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Flower Power
Frequently Asked Questions
Delivery and Service Quality Questions
Q:Can KPF replicate a flower arrangement on its Web site?
A: We like to provide our clients the most unique floral arrangements possible, so it is rare that we will replicate a design featured on our Web site. When you place an order with KPF, you work closely with our designers to help achieve your vision and emotional requirements.
We – and our network partners – purchase flowers on a daily basis from regional flower distributors and local flower markets. Flower availability and quality fluctuate tremendously, which dictates the floral design’s colors and shape. It's our philosophy to be direct with our clients and not mislead with commitments that cannot be honored. Find the Right Gift
Q: How fresh are your flowers?
A: We select the freshest and most extra ordinary blossoms available on the day of your delivery. We purchase from the local flower market wholesalers. Inventory comes from Holland, Ecuador, California, South America, Asia and the Caribbean islands. Find the Right Gift
Q: What if the recipient is not home or in the office?
A: All orders are final and for this reason you are responsible for making sure the recipient will be available to accept the arrangement before you place the order with KPF. If your recipient is not available, KPF will attempt to: leave the arrangement with a co-worker, doorman or neighbor; continue to call the recipient to schedule a delivery time for up to 24 hours and then call you for an alternative delivery address. Find the Right Gift
Q: Where can you deliver to?
A: We offer delivery throughout New York City. It is also available to most major U.S. and international cities, which is possible due to partnerships we have with florists who have similar design and quality standards (not FTD). When an order is placed for delivery outside of New York City, we work with a partner in the delivery city to ensure our standards – and your requests – are taken care of. Find the Right Gift
Q: What are your delivery times?
A: Same-day deliver is available for select KPF designs in most major U.S. cities, if we receive your order by noon in the recipient’s time zone. International orders take up to 72 hours for delivery. Find the Right Gift
Q: How much does delivery cost?
A: For New York City and orders within the United States, a delivery charge of $15 applies. Plus $5 dollar wire fee for processing orders outside New York City. International charges may vary. A sales tax will be added to your order when applicable. Delivery is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; it is not available on Saturdays and Sundays. Find the Right Gift
Q: What's the best way to order KPF flowers?
A: Don't worry if you are not familiar with the names of the thousands of flowers available.
When ordering floral gifts, describe the recipient's personality type, as well as his/her favorite colors if you know them. We can match the floral arrangement with the recipient's personality. Tell us if the gift is for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary or other personal milestone). We can offer suggestions on how to best celebrate with flowers. If the flowers are for decorating or entertaining, describe the environment where the arrangement will be placed so we can create an arrangement that complements the style and colors of your home. And don’t forget to ask about our various special designs available. Also please share any specific colors or color themes.
Provide us with the necessary information - the name, full address and phone number of the recipient, the delivery date, your card message and payment information.
Whether sending flowers across the country or around the corner, we can provide the expertise, convenience and service today's on-the-go clients are looking for. Find the Right Gift
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Frequent Wedding Questions
Q: Help me, Katrina! I’m totally overwhelmed and love every floral arrangement I see. How can I decide on just one?
A: First, take a deep breath: I promise, it will get easier. It’s kind of like when you first met your husband-to-be: There were a lot of fish in the sea, but you still managed to narrow it down and find the right one.
First, I suggest going through bridal and home magazines and ripping out pictures of arrangements that you like. Take these to your florist, along with a swatch from your gown and from the clothes that the bridal party will be wearing. It will also help to tell your florist the location of the ceremony and reception. From all this, your florist will be able to get a sense of your style and help you narrow your direct your thought process to the best arrangement for your style, colors and budget. Request a Consultation
Q: I’ve had every detail of my wedding planned since I was five. How can I find a florist who will help me achieve my dreams?
A: I think the most important thing in finding a florist is to find one who you feel comfortable with – someone you feel “gets” you.
Once you know the date of your wedding and know where it – and the reception – will be held, schedule a consultation with a number of florists. You can find them a variety of ways – ask friends who they used (if you liked their designs), surf the Internet, ask the venues or caterers who they like to work with or open the phone book and make a wish. I suggest going by word of mouth (or at least a lot of Internet research). In the meeting, come prepared with a list of questions and samples of designs you like. Listen to the florists and see if they’re listening to you. After meeting with a few, you should really get a feel for who you think you’d be comfortable working with.
Request a Consultation
Q: I like fresh and funky! Do I have to go with classic and frumpy?
A: Not at all! Your wedding is about you – your likes, your dislikes and your style. But make sure you find a florist who is willing to bend the classic rules and go wild. At Katrina Parris Flowers, we prefer the untraditional! There are also a variety of other ways that you can work floral arrangements into your wedding that will leave guests talking for years to come. Request a Consultation
Q: My guy is staying hands-off, but I want our big day to be special for him, too. How can I figure out what he’d like, without driving him crazy?
A: The answer is in his house. Look around. How does he decorate? What’s his style? Get a feel for his decorating taste and provide your florist with that information. He or she would then probably be able to help you decipher his taste and make it work (to some extent) in your scheme. If you’re going for a non-traditional wedding – or if the colors work right – you could do something playful that will put a smile on his face: Like use the colors of his favorite
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Fresh Cut Flower Care
Q: How do I properly care for my flowers or branches?
A: A little extra care can make a big difference for any size flower arrangement. Most floral arrangements last four to seven days, but you can maximize the life of any arrangement with these tips from The Society of American Florists. Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods (not sugar or aspirin) make flowers last longer. But, follow the mixing directions on the packet. They should not be diluted with more water than is specified. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with flower food. Re-cut stems at a sharp angle removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife. Place the stems into water with the food.
Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, direct lamp, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators.
When using woody stems and branches, cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening. See Flower Power Articles for more detail.
Q: How often should I water my orchids?
A: Depending upon the temperature, orchids potted in glass should be watered about once or twice a week. During the summer, the plants may need to be watered every four to five days. You should follow this rule of thumb for watering: More heat, more water; less heat, less water. Some orchids prefer to be kept on the moist side. This does not mean that the orchid likes to be left in standing water. Try to water the plants early in the day, so that the foliage will be dry by nightfall. Flower Power Articles for more detail.
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Gift Giving Suggestions
Q: How can I decide on the right floral arrangement?
A: That’s what we’re here for! If you’re having trouble deciding, feel free to check out some of our articles, which offer great suggestions on how to order and how to determine the arrangement that is perfect for your special someone. If you can put someone’s interests and style into words, pick up the phone and give your local florist a call – chances are he or she can offer some great suggestions and develop a unique floral design for even the most difficult person to buy flowers for.
One thing is for sure: Everyone loves flowers, you just have to find the right arrangement and sometimes the mass-produced varieties don’t cut it. With the help of your florist, you’ll convey the perfect message. Find the Right Gift
Q: I always get stuck trying to come up with a sincere – and clever – note for the card. Any tips?
A: First off, don’t stress! Your florist can help if you get stuck. I know how hard it can be to come up with something clever, sweet … whatever you want it to be … when you’re on the spot placing an order. At Katrina Parris Flowers, we help our clients put their deepest emotions into thought. We’ve seen it all: Crushes, declarations of love and a simple “thank you” or “thinking of you” note. We hand-write all our cards, so the message is even more personal. You may want to ask if your florist offers this service. Find the Right Gift
Q: I think my recipient is allergic to flowers … is there anything I can do?
A: You can still treat that special someone even if conventional flowers make them sneeze. First step: Find out what she’s allergic to. Next step: Talk to your florist. There are a lot of other great options for the allergic: In general, tropical flowers don’t have pollen, and you can add some lovely tropical greens. Or you consider flowering tree branches, quince, dogwood, pussy willow or curly willow. Find the Right Gift
Q: What is the meaning of flowers?
A: In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules - it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives. For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources: (Find the Right Gift)
Amaryllis -- dramatic
Carnation:
pink -- gratitude
red -- flashy
striped -- refusal
white -- remembrance
yellow -- cheerful
Delphinium -- boldness
Freesia -- spirited
Gladiolus -- strength of character
Hyacinth -- sincerity
Hydrangea -- perseverance
Iris -- inspiration
Ivy -- fidelity
Jasmine -- grace and elegance
Lavender -- distrust
Lilac -- first love
Calla Lily -- regal
Casablanca -- celebration
Stargazer -- ambition
Lisianthus -- calming
Magnolia -- dignity
Marigold -- desire for riches
Orchid -- delicate beauty
Peony -- healing
Rose:
pink -- friendship
red -- passionate love
red & white -- unity
white -- purity
yellow -- zealous
Snapdragon -- presumptuous
Sunflower -- adoration
Sweetpea -- shyness
Tulip:
pink -- caring
purple -- royalty
red -- declaration of love
white -- forgiveness
yellow -- hopelessly in love
Q: How long before a holiday should I order flowers that need to be delivered?
A: Because flowers are a personal and preferred gift for many holidays, we are often extremely busy during holiday seasons and inventory on certain flowers and plants may be in short supply. Your best bet is to contact us one to two weeks before the holiday. Or, log in to your account to sign up for our reminder service. Find the Right Gift
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