Flower Preservation Australia — Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that preserving a bridal bouquet or other special-occasion flowers may be a new experience. These answers explain what to expect and should be read together with our Booking Terms & Conditions, Shipping Your Flowers & Delivery Policy, Returns & Refunds Policy and other customer policies.

Nothing in these FAQs excludes, restricts or modifies any right or remedy available under the Australian Consumer Law.

Booking and Payment

How do I book?

Choose the artwork or products you would like from our online store. When prompted, select the date and time your flowers will arrive at our studio. Complete checkout as you would for any online purchase.

After your order is processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing the information you need for studio drop-off or delivery. Please check your spam or junk folder if the email does not appear in your inbox.

Opening hours

Are last-minute bookings available?

Last-minute bookings may be available, subject to production capacity. Add your preferred product to the cart and check the booking calendar for the next available arrival date. If a suitable date is shown, you may complete checkout to secure it.

Why should I book in advance?

Fresh-flower preservation is time-sensitive and our production capacity is limited. Booking early reserves your place in our schedule and gives you the best chance of securing your preferred arrival date.

How does the deposit payment option work?

A 35% Initial Booking & Preservation Fee is paid when you book. It covers:

• reserving your place in our production schedule;

• administration and preparation of your order; and

• the initial drying and preservation process.

The remaining 65% balance covers the design, creation and finishing of your handcrafted artwork. It is automatically charged to the original payment method 40 days after the booking date. By selecting the deposit option, you authorise this payment.

If you need additional time, contact us before the payment is due to request a pause or another written arrangement.

What happens if the final payment is late?

Your flowers will still be dried when received, but we will not create the final artwork or order custom frames, moulds or other materials until the balance is paid in full. An unpaid order is placed on hold.

If payment remains outstanding for more than three months from the booking date, we cannot guarantee the original production timeframe. The order may be moved to the next available production period after payment is received.

We will make reasonable attempts to contact you. We will not dispose of flowers or artwork merely because three months have passed. Unpaid or unclaimed property will be stored and handled in accordance with applicable Queensland legislation, including any required notices and minimum holding periods. Reasonable storage charges may apply where permitted by law and after notice has been given.

Is there a separate flower-drying fee?

No. The initial drying and preservation process is included in the 35% Initial Booking & Preservation Fee. It is not charged as a separate fee on top of your order.

Is there a minimum order?

Our current minimum spend is $400 per booking. Please check the website before booking in case pricing or minimum-order requirements have changed.

Cooling-Off, Changes and Cancellations

What is the voluntary cooling-off period?

We offer a voluntary 10 business day cooling-off period from the booking date. You may cancel during this period and receive a full refund of the 35% Initial Booking & Preservation Fee, provided your flowers have not been delivered to us.

If your scheduled booking date falls within the cooling-off period, you must give at least 48 hours’ written notice before that date if you wish to cancel.

Once your flowers are received, drying begins as soon as reasonably possible. The voluntary cooling-off period then ends because the preservation service has commenced.

What happens if I cancel after the cooling-off period?

The 35% Initial Booking & Preservation Fee is generally non-refundable because it covers booking administration, reserved production capacity and preservation services reserved or commenced.

We will not retain more than is reasonably necessary to cover services provided, costs incurred and losses arising from the cancellation. This does not affect any refund or other remedy required under the Australian Consumer Law.

Can I change my order?

Changes may be requested before production begins and are subject to availability. Once manufacturing has started, changes may not be possible. Additional charges may apply where a change requires new materials, moulds or additional work.

After the voluntary cooling-off period, a request to reduce the order may be treated as a partial cancellation. Any amount retained will be limited to the reasonable costs and losses associated with the change, subject to the Australian Consumer Law.

Can I reschedule my booking?

Rescheduling requires at least 30 days’ written notice and is subject to availability. A $100 rescheduling fee applies to cover reasonable administration and production-scheduling costs, except where the fee cannot lawfully be charged. Rescheduling may affect the estimated production timeframe.

Delivering or Shipping Your Flowers

When should my flowers arrive?

As soon as possible—the sooner we receive the flowers, the sooner drying can begin. Cut flowers naturally wilt, brown and shrink over time. Arrival the day after the wedding or event is preferable where practical.

Can I post my flowers to you?

Yes. If you cannot deliver them to our Everton Park, Brisbane studio, you may send them by post or courier.

When booking, select the date the flowers are expected to arrive at our studio—not the date you send them. The full address is provided after your booking is confirmed because Flower Preservation Australia operates from a home studio.

Which delivery service should I use?

Use the fastest suitable tracked service available, such as Australia Post Express Post. Next-business-day delivery is available only within the Express Post next-business-day network and is not guaranteed for every origin or destination. Check the carrier’s current delivery estimate before sending.

You may select safe drop or signature on delivery. A signature service provides additional delivery confirmation, but an unsuccessful delivery attempt may delay receipt if the parcel is taken to a post office or depot.

Who pays for shipping?

The customer pays inbound shipping costs. As a general guide only, customers have previously paid approximately $40 to $230, depending on parcel size, weight, origin, carrier and optional insurance. This is not a quote or guaranteed price.

Studio drop-off may be arranged where available if you wish to avoid inbound shipping costs.

What tracking information do you need?

After booking, email us to confirm that you intend to send your flowers. Send the carrier name and tracking number as soon as the parcel has been lodged so we can monitor the expected arrival. Tracking does not guarantee a delivery time.

How should I prepare and pack the bouquet?

Before packing, trim the stems and place the flowers in clean, cool water. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat and ripening fruit. Securely capped individual water tubes may be used, but do not place loose water inside the shipping carton.

Use a strong box approximately one-and-a-half times the size of the bouquet. Support the flowers with clean, dry shredded paper, tissue paper, paper-based cushioning or clean foam. Where practical, pack the bouquet upright and fill empty space so it cannot slide or strike the sides of the box.

Do not wrap the bouquet or blooms in sealed plastic or bubble wrap. Trapped heat and moisture can cause sweating, wilting, discolouration and mould.

Write your name and order number inside the parcel and on the outer box. Mark the top with upright arrows and label it FRAGILE — FRESH FLOWERS. Please read our complete Shipping Your Flowers & Delivery Policy before dispatch.

Can I send keepsakes with my flowers?

Yes, provided the items are dry and suitable for the chosen artwork. Place jewellery, ribbon, photographs or other keepsakes in a sealed, labelled bag. Secure the bag to a card showing your name, telephone number, email address and order number.

What about interstate biosecurity rules?

Plant and flower movement restrictions may apply across Australian state, territory and quarantine-zone borders. Before sending, you must check that the bouquet and foliage can lawfully be sent from its origin to Queensland and comply with carrier and biosecurity requirements. Do not include soil, rooted plants, fruit or restricted plant material.

What happens if shipping is delayed or the flowers are damaged in transit?

Where you contract directly with the carrier, claims for loss, delay or transit damage may need to be made with that carrier. We recommend tracking and appropriate transit insurance.

Fresh flowers naturally deteriorate. Flower Preservation Australia is not responsible for deterioration caused solely by delayed dispatch, unsuitable packaging, heat, moisture, mishandling or carrier delay outside our reasonable control. When the parcel arrives, we will assess the flowers and preserve them as successfully as reasonably possible.

Nothing in this answer excludes any responsibility or consumer right that cannot legally be excluded.

Flowers and the Preservation Process

Why do the flowers need to be dried?

Flowers must be properly dried before they are framed or cast in resin. Moisture left in a flower can cause discolouration, deterioration or problems within the finished artwork. Different varieties dry at different rates, so the bouquet must be disassembled before drying.

Is my bouquet kept whole?

No. The bouquet must be carefully disassembled because different flower varieties dry at different rates. Floristry wire and tape may also need to be removed. Please deliver the bouquet intact so we can document and prepare it appropriately.

Will my flowers look different after preservation?

Yes. Real flowers naturally change during drying and preservation. Expected characteristics may include:

• colours becoming lighter or darker;

• white flowers becoming cream or ivory;

• fading or transparency;

• shrinking, curling or petal movement;

• texture changes; and

• small bubbles or minor handmade irregularities in resin artwork.

These characteristics are not faults by themselves. Every bouquet responds differently, and we cannot guarantee an exact match to the fresh bouquet, a previous artwork, photograph or digital display.

What happens if my flowers arrive in poor condition?

If flowers arrive wilted, damaged, mouldy, excessively aged or otherwise unsuitable, we will preserve them as successfully as reasonably possible. We cannot guarantee that damaged or deteriorated flowers will achieve the same result as fresh flowers.

If, after drying, you decide not to proceed because of their condition, we will refund amounts paid above the 35% Initial Booking & Preservation Fee, less any additional reasonable costs already incurred where permitted by law.

Which flowers preserve best?

Brightly coloured flowers and many Australian natives generally retain their colour and structure well. However, every flower reacts differently, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Can you use flowers that are already dried?

Yes, in many cases already-dried flowers can be used in resin artwork. Their existing colour, shape and condition will generally remain visible in the finished piece. Please contact us before booking so we can assess suitability.

How long does preservation take?

Our estimated turnaround is generally four to eight months, but some orders may take longer. Timing depends on the flower varieties and condition, drying requirements, order size, artwork design, resin curing, humidity, material availability and the production schedule.

Turnaround times are estimates rather than guaranteed completion dates.

Artwork Options and Expectations

What is the difference between a framed piece and resin artwork?

A framed piece displays preserved flowers in a custom deep frame. Resin artwork uses selected dried flowers cast into a chosen resin shape or design. Available sizes, styles and finishes are shown on our product pages.

Can I order both framed and resin artwork?

Yes. A bouquet may provide enough flowers for a framed piece and a small resin item. Larger or multiple resin pieces may require additional flowers, such as another bouquet or table arrangement. We can provide guidance based on your chosen products.

Can other items be included?

Dry, moisture-free keepsakes may be suitable, including photographs, lace, ribbon or small trinkets. Suitability depends on the material, size and chosen artwork. Please ask us before sending irreplaceable or valuable items.

Will my artwork look exactly like an example online?

No two artworks can be identical. By booking, you acknowledge that you selected Flower Preservation Australia’s signature artistic style based on our portfolio, website and social media. Each piece is handcrafted from the customer’s own flowers and will be unique.

Are bubbles, layer lines and petal transparency normal in resin?

Small bubbles, layer lines, petal transparency and minor handmade irregularities may occur when natural flowers are cast in resin. Resin is poured in controlled layers, and flowers can release trapped air or allow resin into tiny, pre-existing petal damage. These expected characteristics are not faults by themselves.

If you believe your artwork has a problem beyond an expected natural or handmade variation, contact us promptly so it can be assessed under our Returns & Refunds Policy and the Australian Consumer Law.

Can I choose a black background for resin artwork?

Where offered for the selected product, you may choose a clear finish,pink or black background. A black background can increase visual contrast and may help reduce light passing through the back of the piece. It does not prevent normal ageing or discolouration.

How long will preserved artwork last?

Longevity depends on placement, sunlight, heat, humidity, handling and the natural characteristics of the flowers and materials. Resin may gradually amber or discolour over time, even when it contains UV inhibitors. Preserved flowers may also continue to fade or change colour.

Display artwork away from direct sunlight, high heat and humid areas such as bathrooms. Follow the care instructions supplied with your order.

Collection, Delivery and Problems With an Order

Can I collect my finished artwork?

Yes, completed artwork may be collected from our studio. Where available, it may also be shipped within Australia. You are responsible for providing complete and accurate contact and delivery details.

Who pays return delivery or redelivery costs?

Return shipping, redelivery charges and additional delivery costs are the customer’s responsibility unless the costs arise from our failure to meet a consumer guarantee or the law requires otherwise.

Do you offer refunds?

Every finished piece is custom-made to your specifications using your flowers. We do not provide returns, exchanges or refunds merely because you change your mind after production has commenced, dislike an expected natural variation or decide our signature style no longer suits you.

This does not apply where the goods or services fail to meet a consumer guarantee. Depending on the circumstances and the Australian Consumer Law, an appropriate remedy may include repair, replacement, refund, repeat performance or another solution.

What should I do if my artwork is damaged or there is another problem?

Contact us as soon as possible with your name, order number, a clear explanation and photographs where relevant. We may need to assess the artwork before determining the appropriate remedy.

Custom Glitter Prints

Does my photograph need to be black and white?

No. Both colour and black-and-white photographs can work well. Images containing white or bright areas may make the hand-applied sparkle more visible.

How should I care for a Custom Glitter Print?

All Custom Glitter Prints are supplied professionally framed in a custom frame. The frame helps protect the artwork from dust, handling and the possible loss of loose sparkle material. Keep the framed print dry, handle it with care and display it away from direct sunlight, high heat and humid areas.

Is there a change-of-mind period for Custom Glitter Prints?

Customers have 24 hours after placing a Custom Glitter Print order to request changes or cancel for change of mind. After this period, the order may be submitted to our printer and production will begin, so changes or change-of-mind cancellations may no longer be possible.

We do not provide a refund merely for change of mind once production has commenced.

This does not exclude any refund, replacement or other remedy required under the Australian Consumer Law.

How long does a Custom Glitter Print take?

After the 24-hour voluntary change-of-mind period, the order may be submitted to our printer and production begins. Once the printed image is received, it is hand-embellished with German glass glitter, sealed, allowed to cure and placed in its custom frame before packing. The process generally takes approximately two to three weeks, although printing, framing, carrier or production delays may affect the estimate.

Once dispatched, tracking details will be provided. Carrier schedules may be outside our reasonable control, but nothing in this information excludes any responsibility or consumer right that cannot legally be excluded.

Consumer Rights and Contact

Our goods and services come with consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Nothing in these FAQs excludes, restricts or modifies any right, guarantee, remedy or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.

If anything is unclear, please contact Flower Preservation Australia using the details published on our website before booking.