FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions -
Getting Started & Availability
How does your service work?
Once you place an order or secure your booking with a £50 deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing full packaging instructions and the address to send your flowers.
When your flowers arrive, they are carefully unpacked, assessed, and prepared for drying. We’ll contact you to confirm what will fit best within your chosen piece and discuss any design considerations before casting begins.
Do you have availability?
Yes. We have unlimited availability thanks to our large workspace and environmentally controlled flower storage areas. This allows us to safely dry and store a high volume of flowers at any one time.
Booking an appointment
Hand delivery and collection appointments are available by prior arrangement. Please contact us to book.
Where are you located?
We are based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Flowers can be posted to us from anywhere in the UK, and hand delivery is available by prior arrangement.
Choosing Flowers & Designs
I haven’t chosen my flowers yet – what works well?
If you haven’t chosen your flowers yet, that’s absolutely fine. We work with a wide range of flowers and will always guide you on what works best for preservation.
Stronger colours tend to preserve particularly well in resin. Once your flowers arrive, we assess their size, structure, and condition and advise on the most suitable pieces and layouts.
Can you preserve fresh flowers?
All flowers must be fully dried before preservation. This is something we carry out in-house using our controlled drying process to ensure the best possible results before casting in resin.
I have dried flowers – can you preserve them?
Yes, dried flowers can be preserved depending on their condition.
However, most pre-dried flowers are unsuitable for coasters or trays, as these pieces require flowers to be pressed while fresh. Design options may also be more limited, as dried flowers cannot always be reshaped or easily manipulated.
My flowers are a week old – can you still preserve them?
In many cases, yes. Suitability depends on the type of flowers and how they have been stored. We will always assess them honestly and advise what can be achieved.
Getting married abroad – can you still preserve my flowers?
Yes, we can preserve flowers from destination weddings.
We can provide a destination wedding packing kit so the drying process can begin before the flowers are sent back to us. One of the best ways to return flowers quickly while still fresh is to send them home with a guest or family member, allowing them to be posted to us as soon as possible.
You don’t stock the size or item I would like. Can you help?
Yes. We happily take on custom sizing and bespoke pieces, and we can offer a range of options depending on your budget.
Do I need to know which pieces I want straight away?
No. You can either place a full order or pay a £50 deposit, which secures the preservation of your flowers and gives you time to decide on your pieces later.
The only exception is coasters, trays, and jewellery dishes, which must be confirmed before the flowers arrive, as these pieces require flowers to be pressed on arrival.
Can you send me a proof design?
A design proof can be provided if requested when placing your order.
Please note that resin begins as a liquid (similar in consistency to water) before it starts to set. Because of this, some flowers may naturally move or float slightly during the curing process. In some cases, small adjustments may also be required to achieve the best overall result, although we always keep changes to a minimum.
Sending Your Flowers
How quickly do I need to post my flowers?
Ideally, flowers should be posted within 1–3 days of the service or event for the best results.
Posting within 4–7 days is still generally suitable.
After 7+ days, suitability becomes much more dependent on the type of flowers, how they have been cared for, and storage conditions. Many factors can affect preservation results, and we will always assess them honestly on arrival.
How soon do the flowers need to arrive?
Flowers should arrive with us as soon as possible so we can begin the drying process promptly.
The only postal service we recommend is Royal Mail Special Delivery, as this ensures next-day delivery and appropriate handling.
How will I know where to send my flowers?
Your confirmation email will include full packaging instructions and the postal address.
What items do I need to pack my flowers?
Clear packaging instructions are provided in your confirmation email so you can prepare everything in advance of sending your flowers.
Can flowers be hand delivered?
Yes. Flowers can be hand delivered by prior arrangement or posted following our instructions.
What Happens During Preservation
What happens when my flowers arrive with you?
Your flowers are carefully unpacked and assessed. We check what will fit into your chosen piece and contact you to confirm suitability.
If any flowers cannot be included, or if there are more flowers than will fit, we will discuss alternative options with you.
Will all of my flowers be used?
Not always. This depends on the size of the piece chosen and the size and condition of the flowers. We will always let you know what can be included.
What happens with any leftover flowers?
If flowers remain unused, we will let you know and discuss available options where possible.
Can I include ribbon or other sentimental items?
Yes. Ribbon, confetti, and other small sentimental items can be included if sent with the flowers. Suitable leftover ribbon may also be used in the wrapping of your finished piece.
Lead Times
What are your lead times?
Our turnaround time is a minimum of 24 weeks.
During busier periods, this can extend up to 12 months, depending on the time of year. Timescales vary due to drying, curing, and the handcrafted nature of each piece.
A Rush My Order option may be available for those needing a faster service.
Finished Pieces & Care
How will my items be delivered?
Finished pieces are carefully wrapped and either securely posted or collected in person by prior arrangement.
How do I care for my piece?
Care instructions are included with every piece to guide you on how to best look after your preserved flowers.
Will resin yellow over time?
We use high-quality resin designed to minimise yellowing. Over time, very slight natural changes can occur, particularly if pieces are displayed in direct sunlight. Care instructions are provided to help keep your piece looking its best.
Can I use a real flame in a tealight holder?
No. Real flames should not be used in resin tealight holders, as resin is not heat resistant. We recommend and supply a battery-operated tealight for safety.
Can I put food directly onto the resin?
No. Resin pieces are not food safe, and food should not be placed directly onto the surface. We recommend using a plate or liner to protect your piece.
Contact
How do I contact you if I have questions?
📧 info@nogardcreations.co.uk