There are several important steps to follow. First and most important keep fresh flowers away from direct sun, heat or dry air. Put flower displays in a cool area. Check water daily and refill container as necessary. Some flowers such as tulips, and anemones, often droop naturally. Other firmer stem flowers may droop if they are not drinking properly. Best solution here is to re-cut the stems and replace with fresh warm water.
Weddings are one of life's most important events. Naturally everything must be special including the flowers. When selecting a florist make sure that the florist is experienced in wedding design and has a great deal of experience in wedding installations. Friends with some floral experience can be helpful in other ways. Ask a florist for photographs of their wedding work. A good florist usually has some history of wedding and event planning. A good florist is usually certified by AIFD, the American Institute of Floral Design. Meet with at least three florists before you decide on the right one. Ask for recommendations from friends who have had successful weddings.
That usually depends on what flowers are used in the bouquet and how the bouquet is treated immediately after the ceremony. One of the best methods for preserving a wedding bouquet is to have it "freeze dried" by a professional who specializes in preservation. Your florist can usually put you in touch with someone who is able to do this although your florist may not have the equipment necessary to do the freeze drying. Simply hanging a bouquet upside down in a dry place will not accomplish the same effect. Finally the memory of wedding flowers are always best preserved with good photographs. Hint for the groom: send anniversary flowers with some of the same flowers used in the wedding bouquet. There is nothing more romantic.
Absolutely. The only constraint is time. Most good wire services will require at least 48 hours lead time. Bouquets belongs to AFS (American Floral Services) which requires high design and quality standards for their member florists. The international wire service fee is higher than domestic since it usually requires the services of a translator. Flowers are well respected as a gift in most of Europe, South America, Canada and Australia. Nothing says it better in any language than a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
St. Valentine's Day is always February 14. It can fall on any day of the week and it is most appropriate to send flowers anytime during the week that it falls within.
Mother's Day is always the second Sunday of May. If mother lives in another city or state, it's always a good idea to order flowers a week in advance, especially in retirement communities, where florists often cut off orders by the Friday before Mother's Day. Mothers who receive flowers a few days early are usually happier than those that get them after the fact.
National Secretaries' Day is celebrated third Wednesday of the month of April, however, the week is now known as National Secretaries' Week. Flowers can arrive at any time during the week, however, as with mothers, it's always better to order early. What's appropriate? Nothing too romantic, however select something from a custom florist who will make the arrangement special. Flowers from the supermarket have their place but may not be special enough for that hard working employee.