:: FAQ ::


Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide fresh flowers in addition to preserved flowers? Which do you recommend?
Yes, we provide complete floral design services for both fresh and preserved flowers. We generally recommend going with preserved flowers if you are purchasing a special piece that you will want to keep as a memory. A wedding bouquet is an excellent example. Many brides pay for post-wedding bouquet preservation services which can be very expensive and is risky because the flowers may have started to wilt already. A preserved flower bouquet eliminates the need for costly third party preservation, and it is virtually indistinguishable from a fresh flower bouquet. On the other hand we recommend going with fresh flowers if it is not something you plan to keep after the event or if you need a specific type of flower that is not available preserved. For most events, we usually end up using a combination of both preserved and fresh flowers.

Are preserved flowers really REAL flowers?
Yes, our preserved flowers are actual 100% real flowers. They are NOT silk flowers or any other type of artificial flower. They're the real thing. Preserved simply means that the flowers have undergone a special preservation process to allow the flowers to maintain their original color and appearance -- and as a result preserving their natural beauty forever.

Why are preserved flowers a good alternative to fresh flowers?
Preserved flowers give you all the benefits of fresh flowers but with a very important distinction -- they will not wither, wilt, or die (as opposed to fresh flowers which need plenty of water and normally last no more than a few days or weeks).

What other benefits do preserved flowers have over fresh flowers?
Aside from the obvious benefit that preserved flowers having a significantly longer lifespan, there are other reasons that many people have decided to use preserved flowers over fresh flowers. Here are just a few:
  • You don't need to have your flowers delivered (or picked up) the day of your event. With fresh flowers, you have to make sure you carefully plan and coordinate the delivery of your flowers to prevent them from withering prematurely. But with preserved flowers, you have the luxury of purchasing your flowers well in advance without having to worry about how long they will last. This lets you see if you really like the flowers and make sure that that they match well with your outfit, the event decor, etc.
  • Many people say the most important benefit is being able to preserve not just flowers, but memories -- whether it be memories from a beautiful wedding bouquet, memories from a unique homecoming night corsage, or memories from a special event centerpiece. By using preserved flowers for your event you will be able to keep those memories for a lifetime.

Do preserved flowers maintain all the characteristics of real flowers?
Preserved flowers maintain every characteristic of real flowers except their scent. Once a flower has been picked and preserved, over time it will lose its original scent. But as for the appearance, texture, shape, and color of the flower, they are exactly the same as they would be on a real flower.

Is the preservation process harmful?
The process we use to preserve our flowers is completely safe. We treat the flowers with a natural preserving agent that is environmentally safe and leaves behind no odor or residue.

How long can a preserved flower last for?
We preserved our first roses over 3 years ago and they are still in perfect condition to this day with absolutely no signs of fading or deterioration. As with any other product, their durability can be affected by improper usage (e.g., keeping the flowers in a location with excessive humidity or sunlight). But with proper usage you can be sure that your flowers will last for years and years to come.

Do I need to do anything special to maintain my preserved flowers?
No special care is required, but of course there are steps you can take to prevent damaging your preserved flowers. For example, it is best not to leave the flowers outside or other places where they will be exposed to harsh conditions. Try to keep the flowers away from high humidity and direct sunlight.

What kind of flower arrangements can you make for me?
We have an experienced and talented lead designer who is certified in floral design and has 10 years experience working with all types of floral arrangements. We will work with you to custom design an arrangement specifically for your event. We can make arrangements for formal events, weddings, homecoming, prom, anniversaries, or any other special occasion you have coming up.

How long will it take to process and ship my order?
In stock items are normally shipped out within 1-2 business days. For custom orders, it will depend on the complexity and design of the arrangements. We will discuss your requirements with you during your consultation and provide an estimated delivery time.

Do you accept orders from outside the United States?
Yes, we do accept international orders. However please be aware of any local import regulations that may apply for your country.


If you have a question that is not answered here, just send an email to contact@sweetlylovely.com and we will get back to you soon (usually within 24 hours if not sooner). We look forward to hearing from you!