Bouquet Preservation Info and
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in having your flowers preserved! This is such a beautiful way to remember your wedding or other special event. Read below for more information about what options I offer and prices, my process, and answers to frequently asked questions. Please note that prices below do not include tax or shipping.
Options and Prices
Sterling silver - $40
Gold-filled - $50
Jewelry
I can make necklaces, earrings, or bracelets using a flower or flowers from your wedding. Flowers that work great for this are small ones like baby’s breath. For bigger flowers (like roses), they can also work well in a jewelry piece if their petals are torn up into small pieces. Pendants are available in several sizes.
Framed Floral Arrangement
Framed arrangements are not available to order if you are not local. They do not mail well. Because the flowers aren’t set in something solid like resin, there is a good chance they will get damaged within the frame due to all the movement that happens during the shipping process. Any of my other pieces work fine to be mailed since they are made with resin. If you are not local, but are interested in the frame option, consider getting either a 12” x 8” x 0.5” resin piece ($350) or a 16” x 20” x 0.5” resin piece ($450). These resin pieces can be enjoyed without a frame or put into a frame to display. Price for these resin pieces does not include a frame.
12" x 8" x 0.5" resin piece
Framed arrangements are going to show aging sooner than resin pieces, although they are still beautiful. Leaves and white flowers in particular tend to show aging the most, and as time goes on, will likely have some discoloration.
16" x 20"
16" x 20"
16" x 20"
11" x 15"
16" x 20"
If you are local and decide to go with the frame option, I will run frame ideas by you so you can decide which style frame you'd like. Once I start working on your piece, I will send you pictures with an arrangement idea before it is finalized. If you want me to try something different before it is finalized, I am happy to do so.
11” x 14” (plus or minus an inch) = $300 (Frame included)
16” x 20” (plus or minus an inch) = $350 (Frame included)
6" x 6" resin block and 4" x 4" x 2" block
6" x 6" resin block
Resin Block
3” x 3” x 3” cube = $125 (good size for a single rose)
4” x 4” x 2” block = $250 (good size for a corsage)
6” x 6” x 3” block = $350
7” hexagon = $425
Once your flowers are ready to be cast in resin, I will show you one or two different layouts for you to choose from.
Resin Letter
6 Inch Resin Letter $225
CLEAR ACRYLIC TRAY:
11” x 14” tray = $500
12” x 16” tray = $550
If you are interested in reserving your spot to have your bouquet preserved, please fill out my order form, which you can access here. If there's something you're interested in that's not listed above, I'd be happy to give you a quote for what I would charge. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at info@melissamilesdesigns.com.
Thank you,
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my flowers to you?
If you are local (I live in Puyallup, WA 98374), you can drop your flowers off as well as pick up your order when it is finished, and there will not be a shipping fee. If you are not local, you will need to overnight your flowers, or dry them yourself. Thorough shipping instructions will be provided when you reserve your date. If you decide to dry your own flowers, I will send you instructions about how to best do that. I accept fresh and dried bouquets US-wide only.
Do you accept flowers already dried?
Yes, I do! If you are interested in this option, please email me photos of your flowers at info@melissamilesdesigns.com so I can make sure they are in good enough shape to work with.
When do you need my flowers?
I need to receive them within four days of the ceremony so they are fresh enough to dry well. If you cannot get your flowers to me by that time, you may want to consider drying them yourself. If you decide to dry your flowers, I will send you step-by-step instructions about how to do that once you have placed your order.
How do I keep my flowers in good condition before shipping/dropping off?
Flowers are meant to be enjoyed on your wedding day, but if possible, please try to avoid touching the petals and throwing your bouquet. This is because this bruises the petals, and will show up as translucent spots once the flowers are encased in resin. If you want to do a bouquet toss, consider getting an artificial bouquet or mini bouquet instead. Also be sure to keep your flowers in water when you’re not using them, as well as right up until you mail them, and be sure to follow the mailing instructions I send you. Do not place your flowers in the fridge or freezer.
When will my piece(s) be finished?
I work on pressing your flowers as soon as I receive them. Typical turnaround time is about 2-3 months after you drop off your flowers. This is because the process of drying your flowers and working on your piece(s) takes a lot of time and care, and flowers must be completely dry before framing them or encasing them in resin.
How do I reserve my spot?
Dates are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Please book your spot as soon as you can after you’ve set your wedding date. I’m only able to accept a limited number of bouquets at a time and cannot guarantee a spot if you are booking at the last minute. Once you've either emailed me or filled out the form on my website, and I've confirmed that I have availability, I'll create a custom listing on my website for you to purchase which will cover the cost of the piece(s) you’d like to order. Once you have placed your order, your spot is reserved.
Will my flowers look different dried than when they were fresh?
Many flowers will look slightly different once they have dried. For example, red roses will dry deep red, orchids will dry paper thin, most white flowers will dry ivory or off-white, etc. Some flowers can get bruised and may have some transparent spots when covered in resin. This is completely normal. To reduce bruising, use an artificial bouquet for a bouquet toss and try not to touch the flower petals.
Flowers are going to hold their color longer in resin than a frame. Framed leaves and white flowers in particular tend to show aging the most, and as time goes on, will likely have some discoloration. Resin will show bruising on flowers more, which looks like transparent spots on the petals, and doesn’t show up until the resin is added. All resin will develop a slight amber tone over several years. Care instructions will be provided with your piece(s) to minimize this.
If you decide to order a framed piece, and notice discoloration in the future, I’d be happy to give you a quote for what I’d charge to color correct any flowers or leaves you’d like. The price will depend on how many flowers and/or leaves you’d like color-corrected, as well as what types of flowers/leaves they are. Color correction is a process where paint is used to enhance the flower's beauty, helping it look most like it did when it was fresh. Please email me if you'd like to see pictures of flowers color-corrected.
All my products are handmade from start to finish. Last-minute changes to the layout of your bouquet are up to me, the artist. All resin will develop a slight amber tone over several years, care instructions will be provided with your piece(s). While I work on each piece with great care, the nature of working with natural products, like flowers, means there may be minor imperfections due to the handling of them at your event, shipping, or the process of encasement.