Artificial flowers may arrive with the flower heads and side branches held close to the main stem for protection during transit. Once unpacked, you can shape and position each section to suit your arrangement and help the flowers open out more fully.
Packing, Delivery and Unboxing
Before a D&B FLORIQUE order leaves our Sydney studio, our team checks each item by hand, including the flower heads, visible joins and overall silhouette. This process is intentionally labour intensive, but we believe the extra care is worthwhile.
Once the inspection is complete, the stems are secured in protective presentation packaging and placed carefully inside the shipping carton. This helps reduce avoidable handling issues, although parcels may still move during transit. Flexible branches and flower heads may therefore require some light reshaping after unpacking, as explained below.
Open the carton on a clean, dry surface with enough space to accommodate the full length of each stem. Remove the tape, ties and protective layers one at a time.
A five-step shaping method
Step 1. Decide the final viewing direction
Place the empty vase where it will be used. Decide whether the arrangement will be seen mainly from the front, from a corner or from all sides. This determines which flower faces need to turn forward and where the widest branch can sit without meeting a wall, lamp or walkway.
Step 2. Restore the main line first
Hold the stem with one hand below the section you plan to adjust. Use the other hand to form a broad curve along a confirmed flexible length. Several small changes distributed along the stem are safer than folding one point sharply. Do not chase perfect symmetry; the aim is a controlled line that fits the vase and space.
Step 3. Open side branches from their base
Support the point where a side branch meets the main stem. Move the branch a small amount, release it and check the result before continuing. Work from lower branches upward so you can see how each line changes the width. Never pull a branch open by its flower head.
Step 4. Separate flower faces and foliage
Turn confirmed adjustable flower faces so they do not all point in the same direction. Move overlapping leaves by holding near their attachment, not at the outer tip. On a spray, allow some blooms to sit forward, some to the side and some behind. On a broad cluster, create depth by adjusting the supporting branch positions without pulling individual glued florets.
Step 5. Place, rotate and stop
Put the stem in the vase and step back to the normal viewing distance. Rotate the vase, compare the highest point, width and flower direction, then make only the adjustments that solve a clear problem. Repeatedly bending the same point can weaken an internal wire, so stop once the line works.
Shape different flower forms differently
A single Gerbera or rose can use one main curve and an outward flower face. A multi-bloom orchid spray needs spacing along its branch, not a circular fan made by forcing every flower forward. A hydrangea cluster gains depth when its supporting stem and larger sections sit at different angles; pulling individual florets can stress glued or moulded connections.
Foliage and branches often carry the outer silhouette. Open a few lines towards the sides and leave others closer to the centre. If every branch is opened to the same angle, the result can become repetitive and take more room than the vase or shelf allows.
A final inspection in the room
Check the arrangement in daylight and in the room lighting used at night. Confirm that the vase is stable, the flowers do not obstruct a walkway or dining sightline, and no wire or cut end is exposed. If the design is front facing, mark the vase base discreetly so it can be returned to the intended direction after cleaning.
Take one photograph from the normal viewing position. A photograph makes repeated heights and crowded flower faces easier to notice. Compare it with the first unpacking image, then keep the final photograph as a reference for future dusting or restyling.
Frequently asked questions
Why do artificial flowers look narrow when first unpacked?
Protective wrapping may hold adjustable side branches and flower faces closer to the main stem. Compare the item with its listing, confirm the adjustable sections and follow the small movement method above.
Is a curved main stem a fault?
Not automatically. Some artificial stems are designed to hold a curve, and a broad transit curve may be adjustable where a wired section is confirmed. A broken core, sharp exposed wire, split connection or shape that cannot be restored according to the product instructions should be photographed and reported.
Should I shape the flowers before choosing the vase?
Do the first inspection before the vase, but make the final shape in the intended vase. The opening and depth change the stem angle and flower height. Keep adjustments reversible until the vase, location and viewing direction have been tested together.
Need help after unpacking?
Not sure how to shape your stems at home? No worries at all. Contact us through online chat or WhatsApp for quick, personalised guidance. We’re always here to help.
