Wedding Flowers Without a Cooler: Survival Strategies

A florist lost cold storage days before a wedding (Thursday pickup, Friday design, Saturday event). Flowers: Oriental lilies, roses, lisianthus.

It's Not a Disaster

**Cool, dry, dark** is the mantra.

Action Plan

1. Maximize A/C: Largest unit possible, set to lowest temp. Target **≤65°F (18°C)**. Low humidity is critical.
2. Block all light: Blackout curtains or foil on windows.
3. Condition thoroughly: Deep hydration, floral preservative, strip foliage below water line.
4. Wire rose necks: Prevents bent necks if stems soften.
5. Fridge for personals: Use the fridge *only* for boutonnieres/corsages.
6. Lilies: Usually ship tight; they'll hold.
7. Lisianthus: Remove all foliage that sits in water—it causes droop.

With aggressive cooling and careful handling, the flowers will make it beautifully.