So disappointed with Keepsake Floral

[UnderTheMistletoe]

I just got off the phone for my design consultation. I am totally, totally bummed... and in tears. I am really unwilling to pay the (outrageous) cost for the design that I had my heart set on. While saving for a house, I really do feel almost guilty for even having them preserved. I'm not getting anywhere near what I want in any way, shape, or form, and am paying far too much not to have exactly what it is that I do want. And now, becuase they have my flowers, I have no way of backing out, forgoing the deposit just to have my own flowers back. Instead, they're being arranged in a way that I really didn't want and there will not be as many of them as I would like. The rest will just go in the trash. And all this for over $500... I am practically in hysterics.

 

[happylalagirl]

Jill, I'm so sorry to hear that... is there any way you can call them back and speak to a manager or supervisor to explain how you feel... I am trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my bouquet. I am worried about the expense also... we are paying for everything (except our pics) by ourselves... and we are not in very good financial standing right now... I'm worried but my fiance keeps promising it'll all work out. I saw some of the prices for that companie's keepsake flowers... and I got a little nervous. My bouquet will cost $150 and I don't want to just throw them out... but I don't know if I can afford to have them done by Keepsake either... please keep us updated if things change. It would be a huge help to me and I'm sure to other girls as well, to know how it turned out and if they were able to make it look the way you wanted.

 

[Chrissie-riel]

Oh, Jill, that is awful! I would definitely call back and talk to someone more reasonable and willing to listen to your concerns. Here's some pixie dust for good luck!

For any other brides who happen to read this...I know if your day is in Florida and you won't be returning home for a while it may be harder, but dried flowers do stay pretty well on their own. I handed my bouquet to my sister as I left on my honeymoon. I told her to enjoy them in water for a few days, then tie and hang them upside down. That's how I found them when I returned. My wedding was 9 years ago and they still look great. I keep them in the curio cabinet in the dining room. I know that they won't last forever like those of you who professionally preserve them, but I am happy!

 

[JandJ]

That is awful! I was going to use them but decided I would just dry my flowers like chrissiereiss did, like I did with every bouquet DH has given me. I gave my bouquet to my MIL and she hung them upside down for me until we got home from our honeymoon. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the way Disney made my bouquet, it was just the tiniest stem of the flower into a "form" for lack of a better word and the wrapped stems weren't the rose stems at all! So, all of the little roses fell out of the "form" and the whole thing rotted As beautiful as it looked the day of the wedding, and for a few days after, it was a total mess when I tried to dry it. I was able to save the ribbon and one little burgundy accent rose, not even one of the big main ivory roses. I was really disappointed and really regretted not having it preserved at that point. DH's bout dried just fine and it looks great, as does my MOH's 3-rose wand.

I guess what I'm trying to say is despite the cost, at least you'll have something of your bouquet - but I know it's horrible that they're not listening to you and have your bouqet hostage!

 

[Equidae]

That's horrible that they would keep your bouquet. Maybe if you offer to pay for shipping they will send it all back? Did you research the company and their prices beforehand?

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Yes, I did do the research and checked the prices beforehand. What I never took into account was the size that I would actually need. One would think that an 8 x 10 is mighty large on a given day. I ifgured that would do the trick. Apparently not when you talk to them. The first thing I told the girl was my budget. She gave me the final price for nearly double it regardless. And I really was scrimping and taking her down as low as I could. You do sign a contract that you understand that they will not return your flowers unless they are under glass. My suggestion would be to look at the website and brochure, determine what it is you want, call and get a price on it so that you know what you should expect! This does not appear to be a company that is willing to give you every last bit for your money's worth. They would much rather take you up to the next price bracket.

There is a silver lining... My dad called tonight and said, "I know I owe you a wedding gift. Is there something you would especially like?" I had gotten off the phone with my mom no more than 20 minutes prior and was still sniffling. I just broke down when he asked. He remembered we had talked about it previously when he visited- I told him how much I resented not having anything from their wedding. He said that would be my gift from my step-mother and brother and to go ahead and get the design that I had my heart set on. Brye and I are to determine what it is we really need and that will be the gift from him. And no... I am not a daddy's little princess. This is incredibly special becuase he has reached out and was so understanding and supportive.

 

[Codie]

Jill--I'm glad that it has sort of worked out for you. It is unfortunate for you to have to go through that after the wedding though--I totally feel for you!! I gave mine to my mom and she did a wonderful job--but I have no idea how long it will last. I hope that yours lasts forever!!!