution level in the container as possible without coming out of the foam itself. Avoid removing the stem ends after inserting them into the foam. They will be plugged with the floral foam.
  
• It is a good idea to re-cut your stems just before you make your arrangements.
  
• Gasses emitted by leaves and dead flowers will prematurely age your flowers so pick off any faded flowers and dead or wilted leaves.
  
• Never use walk in coolers, freezers or home refrigerators as these are not suited to fresh flower storage and can damage your flowers.

Q: How fresh are the flowers I will receive?
A: The farm will cut your flowers, 4 to 5 days before you receive them.

Q: How many varieties can come in one box?
A: Flowers are packaged differently, but you may have up to 300 flowers in 1 shipping box.

Q: How many stems are in a bunch?
A: Flowers are bunched differently, but the basic rule of thumb is either 10 stems or 25 stems per bunch.

Q: Is there a consultation fee?
A: If you are local to Brides and Blooms, and would like a consultant to meet with you, there will be a $50.00 fee; this fee is subtracted from your bill, once your order of $1,000.00 or more is placed, or an hourly rate of $35.00 will apply. This is only for a personal one on one meeting. All phone consults are free, unless otherwise indicated.

Q: What are shipping fees?
A: There are no extra shipping fees; the fee is included in the price of the flowers, as it is quoted to you.

Q: What kind of payment is accepted?
A: We accept most major Credit Cards, as a convenience to you, as well as Checks, Money Orders or Cash.

Q: What happens if I need more than I’ve ordered?
A: Brides and Blooms recommends that you order 10% more than you expect to use, however, if you see that you will need another box, call us immediately; we will get you what you need, provided there is adequate time to get it to you.

Q: Why are your prices so low?
A: Brides and Blooms works directly with the Farms and Growers. We simply work on your behalf to get you exactly what you need, with no extra middlemen.

Q: Can I order Pre arranged bouquets?
A: Absolutely! We are able to get you whatever you need, whether you want a 3-stem arrangement of roses, or 22 stems of various types of flowers, we will have them cut and wrapped, separately as you request. This is a wonderful way to welcome your out of town guests, or as a give away gift for those who have attended your wedding.

Q: What if I need everything else?
A: Brides and Blooms is committed to helping take the stress out of “doing it yourself.” We are able to provide you with most of the tools that you will need to complete your arrangements and bouquets. We have also searched for “sites” that we thought would be helpful.

Q: Do I need to be a Bride to order from you?
A: Definitely not! We are open to the public, so we will work with anyone.

Q: What is my time frame for ordering?
A: Brides and Blooms recommends that you place and pay for your order no less than 3 weeks before your event. If your event is to take place within 2 weeks, either before or after Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Christmas, we require 3 months lead-time.

Q: What happens if I get flustered at the last minute?
A: Relax; we will be there for you. One of our Consultants will be assigned to your event, and will be available for you to contact the entire day before as well as the day of your event.