Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. Whether you're ordering flowers for a birthday, wedding, sympathy service, or just because, we're here to help. Browse answers to common questions about flower delivery, custom floral designs, seasonal blooms, plant care, weddings, funeral flowers, and more. If you don't find what you're looking for, our team is always happy to assist.
Ordering & Custom Flowers
Can I customize my flower arrangement?
Absolutely! Custom floral design is one of our specialties. If you have a favorite flower, color palette, style, or budget in mind, we'll create a one-of-a-kind arrangement just for you. Simply give us a call, text, or send an email.
What if I don't see what I'm looking for on your website?
Our website showcases only a small selection of what we create. If you have something specific in mind, give us a call or stop by the shop. We'd love to design something unique for your occasion.
Do you create one-of-a-kind floral designs?
Yes. Every arrangement is designed with fresh flowers and inspired by your preferences. No two arrangements are exactly alike.
Can I request specific flowers or colors?
Of course. We'll do our best to source your requested flowers whenever they're in season and available through our growers. If a flower isn't available, we'll recommend beautiful alternatives with a similar look and feel.
Can I send you inspiration photos?
Yes! Inspiration photos are always welcome. They help us understand your style while allowing us to create a custom design using the freshest flowers available. You can text (510) 889-9042 or email astreetflorist727@gmail.com your inspiration photos.
How far in advance should I order?
For everyday occasions, we recommend ordering at least one day in advance when possible. Large sympathy orders should be placed 48 hours in advance and for Wedding or event florals we recommend several weeks ahead to ensure flower availability. During major holidays, ordering early is always recommended.
Do you offer Designer's Choice arrangements?
Yes. Designer's Choice arrangements allow our floral designers to create something beautiful using the freshest seasonal flowers available that day. They're often our customers' favorite option.
What if a flower in my arrangement isn't available?
Because flowers are seasonal and availability changes daily, substitutions are sometimes necessary. If this happens, we'll replace unavailable blooms with flowers of equal or greater value while maintaining the overall style, color palette, and quality of your arrangement.
Flower Delivery
Where do you deliver?
We proudly deliver throughout Hayward and many surrounding East Bay communities, including Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Union City, Pleasanton, San Ramon and nearby areas.
Do you offer same-day flower delivery?
Yes. Same-day delivery is available for many arrangements when orders are received before our daily cutoff time. Availability may vary during holidays and peak floral seasons.
What time will my flowers be delivered?
Delivery times vary depending on the day's schedule, weather, and destination. While we can't guarantee an exact delivery time, we always do our best to accommodate special requests whenever possible.
Can I choose a delivery time?
You may request a preferred delivery window. While we cannot guarantee exact times, we'll make every effort to honor your request.
What happens if no one is home?
If it's safe to do so, we'll leave the flowers in a secure location. If that's not possible, we'll contact the recipient or sender to arrange the best delivery solution.
Can you deliver to hospitals?
Yes. We deliver to many local hospitals. Please provide the recipient's full name, hospital name, and room number if available. Hospital policies may affect deliveries.
Can you deliver to funeral homes?
Yes. We regularly deliver funeral flowers directly to local funeral homes, churches, memorial services, and cemeteries.
Can you deliver to businesses and offices?
Absolutely. We recommend including the business name, department, suite number, and recipient's phone number to help ensure a smooth delivery.
Do you deliver on Sundays or holidays?
Our delivery schedule varies throughout the year. Please contact us for holiday availability and special delivery requests.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery fees vary based on the delivery location. Your delivery charge will be calculated during checkout.
Flower Care
How do I keep my flowers fresh longer?
Place your flowers in clean water as soon as possible. Change the water every two to three days, trim the stems at an angle, and keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit.
Why do some flowers arrive in bud form?
Some flowers are intentionally delivered partially closed so they can continue opening and provide a longer-lasting display.
How long will my flowers last?
Most fresh flower arrangements last between five and ten days with proper care. Some varieties, such as carnations and chrysanthemums, often last even longer.
What should I do if my flowers arrive looking wilted?
Most flowers recover quickly after being placed in fresh water. If you have any concerns about your order, please contact us promptly so we can help.
Weddings
Do you offer wedding flowers?
Yes. We create bridal bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, ceremony flowers, reception centerpieces, and more.
Do you have a minimum wedding order?
Minimums vary depending on the season and the scope of your wedding. Contact us to discuss your plans and receive a personalized quote.
How far in advance should I book my wedding?
We recommend booking several months in advance, especially during spring and fall wedding seasons.
Can you create bridal bouquets from inspiration photos?
Absolutely. We love working from inspiration while designing a bouquet that's uniquely yours.
Do you provide delivery and setup?
Yes. We offer delivery and setup for many wedding and event packages.
Can you create matching centerpieces and ceremony flowers?
Yes. We can coordinate every floral element of your wedding for a cohesive and beautiful design.
Sympathy & Funeral Flowers
What flowers are appropriate for a funeral?
Popular sympathy flowers include lilies, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, orchids, hydrangeas, and seasonal blooms. Our designers can help you select an arrangement that's both meaningful and appropriate.
How quickly can funeral flowers be delivered?
We work hard to deliver funeral flowers at least one hour before scheduled services whenever possible.
Can you deliver directly to the service?
Yes. We frequently deliver directly to funeral homes, churches, cemeteries, and memorial venues.
What's the difference between standing sprays, wreaths, casket sprays, and baskets?
Standing sprays and wreaths are displayed on easels during services. Casket sprays are placed directly on the casket. Sympathy baskets and vase arrangements are often sent to the family at home or displayed during services.
Can you create custom memorial arrangements?
Yes. We can design personalized floral tributes that reflect hobbies, favorite colors, meaningful flowers, or special memories.
What should I write on a sympathy card?
Simple, heartfelt messages are often the most meaningful. If you need help, we're happy to provide suggestions.
Pricing
Why do flower prices change throughout the year?
Flower prices are influenced by growing seasons, weather, transportation costs, and holiday demand.
Why are premium flowers more expensive during holidays?
Demand for flowers increases significantly during holidays such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, which can affect wholesale pricing and availability.
Do you offer arrangements for every budget?
Yes. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift or an elaborate floral statement, we can create something beautiful within your budget.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept most major credit cards and other convenient payment methods such as Zelle and Apple Pay.
Do you offer gift cards?
We currently do not offer gift cards.
Business & Corporate
Do you provide flowers for businesses?
Yes. We create floral arrangements for offices, restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, and corporate events.
Can I schedule recurring flower deliveries?
Absolutely. Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly floral subscriptions are available for businesses and homes.
Do you decorate for corporate events?
Yes. We provide floral décor for meetings, galas, grand openings, holiday parties, and special events.
General Questions
Why choose a local florist instead of a national flower website?
Working with a local florist means your flowers are designed and delivered by experienced floral professionals in your community. You'll receive personalized service, fresh flowers, and the ability to customize your order rather than choosing from a limited catalog.
Are your flowers fresh?
Freshness is one of our highest priorities. We carefully select quality flowers and process them to help ensure they arrive looking their best.
Where do your flowers come from?
Our flowers are sourced from trusted local and international growers to provide the highest quality blooms available throughout the year.
Can I include a personalized card?
Yes. Every floral gift can include your personal message at no additional charge.
Do you sell plants?
Yes. We offer a selection of green plants, blooming plants, orchids, succulents, and seasonal favorites.
Do you offer balloons, chocolates, or stuffed animals?
Yes. Add-on gift items may be available to complement your floral arrangement.
Can I order by phone?
Absolutely. Our team is happy to help you place an order and answer any questions over the phone (510) 889-9042.
Can I visit your flower shop?
Yes! We'd love to welcome you into our shop. Stop by to browse fresh flowers, discuss a custom order, or speak with one of our floral designers.
