Hi all - I only found one post regarding this, so I apologize if I overlooked something but here's my question - How difficult is it to prepare the flowers when you receive them wholesale? We found several direct shippers from South America with fabulous pricing on the flowers I want - a mix of peonies, mums, and tulips with some smaller roses mixed in - and honestly to order them this way is the only way I can get what I want. Luckily my brother has been a director of banquets at a hotel for years and does party set-up and decorating for people on the side so I'm not concerned about the arranging of them, but it says they must be "prepared" after they arrive with instructions in the boxes. I know you ladies are professionals, so is that more than any of us can handle or is it not as bad as I think? They have floral coolers at this facility where we can store them, but none of us have ever worked with 'raw' flowers before and I have heard that tulips are difficult to work with anyway. Any ideas, suggestions, or input would be greatly appreciated - Thanks tons in advance!!!
expertplanner
BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Post #2 of 3
(707 views)
Re: [sarie_j] South American Flowers
[In reply to]
It isn't so much about how difficult it is to prepare flowers from a wholesaler as much as it is about are you able to prepare them properly. Meaning, fresh flowers must be assembled quickly. Also, they must be handled very tenderly as they are quite fragile. Will you have the proper sprays, containers, packaging, etc. ready to keep them fresh looking when they arrive? How about transportation? If you are creating centerpieces, is your/the vehicle roomy enough to prevent the flowers from breaking apart or tipping over?
And, all the above is contingent on whether ALL the flowers you order arrive without damage. What will you do if some are wilted, brown, damaged? Will you have enough time to send them back? Probably not since your order will more than likely be timed around your wedding date.
I know that the cost of ordering flowers wholeslae is attractive, but the risk behind doing so if you are not a professional florist may cost you far more than you save.
So, to answer your question, it may be difficult to assemble your own bouquets/centerpieces if you are unprepared. Unless you can get instructions before the flowers arrive to review, I would stick to hiring a professional florist.
sarie_j
Post #3 of 3
(702 views)
Re: [expertplanner] South American Flowers
[In reply to]
Thanks for your advice, I'm going to call our local florist and see what she can do for me - As I said, the more I had read about those flowers the more and more intimidated I was about doing this, you only confirmed my thinking.
South American Flowers
