Question
Hello,

We're doing a wedding next weekend and the place that we store our florals fell through unexpectedly.  We are picking up/conditioning flowers on Thursday and arranging all day Friday for a Saturday wedding.  Flowers mainly consist of Oriental Lillies, roses, lisianthus.  Though not preferable would the arranged florals be alright in a cool room before and after arranging?  About what temperature should I shoot for?  Most will be set in oasis.  I am concerned about them wilting.  I would have access to a fridge for bouts and corsages.  Is this spelling disaster for me?  

Thanks!

Answer
Hi,

First of all, NO!  This wont spell disaster!

Second of all, where in the country are you?  If you are in the Northeast, you'll be lucky with the cool weather we've been having.

If not, is it possible to get an air conditioner in the room?  The largest you can get your hands on, set on the lowest temperature will not only keep the room cool - but will keep the humidity down which is just as important!  You want cool, dry air.

I would make absolutely sure you use a preservative in the water and make absolutely sure you condition VERY WELL.

You'll want to keep the room at least cooler than 65 if at all possible to prevent wilting and you'll want to make sure you block the light to keep it as dark in there as possible.

The lilies will be fine, they normally come fairly tight from the wholesaler.  Lisianthus is sturdier than it looks... but needs to be well conditioned (foliage in the water is their worst enemy for causing droop I find).  The roses, whenever possible, should be wired from the throat - even those you're using in the oasis for arrangements, to physically hold them up if you are at all concerned.

Hope this helps and please write if there's any other information I may be able to provide!

Gina