Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely!  I've created preservation pieces for brides all across the US!  Once you've reserved your date, I will provide shipping instructions for how to send your flowers. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to me through email.

They should be sent 1-2 days after the wedding using overnight or 2-day shipping to ensure your flowers are the freshest they can be.  Please never use Ground shipping!  Those packages take lowest priority and are often the first to be delayed.

Absolutely.  Just know, the flowers will dry in the same shape and condition in which I receive them. I can do my best to cut away brown spots, but time is of the essence if you want to preserve them. We can always work with a local florist to get replacement flowers if some do not make it.

Yes! Nancy Dunson Designs can preserve both fresh and air-dried flowers. As long as they are not excessively dusty or rotting, and you still love the way they look. Air-dried flowers must be dried for a minimum of 3 months before sending them to be preserved.

Sadly, I have no control over shipping carriers or shipping delays. If your flowers are damaged or cannot be preserved, you can choose to not move forward with preservation, or I can work with one of my local florists to recreate your bouquet. Nancy Dunson Designs is not responsible for any damage caused by shipping, wilting, or rotting of the florals.

Due to the size of the molds and the drying process, I must remove the blooms from their stems and then recreate your bouquet in the mold of your choice. I will do my best to design your piece in the same style and theme that you have on your wedding day. This is why, at the start of the design process I ask for images from your wedding and of your bouquet so we can discuss details about your design and any inclusions.

Generally speaking, no.  While most flowers handle the drying process well and retain their colors, the flowers will look different when dried. White will often dry varying shades of ivory to light brown. Pinks, yellows and light blues and purples will keep their vibrant color and will dry darker. Red and purple will dry very dark. If you have a question about a specific flower, please reach out to me and I can give you more information.

To ensure your artwork lasts for years to come, it is recommended to store your piece out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat. I use high grade epoxy resin but if left in the sun, as with anything, the flowers will fade, and the resin will yellow.

No. it is impossible to preserve flowers once they are frozen. When they thaw, they will immediately rot. If you are trying to keep your flowers alive, give them fresh water daily, flower food and also place them in the refrigerator.

Some flowers and plants do not dry or preserve well. Due to high-water content, succulents and thick berries are impossible to dry. Flowers with thin petals may become very brittle after drying and end up translucent in the resin.

These transparent spots, or bruises, though not visible while the flowers are alive or even dried, will sometimes show up on your flowers once they are fully covered in resin.  This is 100% normal!  These spots can occur depending on how your flowers have been cut and handled LONG before they reach your hands or even the hands of your florist. Weddings are also really hard on flowers because they are loved so much!  Rather than seeing them as "damaged", look at the spots as tiny fingerprints that showcase the beautiful journey they took to get to your special day, and all of the magical moments they were a part of on your wedding day. Think of the process they went through to become a treasure that allows you to forever remember your special day. Please don't assume that because your flowers were given to me right away, or dropped off opposed to shipped, that they will look perfect. Although, I handle them as gently as possible, I never guarantee this. 

Any leftover flowers at the end of a project are composted.  Since I use the best of the best for your resin or pressed pieces, what is left are the flowers that are falling apart, smashed or otherwise didn't make the cut.

I can, but I use the best of the best in your preservation pieces and most of the time what’s left over are squished flowers, petals and greenery. Seriously, they're not that pretty.  However, if you would like them returned to you there is an additional $40 shipping and handling charge as I’ll need to package the dried flowers in a separate box. 

Yes.  Due to the nature of the floral preservation process and the amount of time and space it takes to process just one bouquet, a Floral Block or Pressed Frame must be purchased prior to choosing any of the add-on pieces.

Floral Preservation is a delicate process, and to produce the very best results possible, cannot be rushed. Our current lead time is 18-24 weeks.  Please keep in mind, all timelines are ESTIMATES! There will be times throughout the year where we can return pieces quicker. However busy wedding months, number of pieces in your order, and periodic material supply chain issues all play a part in this lead time. 

As much as I would love to offer my services for free, the resin, molds, supplies and materials all have a cost. You are also paying for an artist to preserve your flowers and it takes time and care. You’re not only paying for the finished product, but for the experience, heart and soul I put into creating your forever piece.

Click “Reserve Your Date” on any page of my website to be taken to a contact form where you will be asked a few questions so I can then send you a proposal, contract and invoice for the retainer fee.

Absolutely! All orders can be changed or updated up until the day I receive your flowers. Simply send us an email with your change and we'll update your proposal and invoice.

Once the flowers have been received by Nancy Dunson Designs, no reductions may be made.  Additions may be made at a later date if enough extra flowers remain unused and in quality condition.

Shipping fees are not included in the listed pricing. The client will be responsible for shipping fees associated with sending the flowers to Nancy Dunson Designs, as well as the return of the finished pieces. A flat rate Shipping & Handling will be included in your proposal invoice.  

Not at this time, but we are investigating all gift card options.