Skip to content

Real Rose Petals: Buying, Prepping and Storing 101

by Cham Tanteras 23 May 2022 0 Comments
Real Rose Petals: Buying, Prepping and Storing 101

You've decided to have real rose petals at your wedding or event to sprinkle, toss, float or arrange! And, what a great choice - real rose petals are an affordable, easy way to decorate.  And, fresh rose petals come in a wide range of colors, too, which makes them a perfect accent to any event theme. This guide provides you with everything you need to know about working with real rose petals  including the best places to buy them and how to store them. Plus, we'll explain the difference between fresh rose petals and real freeze-dried rose petals - your options for real rose petals are far more than you may have realized!

Read our real rose petals FAQ on buying, prepping and storing. We've rounded up answers to the most commonly asked questions about using fresh rose petals in your wedding and event designs.

How do I buy real rose petals?

If you only need a tiny amount, you could pick up a bouquet of roses wherever fresh flowers are sold. and harvest the petals yourself. For decorating a single dining table, setting a romantic mood or filling a scented bath, one bouquet of roses will be plenty.  Simply remove any less-than-fresh, outer petals and gently cup each bloom in your hand . Then remove the entire rose head from the stem and sprinkle the petals into a bowl for use.

For large quantities of real rose petals (ceremony aisles, banquet tables, wedding send-off toss) the best option is to purchase bulk, professionally harvested rose petals that are de-stemmed and ready for use.

real rose petals

How much do real rose petals cost?

Local flower shops will often sell rose petals by the gallon; they'll order the roses and harvest the petals for you but this may not be your most cost-effective option. If budget precludes hiring a florist, you can shop online for wholesale rose petals shipped directly from the farm. Online flower retailers sell rose petals in bulk, by petal count (for example, 6,000 rose petals; 12,000 rose petals, etc). Check out our fresh rose petal packages available in 30+ colors and combinations.

Pro Tip: The most important thing to understand before you decide where to purchase rose petals is the degree of freshness, both for the roses and knowing when the petals are harvested from the stems.  Freshness will determine how long your petals last.  And farm-direct rose petals are cut and harvested to order, bagged and shipped overnight to you - it doesn't get much more fresh than that!

What color rose petals are available?

Real rose petals are available in just about any color you can imagine. And, you can choose to customize your box with up to three colors, selecting whether you want the colors mixed or bagged separately.  There is so many options for rose petal and you have a choice of 15+ colors  including:

  • Red
  • White
  • Creamy white
  • Light pink
  • Hot pink
  • Salmon Pink
  • Orange
  • White
  • Blush
  • Lavender
  • Coral
  • Terracotta Brown
  • Green
  • Yellow
  • Purple

Thinking beyond roses? We also carry fresh Hydrangea petals, which are the perfect option if you want something unique that will surprise your guests or match with a vintage, cottage aesthetic.

When should I order rose petals for my wedding or event?

You can reserve real rose petals up to a year leading up to your event day but the latest is at least two weeks prior. That gives the farm plenty of time to plan the harvest, cut the stems, bag the petals and have them delivered 1-2 days before the event.

How many rose petals should I order?

One bag of Petals will generously cover an area 20 inches by 9 inches so grab a sheet a paper and scratch out a quick calculation on how many petals to order.  Each bag of Rose Petals contains no less than 8 cups and no more than 12 cups, holding 0.61 pounds. Here's a complete list of how many petals you'll get in each box size:

  • 2,000 package option is 6 bags with a minimum of 48 cups ranging up to 72 cups.
  • 3,000 package option is 8 bags with a minimum of 64 cups ranging up to 96 cups.
  • 6,000 package option is 13 bags with a minimum of 104 cups ranging up to 156 cups.
  • 12,000 package option is 26 bags with a minimum of 208 cups ranging up to 312 cups.

Our friends at Floral Design Institute will help you understand how many rose petals to order for your event.  If you're asking yourself, "How do I calculate how many rose petals I will need for a wedding?", this Video explains the math of calculating the rose petals needed. And, demonstrates several techniques for creating rose petal aisle runners and accents. Enjoy!

How to Keep Real Rose Petals Fresh

Fresh rose petals should be kept in the shipping bag to preserve the humidity.  Upon arrival, open the box and inspect the bags of petals. If you see any condensation gathering on the inside of any of the bags, gently open and simply wipe the moisture off. Close the bag and return it to the box. Store the box in a cool, dark environment; real rose petals do not require refrigeration, a cooler room with AC will be just fine.

Should I refrigerate rose petals?

If your event is more than 3 days away or if you have extra petals, you can store them in a refrigerator at a moderate temperature — about 37 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if it's too cold in your fridge, the rose petals will freeze and become discolored. And, there should not be any others food, fruit and vegetables in the fridge as the gases they emit can also damage the rose petals.

How can I use rose petals in my wedding or event?

There are so many ways to use rose petals, including making an aisle runner, decorating your cake, creating toss cones and so much more. Check out our guide to using rose petals in your wedding and discover 15 unique ways to incorporate them. This is the easiest part, all you have to do is sprinkle rose petals where you want to use them. It is that easy!

Pro Tip:  To ensure freshness, wait to decorate with rose petals until no more than 2 hours before your reception. If you are planning to use the rose petals outside, please note they may not last long if its hot and sunny; if there's wind they could blow away. Plan to swoop in just prior to guest arrival and style those petals!

When are real rose petals available?

Rose petals are available year-round which means you can count on them for any event. From sports colors to weddings, and fundraisers to birthdays, a box of multi-colored rose petals is always available to you for quick, easy decorating,

What are freeze-dried rose petals?

Freeze-dried petals are in fact real petals and no, they’re not actually frozen. Don’t let the name fool you! The word “freeze” in freeze-dried petals refers to the drying method. The drying method removes the moisture and preserves the petals at their peak. Dried petals and fresh petals look very similar, however, the dried petals are a little more delicate.

Why use freeze-dried rose petals?

One of the biggest benefits of freeze-dried petals is that they can be reused throughout the year if they're cared for properly. Keep in mind, over time their vibrancy may start to fade. Dried rose petals are also biodegradable, which makes them perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

We have a large selection of freeze-dried rose petals to pick from as well as fun and unique color combinations.

How do I care for freeze-dried rose petals?

Another plus is that freeze-dried rose petals can be ordered way in advance and don't require cool storage to stay fresh. Store freeze-dried rose petals in room temperature or for longer storage find a dark, cool place. Note: unlike fresh rose petals, real freeze-dried petals do not need to be kept in cool storage but heat or direct sun may damage them over time.

And there you have it! Real Rose Petals 101: How to buy, prep and store!  You've got the questions answered and our team is ready to assist with any further inquiries you have on fresh flower care. Rose petals are one of the easiest ways to decorate and the easiest flowers to care for. We can't wait to see what you create with them!

Read More:

Prev Post
Next Post

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Close
Back In Stock Notification
Close
Terms & Conditions
Bare with us brides, this policy page isn’t nearly as exciting as finding the perfect, fresh, wholesale wedding flowers, but we need to share it with you to avoid any confusion. We suggest you read through it as it does serve as a binding contract, and let us know if you have any questions! 1. Basic Terms & Acceptance Bare with us brides, this policy page isn’t nearly as exciting as finding the perfect, fresh, wholesale wedding flowers, but we need to share it with you to avoid any confusion. We suggest you read through it as it does serve as a binding contract, and let us know if you have any questions! 2. Your Privacy In order to fulfill orders and assist our customers we may ask for your personal information. We know this information is important to you and it’s important to us to keep that information private and secure. Our Privacy Policy details how your information is used, and it’s also part of our Terms of Use, please read it here. 3. Right to Refuse Service FiftyFlowers reserves the right to refuse service to anybody at anytime. 4. Changes to Your Order If you would like to change your flower order, please contact us at least 7 days prior to your first scheduled delivery date. We might not be able to make changes to an order without sufficient notice. There is a $10 fee to change the scheduled delivery address and is not guaranteed. 5. Cancelling Your Order If you would like to completely cancel your flower order you must do so at least 8 business days prior to your first scheduled delivery date. No cancellations will be accepted within 7 business days of a scheduled delivery date. There is a 25% surcharge for all cancelled orders. To cancel an order, you can either send an email to orders@fiftyflowers.com with the subject heading CANCEL ORDER # (include your order number) in the body of the email include what you want to cancel or call us to 1.877 50 ROSES (507-6737). Either way, we will need to speak with the person who placed the order to confirm the cancellation. 6. Shipping Your Flowers FiftyFlowers offers weekday delivery on most bulk flowers, however there are certain flowers and floral supplies, addresses outside of the 48 lower United States (Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico), and delivery dates (Saturday delivery) that will incur additional shipping fees. FiftyFlowers recommends the customer, or a representative, be present for delivery. A signature may or may not be required at the time of delivery. FiftyFlowers is not responsible for lost or stolen packages, damage to the products as a result of being left in inclement weather, damage to products as a result of prolonged travel times caused by the customer not being present, FedEx or DHL delays, delays as a result of Customs and Agricultural inspections, or acts of God. Please read the detailed Shipping Policy here. 7. Warnings About Handling Flowers, Boxes & Materials FiftyFlowers ships wholesale flowers that may be protected and secured with heavy plastic straps, large metal staples, wooden rods and other sharp packaging materials. The packaging materials and the flowers themselves may have rough sharp edges and/or thorns. Use caution to protect yourself while handling the boxes, packaging materials and the flowers themselves. Packaging straps are under pressure and may release suddenly. There is a risk for injury when handling the boxes, packaging materials and flowers. Please be careful and use proper protective gloves and appropriate tools. FiftyFlowers can not be held responsible for damages or injuries that occurred as a result of handling our packages or flowers. 8. Flower Complaints & Claims If you are not satisfied with your flower shipment, please call FiftyFlowers IMMEDIATELY after opening your boxes at 1.877 50 ROSES (507-6737) AND email us to cservice@fiftyflowers.com. All complaints must be communicated verbally and accompanied with digital pictures indicating all the flowers within 24 hours of receipt of the product or your claim will not be accepted and no refund will be granted. In order to process your claim, we will request digital pictures and/or return of all product (for quality inspection). We do not guarantee color tone matches. Flowers are a natural product and vary in color from season to season. It is the customer's responsibility to properly care for flowers. FiftyFlowers is not liable for products mishandled by clients. As a courtesy, each product page explains in detail how to care for flowers, however customers must be knowledgeable on flower care. Please read the detailed Guarantee Page here for what we do and do not cover under our guarantee. 9. Short Message Services (SMS) & Mobile Phone Usage FiftyFlowers collects mobile phone numbers to send SMS or text messages to our customers in an effort to keep you informed about your order. By providing your cell phone number you agree to receiving various SMS or text messages from FiftyFlowers regarding your order. There is no service fee associated with these but you are responsible for any and all charges associated with receiving text messages in accordance with your mobile phone service provider. 10. Product Descriptions & Site Content FiftyFlowers makes a conscientious effort to describe and display our products and services as accurately as possible. Despite our best efforts, items may be mispriced, described inaccurately, or unavailable and we may experience delays in updating product information. We cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information, including prices, product images, specifications and availability. FiftyFlowers reserves the right to change or update product information, to correct errors, inaccuracies or omissions at any time and without prior notice. The colors shown on the site may be influenced by your computer and/or monitor settings. We are unable to guarantee exact color matches. 11. Links to Other Sites FiftyFlowers provides links to third-party websites and additional resources for our customers. These resources may or may not be affiliated with FiftyFlowers. You acknowledge and agree that we are not liable for the content, products, services or availability and accuracy of any such websites or resources. Links to such websites do not imply any endorsement by FiftyFlowers and you assume all risk arising from your use of any such websites or resources. It is your responsibility to review the Terms of Use, Privacy Policies and Agreements that may bind you when dealing with all third-party websites, we encourage you to use careful discretion. 12. Copyrights All content included on FiftyFlowers Site, including but not limited to the design of the site, the site as a whole, text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, software and other material (collectively referred to as our “Content”), is the property of FiftyFlowers and is protected by copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights. The collection, arrangement and assembly of all Content on the Site is the exclusive property of FiftyFlowers and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. INFRINGEMENT UPON COPYRIGHT LAW IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE. FIFTYFLOWERS TAKES COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT VERY SERIOUSLY. WE SCAN OTHER WEBSITES FOR DUPLICATION OF OUR PROPERTY AND PERIODICALLY CHECK. All FiftyFlowers.com trademarks may not be used in connection with products that are not FiftyFlowers without expressed written consent of FiftyFlowers. Infringement includes using FiftyFlowers property in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among customers, or in any manner that disparages or discredits FiftyFlowers. All other trademarks not owned by FiftyFlowers or its affiliates that appear on this site are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by FiftyFlowers or its affiliates. This site or any portion of this site may not be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold, visited, or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose without express written consent of FiftyFlowers. Framing or utilizing framing techniques to enclose any trademark, logo, or other proprietary information (including images, text, page layout, or form) of FiftyFlowers. and our affiliates is prohibited without express written consent. You may not use any FiftyFlowers logo or other proprietary graphic or trademark as part of the link without express written permission. FiftyFlowers grants you limited license to access and make personal use of this site. You are prohibited from downloading from, modifying, and/or using this site for commercial purposes without expressed written consent of FiftyFlowers. Copyright 2002-16, FiftyFlowers ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 13. Personal, Non-Commercial Use Access Visitors are authorized to use the Site and Contents strictly for personal, non-commercial use. You may download, print and save copies of materials strictly for your personal, non-commercial use only. No right, title or interest in any Content is transferred to you as a result of downloading or copying. Publishing, selling, modifying, retransmitting or otherwise distributing without written consent is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. 14. User Submitted Information In the event that you decide to share information on our Site please understand that it is considered to be non-confidential information and you are granting FiftyFlowers a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual license to use, display, edit, modify, reproduce, distribute, store and prepare works of Your Content. FiftyFlowers is free to reproduce, use, disclose and distribute such communications without limitation or obligation. 15. Governing Law FiftyFlowers is operated out of Miami, Florida and governed under the state law thereof. Therefore, it is legally bound by the State of Florida and the United States of America. If you are placing an order from outside of the United States (for delivery within the US), please take note that all information you provide will be transferred to the United States. These laws apply no matter where in the world you live or order from. 16. Changes to Terms FiftyFlowers may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be effective upon posting. You are responsible for reviewing and becoming familiar with any changes. Your use of the website following the changes constitutes your continued acceptance of the updated Terms. The date on which the current Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy took effect is located at the top of the page. 17. Severability & Final Acceptance By using the FiftyFlowers.com website, you consent to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy. FiftyFlowers has the right to retain all of the information collected under the Privacy Policy for record keeping purposes. If any of the conditions stated within the Policy shall be deemed invalid, void, or for any reason unenforceable, that condition shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining condition. 19. Notice to California Users and Residents Under California Civil Code Section 1789.3 or California’s “Shine the Light” law, California users are entitled to the known that FiftyFlowers does not share personal information obtained from our customers with any third party. If you have a question or complaint regarding FiftyFlowers, please send an email to cservice@fiftyflowers.com. You may also contact us by writing to: FiftyFlowers Attn: California Legal Notice 2404 Bank Dr. Suite 300 Boise, ID 83705
this is just a warning
Close Login
Close
Shopping Cart
0 items
100%Fresh Guaranted No Compromises