Delivery FAQs

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What happens if no one is home?

We have really good drivers that we empower to make decisions regarding what to do when no one is home.

Every situation is unique and is dependent on weather, neighbors or business situations and what kind of shelter is available.

 In some cases they will leave the flowers at the door or on a porch. We will call the recipient to let them know where we left the arrangement.

We also allow them to attempt a neighbor to take the flowers.

Sometimes we have to deliver flowers before a person is at work, (ie. nightshift employees) many times we will leave the arrangement at a front desk or at their specific office. 

Sometimes they have no choice but to bring the flowers back to the flower shop. In that situation we will make arrangements with the recipient to make sure they get their flowers. 

 In all cases it is the drivers decision as to what to do. Yes, sometimes they make a mistake, however they try to make the right decision.

We will leave a door tag with what we have done on recipients door if we are unable to deliver the flowers to a person  

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Can I request a specific delivery time?

We offer delivery during normal business hours. While exact delivery times cannot be guaranteed, you may request a preferred time frame such as morning or afternoon, and our drivers will do their best to accommodate it.

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Do you deliver to hospitals, schools, funeral homes, and businesses?

Yes. We deliver to hospitals, schools, offices, funeral homes, and other businesses throughout our local delivery area. Some locations have delivery restrictions, so providing accurate recipient details helps ensure a smooth delivery.

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Can I schedule a flower delivery for a future date?

Yes. You can place an order in advance and choose a future delivery date during checkout. Ordering early is especially recommended for holidays and special occasions.

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What happens during extreme heat or cold weather?

During extreme weather conditions, our drivers may contact the recipient to confirm someone is available to receive the flowers. This helps protect the arrangement and ensures it arrives in the best possible condition.

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Do you deliver on weekends and holidays?

Yes. We offer delivery on most weekends and major floral holidays. Availability and delivery volume may be limited on peak holidays, so early ordering is encouraged.

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Hospital Flower Delivery

Q: Is it true that flowers are good for your health?
A: According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a noted health expert and author of 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, flowers are important to our sense of well-being and possess a holistic quality. Flower essences are prominent in the practice of aromatherapy.

Q: What do I need to know if I am ordering flowers for a hospital?
A: The most important information to be aware of is the hospital name and the patient name, the room number (if possible), and the delivery date. It would also be helpful if you new the patient’s release date and the hospital’s policy regarding flower deliveries. Some hospitals prohibit flowers in certain areas such as intensive care. Items such as balloons and fruits are also prohibited from certain hospitals and sections.

Q: Is it o.k. to wait and send flowers once someone has returned home from the hospital?
A: Yes. It is much more common today for patients to recover from illness and injury at home due to rising hospital costs. Patients look forward to the comfort and convenience of their home and flowers are a great way to let someone know you are thinking of them during this time.

Q: Is it appropriate to send flowers to someone who is just sick in bed or feeling down?
A: Absolutely. Flowers could be the best medicine in lifting someone’s spirits or speeding up a recovery whether they are under the weather or having a bad day.

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Sympathy Flower Delivery

Q: What is the best style for a funeral arrangement? How do I order a "special" design?
A: Highly personalized sympathy tributes depicting an aspect of a person’s life are very popular. If he loved the outdoors, perhaps a funeral piece including branches and natural materials would be best. If she was a gardener, maybe a tribute with a collection of garden flowers would be best. The key to ordering a unique design is to give the florist a few hints about the deceased or about yourself.

Q: If the death notice mentions a charitable donation is it still appropriate to send flowers?
A: Flowers help say what is often difficult to express. This is why it is always appropriate and in good taste to send an arrangement. It adds warmth to the service and provides the emotional support so important to the family at this time.

Q: Is it appropriate to send flowers to the family’s home?
A: Sending flowers to the home is a thoughtful way to express your condolences. While some people choose to send flowers to the home immediately, others prefer to wait a week or longer. In the weeks after the service, sending flowers can be a comforting gesture that you haven’t forgotten.

Q: If several of us want to send flowers together, how do we sign our names so that the family knows how to thank us?
A: There should room on the enclosure card for several names; however, if there are more than a few, it is best to sign the card as a group, such as "Your Friends in Shipping" or "The Jones Family". It is also wise to include a contact name and address on the card so the family can properly thank you.

Q: What is appropriate to send for a cremation?
A: A tastefully designed floral tribute adds beauty to any type of memorial. Families usually have a piece made especially for display next to the urn. Florists in many areas may have specific suggestions for arrangements.

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Flower Care FAQs

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Tips For Women Ordering Flowers

One of the biggest concerns that a woman has when choosing a gift for a man is how he would react to receiving flowers. It may come as a surprise that in a recent survey conducted by the Society of American Florists, over 60% of men surveyed said that they would like to receive flowers on Valentines Day. This hardly seems shocking when you think about the reason behind this occurrence - men like to receive flowers for the same reason that they send them... to be recognized.

All of us like to feel special, however, it requires a bit more tact when you send flowers to a man. First, when selecting flowers, stick to vivid hues such as orange, red, purple, bright yellow and gold. Men respond best to bright, powerful colors. Avoid pastels or traditional "feminine" designs. If you are unsure about the types of flowers you can always start off by sending a plant or dish garden.

Second, it is best to send contemporary or exotic arrangements. Linear or natural styles are better received than "fluffy" ones. In selecting an arrangement you can also try to incorporate his favorite hobby into the design. If he is a golfer you can include a box of golf balls. If he is into cars, maybe a car magazine should be tucked in.

Third, when choosing the right time to send him flowers, think about the occasions on which he sends you flowers. If he sends you flowers for your birthday or your anniversary, maybe those would be good times to send flowers to him. And don't forget about Valentines Day, a promotion, or as a host gift at one of his parties.

Florists have known for decades that men love flowers, and today there is an increasing trend of men buying flowers for their own homes and offices. They too like a bright arrangement on their desk or fragrant flowers in their foyer.

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Tips For Men Ordering Flowers

Be Spontaneous.
You don't have to wait for a special occasion to give flowers. In fact, flowers given for no reason other than "I was thinking of you today" mean much more because they are unexpected.

Don't Overlook Anyone.
A bouquet can express a range of feelings -- from romantic to friendly to something in between. Your wife or sweetheart will love to receive a surprise gift of flowers. So will your mother, daughter, sister, and friends.

Try Something New.
Women are interested in a wide variety of flowers and colors. So, when giving roses, consider pink, peach, yellow, white, or assorted colors to catch her attention. And, remember, most women appreciate a beautiful assortment of fresh flowers, as well as roses.

Get More Bloom For The Buck.
The prices of some flowers vary seasonally. Roses, for example, are usually a great value during summer months. In the winter, mixed bouquets may be a better way to go.

Flowers Are Never Boring.
Because of their infinite diversity and unique appeal, flowers never lose their specialness. Each new floral arrangement is a fresh and individual declaration of appreciation -- reflecting positively on your imagination and thoughtfulness.

Flowers Don't Have To Mean Commitment.
Relax, guys. Women know when an arrangement simply means that you care.

Be Prepared.
When ordering flowers, have ready the recipient's name, address, and phone number. If you're not sure what to order, ask for assistance.

Get Professional Help.
Selecting flowers may be a bewildering experience for the uninitiated man. Fortunately, help is available. Consult your professional florist for a special arrangement that will match both your sentiment and her personality.

A Gift Of Flowers Goes A Long Way.
Every woman can remember the last time she got flowers!

Can't put your Feelings into Words?
Use a Translator...your Professional Florist!!! We'll translate your feelings into Flowers!

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General FAQs

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Do you design the arrangements in-house?

Yes. All local orders are designed by our own professional floral designers. We take pride in creating each arrangement by hand using fresh flowers.

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Can I pick up my order instead of having it delivered?

Yes. Local pickup is available. You can select pickup during checkout or contact us to arrange a pickup time.

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Do you offer custom flower arrangements?

Yes. Our designers are happy to create custom arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy services, events, or any special request. Call us if you would like a one-of-a-kind design.

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Is Rockcastle Florist locally owned?

Yes. Rockcastle Florist is a locally owned flower shop serving the Finger Lakes region with professional floral design and reliable local delivery.

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Do you deliver outside your local area?

For addresses outside our local delivery area, we may work with a trusted partner florist to complete the delivery. In these cases, designs are created by a local florist near the recipient.

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Can out-of-area orders be delivered the same day?

Same-day delivery for non-local orders cannot always be guaranteed and depends on location and availability. We recommend placing these orders early or calling us to confirm timing.

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Are there additional delivery or holiday fees?

Some peak floral holidays may include an added holiday delivery fee due to increased demand. Any additional fees will be clearly displayed at checkout before you complete your order.

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How do flower substitutions work?

If certain flowers or colors are unavailable due to seasonality or supply, our designers may substitute with blooms of equal or greater value. We always maintain the overall style, color palette, and quality of the arrangement.

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Do substitutions happen more often during holidays?

Yes. During high-demand holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, substitutions may be necessary. Ordering early gives you the best selection and reduces the likelihood of substitutions.

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What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards. Payment is processed securely at checkout.

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Can I make changes to my order after placing it?

We begin processing orders quickly. If you need to make a change, please contact us as soon as possible. Once an arrangement is designed or out for delivery, changes may not be possible.

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Can I include a personal message with my flowers?

Yes. Every order includes a complimentary enclosure card where you can add a personalized message during checkout.

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Do you offer corporate or recurring flower services?

Yes. We provide floral services for offices, businesses, events, and recurring deliveries. Contact us directly to discuss custom arrangements or ongoing floral needs.

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General Ordering Tips

Q: Where can I get information about flowers? Who can I ask???
A: Flowers have become an important part of life experiences and social settings and so you probably know more about flowers than you think. However, if you want to fine tune your knowledge of flowers, it is best to seek a professional florist. They are the real expert when it comes to suggesting styles and varieties that are best for you and the occasion.

Q: Will a florist take my order over the phone if I have never ordered there before?
A: A full service florist would be more than happy to take your order over the phone even if it is your first time calling. All that is required is a major credit card.

Q: What should I order?
A: The best way make a remarkable floral statement is to tell the florist a bit about the recipients personality. There are a lot of character types that will help give the florist a direction for arranging the perfect flowers. Some traits include, dramatic, romantic, artistic, traditional or outdoorsy. Do they have a hobby, favorite color, or favorite flower. If the flowers are going to someone's home, you can also describe the atmosphere. For example, is it traditional, contemporary, country or Victorian? All of these preferences can go a long way in creating a very personalized present.

Q: What information should I have ready before I call the florist?
A: Be sure to know the recipients full name, address, and phone number. It is also helpful to have the company name, work number, and work hours if you are delivering to their work address. The ordering will also be much quicker if you have your payment information ready and your enclosure card message written out.

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