Skip to main content

What should I Expect?

If this is your first time purchasing a floral preservation package, you may not know what to expect from this process. That's ok! We want you to be as comfortable as possible with entrusting us with your flowers.

Realistic Expectations

We want you to have the most realistic expectations possible. We love flowers and respect their natural characteristics, and this includes any changes that may happen during the drying process.

Color Changes

You can expect the colors of your flowers to change during the drying process. As your flowers go through the drying process they will naturally lose some of their pigment.


At Ostara we believe in respecting and embracing this natural process and do not offer color correction. We also only use all natural products with zero toxic chemicals during the drying process.


Please note that white flowers will have the most color change and browning. All white flowers will have some browning and may appear off-white, beige, or cream in color. 

Shape Changes

Our drying process allows your flowers to retain their 3-Dimensional shape but there may be some small changes in shape during the natural drying process.


A process called "de-bulking" may be used to remove inner petals from dense, moisture heavy flowers such as roses that are not fully open. This process allows our drying technology to reach deeper into the bloom where moisture may be trapped. This prevents mold growth, browning of exterior petals, and an overall better appearance of your flowers.


Large flowers such as hydrangea may be cut into smaller pieces for drying and reassembled during the design process.


Flower stems may be dried separately from blooms to ensure all moisture is removed from both pieces.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the preservation process?

The time for your project to be complete cand vary based on the types of flowers in your bouquet. Some flowers have a higher water content and will need extra time to dry before the design process can begin.


We estimate 6 - 10 weeks.

When should I start planning for the preservation process?

We highly suggest that you start planning for floral preservation as soon as possible. The earlier we receive your flowers the better they will dry and ultimately the better product you will receive. 


We suggest delegating someone to be responsible for caring for your flowers after your wedding and getting them to us as soon as possible. It is also recommended to keep your flowers in water as much as possible. We understand that your bouquet will be held and moved throughout the day, but we strongly suggest giving the stems a quick snip and placing in a vase of fresh water as soon as possible. 


DO NOT put your flowers in a fridge or freezer as this can severely damage the blooms. 

Can I add a memento, photograph, invitation, or other item to my shadowbox?

Yes!


We will accept mementos including photos, invitations, handwritten vows, lace, ribbons, pendants, or other pieces. However, the item will need to be narrower than the shadowbox selected and you will not be able to remove the item from the sealed shadowbox.

Can I purchase additional flowers to add to my piece?

Yes!


If you would like to add additional blooms, or need to replace blooms that were damaged we will work with you to make this happen. Reach out to us through email for your individual project. Blooming@ostarafloral.com.

Do you only preserve bouquets?

No.


We can preserve any types of flowers that you provide including arch pieces, table arrangements, and memorial pieces. The more florals you provide, the more we will be able to place inside the shadowbox.

Do I have to buy my original flowers from you?

No.


Although we offer floristry services including bridal bouquets, centerpieces, memorial florals, and other flower options we accept flowers designed by other florists.

Can you add customizations like names or dates on the frams?

Yes!


We use a high quality vinyl to write your customization on the glass. 

What happens to any left over blooms? Are these returned to me?

We will work diligently to use every single bloom provided. It is very rare for there to be any blooms left over at the end of the design process.


Due to the fragility of the flowers after the drying process we are unable to ship the blooms back to you in the rare instance that all blooms cannot be used. Instead, we will work with you to determine if another product can be used to preserve your blooms. 

What if I want to make a change to my order?

Please contact as soon as possible through email Blooming@ostarafloral.com. To make any amendments to your order. 

I would like to cancel my order, how does that work?

We understand that situations may change and that's ok. 


As long as we have not received your florals we will refund your order to the original payment used at the time of booking. Our product and services are not refundable once we have received your flowers. The drying process will begin immediately upon receipt and we no longer be able to provide a refund.