How much do the flowers cost?
Flower arrangements have a standard value of $20.00, but larger values are available. Specific flower requests (for example, adding roses to the basic arrangement) may have an extra charge.
Whom do I pay for the flowers? How do I submit my payment?
All monies for flowers should be made payable to Cheviot UMC. The florist bills the church, using the donor's surname as the Purchase Order Number on the invoice. Please be sure that the memo line of your check is clearly marked 'Flowers for [date requested]'. If paying by cash, be sure to put it in an envelope with your name as well as the flower date.
You may then place your payment in the collection plate when offering is collected, or you can send your payment to the church's office.
What dates do you have available? When is the deadline to order?
To minimize confusion, I have asked Juanita to list each service's Open Dates in its respective portion of the Bulletin. The Traditional Service lists available dates for the Altar, but there are also two Flower Stands (and occasionally the Organ) that may be requested. The Contemporary Service lists the Worship Table, though two arrangements often fit; more may be displayed on wire stands or the floor as necessary.
The weekly deadline to order flowers is 9pm on the Wednesday prior to the date desired, unless otherwise noted. I compose, edit, update and email the list of dedications to Juanita Wednesday night/early Thursday morning; I place my order with the florist around 8am Thursday morning. Anything ordered after that time will be considered for the following Sunday or later, unless special circumstances warrant exception.
For example: Flowers desired for Sunday, May 29th would need to be ordered from me (via phone or email) no later than 9pm on Wednesday, May 25th. I will submit that week's dedication list late on the 25th or early on the 26th, then order once the florist opens on the 26th. Anything ordered after the 25th will be considered for June 5th or later.
How do I contact you to place my order? Can't I just tell you in person at church?
If you still have your weekly Bulletin, look at the end of the Traditional Service portion. You will find my contact information there: flower email, home phone and cell phone. I do work in a retail setting, so if I do not answer the phone, please leave me a voice mail. I *have* had people contact me via Facebook and/or my personal email address, but I prefer all requests be submitted as stated in the Bulletin. (I do this to have all orders in one common spot for accuracy.)
If you want to order from me when you see me at church, that is fine, but let me offer some advice. To ensure I don't forget the date you want, who you are, and other important details... write it down! As long as I have my Bulletin handy, I can make a note on the appropriate service in the 'Open Dates' portion. BUT, if you catch me empty-handed, I will need your help in the form of a written note. It can be on a scratch piece of paper, an empty offering envelope, a napkin... just something I can use as a reference until I can include it in my master list at home.
What arrangement choices are there?
At the standard value level, the customary choices are Tall Triangle, Centerpiece, or Fresh-Cut Bouquet in Vase.
Tall Triangle: Flowers and greenery are arranged in a block of florist's foam in a triangular (or pyramid) shape, with all blooms facing one side. This fuller-looking, Traditional-style arrangement is the best choice for the Altar position in the Sanctuary, but it is also suitable for the other display positions.
Centerpiece: Flowers and greenery are arranged in a block of florist's foam with blooms facing all directions, making it ideal for going straight from church to the center of your family's dining table. This Contemporary-style arrangement works well with the Worship Table in the Fellowship Hall, but it also lovely for the Flower Stands or the Organ (when available) in the Traditional Service.
Fresh-Cut Bouquet in Vase: Just as it sounds, this arrangement calls for a beautiful selection of fresh-cut seasonal flowers in a display vase. A matching ribbon tied in a bow finishes off this arrangement nicely. This displays quite nicely on the Flower Stands, Organ (when available) or Worship Table.
What about specific color and/or flower-type preferences?
Flower dedications are meant to honor a person or event, and that includes the color palette! If the person you are honoring absolutely loves a particular color, please mention that so we can honor him/her properly. Likewise, if s/he is repulsed by a given color, mention that as well. Whether you desire colors that are bold, pastel, monochromatic, or anything else, please speak up! Otherwise, the colors will be requested that (hopefully) match the banners in the Sanctuary/Fellowship Hall.
Flower-type is another matter. Within reason, specific types of flowers can be included or avoided without altering the price. Please be aware, orders that are overly-specific on flower species may require an additional charge of $5 or more for a suitable result.
Why do the arrangements seem to vary during the year?
I'm glad you asked! As you may realize, flowers are very seasonal, with the varying species having different growing seasons in different parts of the country (or world). Our florist tries very hard to give us good quality arrangements that will enhance the Worship experience. They also do arrangements for the 'Teleflora' business, which sometimes leaves them with a few 'surplus' premium flowers - like roses. Whenever this happens, they earmark those 'extra' flowers for use in the arrangements ordered by local churches - including ours - but they do not charge anything extra for those bonus flowers. Since the 'extra' flowers generally show up during off-peak ordering seasons, that is when you may notice them appearing as a bonus for the week.
If you really enjoyed another donor's arrangement, please contact me to let me know. While we don't broadcast in the Bulletin 'So-and-so paid such-and-such for this morning's flowers', I can let you know what a similar arrangement would cost to repeat. Just ask me and I will let you know.
Of course, you are always welcome to add special flowers to the standard arrangement. You might be surprised the difference an extra $5 or $10 makes in the arrangement's appearance.
I want to do something really special and different. Can you help me?
Absolutely! The ideas mentioned here are just the beginning of your options. Just contact me via the flower email, or either of my phone numbers. The more advance notice you can give me, the better the result will be for you. Be sure to let me know the date and service you want, what kind of event (and/or what person) you are celebrating/honoring, what budget you are anticipating (I won't spend it all unless you want me to do that!) and the types of ideas that inspired you.
From there, I will brainstorm with you and the florist to come up with a few sample choices. You can then select which of the choices rings truest with your intentions - making any modifications necessary - so I can fulfill your request.