Frequently Asked Questions
Can Black and Tortie make flowers that are not on the website?
There are so many different flowers, it would be impossible to showcase them all here. If you have a specific request, send us a message and we will let you know if we can make something for you. Most flowers are made using the same techniques as others. Tiny flowers are more difficult to make, for obvious reasons, and may cost more as a result, but we are ready to rise to a challenge!
Are paper flowers environmentally friendly?
Any big event is going to need careful planning to minimize its environmental impact. At Black and Tortie, we try to make sure everything we do helps you stage an eco-friendly wedding.
Importing flowers that are exotic, or out of season in the UK, adds to airmiles (and your costs). Paper flowers are in season all year round! Plus, as they last, they can be kept as beautiful mementos of your day for years to come. No single-use happening here! Paper flowers also don’t require pesticides to make sure they look their best.
The materials used to make Black and Tortie’s paper flowers are all sourced by us within the UK and made within the EU. The paper and wire are both recyclable (not that you’d want to recycle your bouquet!). Book roses are made from second hand books which aligns with our re-use and recycle philosophy and our crepe paper supplier has FSC certification. All our packaging is made from reused or recyclable material.
For more information about the environmental impact of cut flowers, check out the links below:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2006/may/14/ethicalliving.lifeandhealth
Why Paper Flowers and not real ones?
Paper flowers are an ECO-FRIENDLY alternative to real flowers. YOUR IMAGINATION is the limit as you can have pretty much any flower in any colour, whatever the season. If black roses and blue daffodils are your thing, then we can oblige! Paper flowers are also ideal for DESTINATION WEDDINGS as they can easily travel with you. You are literally carrying a WORK OF ART down the aisle with you. They are a LASTING MEMENTO of your special day for you, your bridesmaids and other guests. As an added bonus, they are also pollen-free flowers, so ALLERGY FREE too!
What about delivery?
We only use Royal Mail as we have found they can be trusted to deliver your flowers safely. Costs for small parcels are from £3.50. Paper flowers are more resilient than their real cousins, and we have developed ways of packing them to ensure their safe arrival. Deliveries over £50 pounds will be tracked. If you are in the Birmingham area, delivery in person may be arranged for large orders, depending on availability.
All items are made to order. For purchases over £100, we require a 50% deposit as we are a small business.